The Upper Moreland Historical Commission is committed to finding and researching rare and culturally significant properties across Upper Moreland Township. One such place is McKinley Memorial Baptist Church, whose story begins in 1901, when members of Salem Baptist Church in Jenkintown met in the home of Brother and Sister A.T. Cottom to organize a prayer band. In 1902, the group called a council at Wilgus Hall in Hatboro, chaired by Rev. J.B. Brooks, and was formally recognized as a Baptist church—named in memory of President William McKinley. By 1904, the church was incorporated under Pennsylvania law, with Rev. J.C. Williams placed in charge.
In 1904, founder and builder Rev. J.C. Williams and the original members moved the church from Hatboro to the Kentener Building in Willow Grove. From there, the congregation relocated to a brick building on Welsh Road, and in 1908 moved again—this time to 218 Cedar Avenue (formerly Lakeview Avenue), into what was believed to be a former residence. The current church building was constructed and dedicated later, with a cornerstone dated 1924. Architecturally, the building reflects a Gothic Revival influence, with traditional pointed-arch windows and stained glass donated by church members. Local masons finished the façade in gray Wissahickon schist stone quarried nearby. Inside, the church features a symmetrical vaulted sanctuary and altar, along with a full-immersion baptismal pool behind the altar.
Additions in the 1980s helped the church meet growing needs for office and functional space. In 2020, as part of the church’s 100-year anniversary, a time capsule was placed on the front lawn and is planned to be reopened for the 125-year anniversary this coming June. Today, some relatives of the original founders still serve the congregation, and the church remains a steadfast presence in the township—offering fellowship, support, and community.