Street Renamed In Honor Of Overbrook Church's Founder
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A stretch of road in Philadelphia's Overbrook neighborhood has been renamed in honor of the founder of a church now celebrating its 65th Anniversary.
Reverend Joseph H. Beatty started Holy Cross Baptist Church in December, 1950.
"His vision was larger than this house," said his daughter, Alicia Beatty, "It was for the community."
Twenty-two years after his death, Alicia, at the street naming dedication, praised her father as a man of God and vision. And Malvern Avenue, between 63rd Street and Wynnewood Road, is now Reverend Beatty Way.
"Pride and joy and knowing my father would be pleased, humbled," she said, "but he would be very grateful."
It's a church that started in a basement. And current Pastor Dr. Vincent E. Stokes Sr. said Beatty's influence is felt every single day.
"I'm honored to serve as pastor here," the pastor said, "because I'm actually standing on his shoulders."