Can you believe it? We’ve been serving the children and families of Southwest Philadelphia through educational programming, community collaboration, and faith formation since October 20th, 2013.
October – 2013
Wayne Presbyterian Church purchases the iconic 100-year-old, 30,000 square foot church building located at 58th Street and Chester Avenue from the New Spirit Presbyterian Church with the agreement to renovate and always provide them a home. The strategic plan is in place to form a non-profit organization focused on providing arts-based educational programming and social services to the children and families of Southwest Philadelphia.
January – 2014
Sufficient capital is invested into the building for it to be safe, warm, dry, and sustainable. This investment included roof replacement, repairs to internal roof drainage, asbestos removal, and the installation of a new central heating system.
Fall – 2014
Phase two of capital improvements were completed. These improvements involved reconfiguring rooms to create office spaces, interior design upgrades, and the creation of multi-purpose space for the purpose of tenant usage and in-house programming. Offices were created to be leased to third parties as a source of income.
2015
The Common Place receives its designation as a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt entity from the Internal Revenue Service. The Common Place Scholars after-school enrichment program commences with programming focused on arts-based education for area children.
2016
The first full year of programming is accomplished.
- The SPOT – Saturday Children’s ministry
- The Common Worship Experience and Common Meal
- New Spirit Community Church returns to worship in the sanctuary
- The Common Place Scholars after-school enrichment program
- Partnerships with area nonprofits, schools, universities and organizations develop
2017
- Recreation Room and lower bathroom are completed
- Performing Arts Room is completed
- Sanctuary is painted and carpeted
- Loft is enclosed
- Programs and partnerships continue development
2018
- Commercial Kitchen renovation is completed
- Culinary arts and nutrition education program commences
- Orchestra Room and Carl’s Café renovations are completed
- Youth volunteer initiative begins
- Orchestra program commences
2019
- Bunny’s Garden is established
- Technology Room is completed
- Technology programming begins offering education in computer coding and graphic arts
- All programs are operating well and being refined
2020
In February 2020, COVID-19 hit Philadelphia. Combined with civil unrest, Southwest Philadelphia was impacted severely. To mitigate the effects of the pandemic, TCP and the newly formed union of New Spirit Community Church and Grace Christian Fellow (now Salt & Light) established a food pantry. TCP also provided a grab-n-go lunch program and raised funds to provide new Chromebooks for displaced students. In addition, we offered space to our community as an educational access center so students could access school virtually.
2021
Rev. Christopher J. Holland became the new Executive Director.
The Southwest Arts & Technology Summer Camp experiences it a most successful year to date. The Common Place installs new A/C units in the Greenway Room. The nutrition initiative gains support from the community and denominational stakeholders; works with Compass Philadelphia on a micro project to strategize the development and affordable produce market and urban farm in Southwest Philly.
You’ve helped us grow and we still have so much more growing to do. We’re so grateful for what we’ve been able to accomplish over these 8 years with you! Thank YOU!
