Overbrook Worship Center History
In 2000, Elder Devon Roberts teamed with Elder Trevor Laing to transform their Bible study into a branch of Philadelphia's Southwest SDA Church. This was under the pastoral leadership of Mark McCleary. Two other branches started in the same time frame, United Missionary, and Abundant Life.
The new church plant grew and eventually reached a membership of about 40. It began to rent the Third Christian Church at 61st and Oxford Streets. There was a conflict over leadership of that church and in the fallout the lease was terminated. Worship reverted to the basement of Elder Robert’s home. In 2004 Elder Roberts was led to a Pentecostal Church a few blocks away where a lease was secured. This continued until 2012 when the majority of the members voted, after a campaign to do so by Pastor S.G. Campbell, to unite with the United Missionary congregation in East Lansdowne, which became its new name. Thus Overbrook Park ceased to exist as a separate congregation.
Some people did not agree with the decision to merge, and quietly sought alternatives.
When the idea of reviving the church was brought up, it was suggested by Elder Roberts that “Park” should be dropped from the name as, properly speaking, that referred to the area to the west of Cobbs creek, and the church was not located there. Brother Harris thought that a new congregation should have a highly ecumenical name to facilitate evangelism, thus the name Overbrook Worship Center was formed.
Brother Mark "Frog" Harris had associated himself with Overbrook Park and had volunteered himself as Site Selection Coordinator. He continued his efforts after the merger. Sister Malhatso Reed joined him in this effort. He assessed several sites and eventually made the observation that no suitable and affordable sites were available in Overbrook, so he looked to the south, in Haddington. There he found two large sites, both comprised of multiple lots. The larger one in the 6000 block of Vine Street had too many owners, including speculators, to be reasonably acquired. The other one in the 6200 block had only four owners. He decided to acquire this site.
Brother Frog did not have a congregation with him, unlike Elder Roberts. A trustee type of property ownership was not possble, so He incorporated the Overbrook Worship Center in 2018. When 6210 Vine Street became available at Sheriff's Sale he sought it. Providentially, this address was not brought up for sale by the auctioneer. Brother Frog questioned the auctioneer about the omission, and ended up with no competitive bidders as they were all leaving. So, he got the property for minimum bid. This event was a message from God that this the site to pursue. Subequently, he sought to bid on 6212, but was preempted by the City, which already owned 6214. After some research he identified the owner of 6208, but he wouldn't sell. In the autumn of 2025, they changed their minds and he made an offer.