The Upper Room Missionary Baptist Church was founded under divine inspiration by Bishop Joseph Charles Aiken Sr. After faithfully serving as Pastor of New Salem Baptist Church for over seven years, Bishop Aiken resigned in June 1975 with a vision to establish a new ministry.
On June 12, 1975, led by the Holy Spirit, Bishop Aiken, twenty-nine believers, and with Reverend Joseph Fuller serving as their spiritual advisor, officially organized the church during a meeting at the Quaker Friends Home at Germantown and Cambria Streets.
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● Jayne Aiken ● John Davenport ● Leon & Faith Browning ● Clarence & Hattie Gillis ● James & Alice Moore ● Jessie & Catherine Coley ● Bernard Pollard ● John Hargrove ● Marie Williams ● Linda Williams ● Rosalee Taylor ● Susie Williams ● Fred Cain |
● Janice Soares-Hodges ● Gertrude Williams ● Alan & Corliss (Coley) Wilson ● Ada Haley ● Jessie Burnett ● Arleatha Parker ● Nancy Cobb ● Mr. & Mrs. Timberlake ● Delores Hightower ● Josephine Kelly ● Roosevelt Brown ● Dorothy Williams
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Their first service was held on Sunday, July 17, 1975, at 2948 Germantown Avenue, a humble location that held fewer than 100 parishioners. Even then, the spiritual intensity and sense of family were unmistakable.
By the aid of the Holy Spirit, the charismatic leadership & powerful preaching of Bishop Aiken, led to a growing congregation, plans were soon made for a larger, and more permanent home. Through divine provision and the help of Mr. Jacob (Jack) B. Baratan of Temple Realty, the congregation was introduced to an opportunity to turn a Cinema into a Sanctuary..
The building now home to the Upper Room Missionary Baptist Church began its journey as a hub of community life in a very different form. Constructed in 1936, the structure at 7236 Ogontz Avenue was known as the Renel Theater—a neighborhood cinema in Philadelphia’s West Oak Lane section. Renowned for its modern design, the theater boasted unique architectural features such as a large fireplace, glass bricks, and recessed lighting. It served moviegoers with second-run films until its final curtain call in 1976, following a brief stint screening adult films. Soon after, what was once a place of entertainment would be sanctified as a place of worship, prayer, and community service. After earnest prayer, URMBC laid spiritual claim to 7236 Ogontz Avenue on January 7, 1976. In an incredible act of faith and generosity, Mr. Baratan permitted the church to worship in the building rent-free for nine months. After renovations, the sanctuary was ready, and on March 28, 1976, the Upper Room congregation triumphantly marched into its new spiritual home.
Born in Wilberforce, Ohio, Bishop Aiken was raised in Philadelphia by Rev. George Aiken Sr. and Lessie Aiken. A graduate of Northeast High School in 1954, he went on to study at the Benjamin Franklin Business School, Philadelphia Biblical University, Temple University’s Conwell School of Theology, and Grace Theological Seminary in Indiana.
A lifelong servant of God, Bishop Aiken began teaching Sunday School and singing in church choirs as a teen. At 17, he formed the gospel group 'Welcome Travelers,' and by 1958, was Associate Dean at Messiah Baptist Church. He was ordained a deacon at New Galilee Baptist Church in 1964 and later became pastor of New Salem Baptist Church before founding Upper Room.
Beyond URMBC, Bishop Aiken served in numerous leadership roles including:
- President of the West Oak Lane Ministerial Alliance
- President of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity
- Moderator of the Pennsylvania Eastern Keystone Baptist Association
- Music Director of the Baptist Convention (1985–1989)
He was also deeply involved in civic work, serving as the Chairman of the Philadelphia Parent Child Center, Inc.
Bishop Aiken was also a barber, Director of Home Missions, and executive director of a community action program. Above all, he was a dedicated husband to Jayne E. Aiken, a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who left behind a legacy of spiritual depth and generous leadership.
He went home to be with the Lord on July 5, 2011, at age 75. His funeral service was held at Triumph Baptist Church, and he was laid to rest at Ivy Hill Cemetery.
Before his passing, Bishop Aiken prepared to pass the pastoral mantle to his youngest son, Rev. Carlton Leon Aiken Sr. Though Bishop Aiken was called home before he could witness the installation, Pastor Carlton Aiken was formally installed as Senior Pastor of URMBC on October 1, 2011.
Known for his passionate preaching, teaching and musical giftedness, Pastor Aiken continues to uphold the mission and legacy of his father. Married to Lady Brandee Elizabeth Aiken, they are proud parents to Carlton Jr. (Janice), Christian Lee, Kennedee Elizabeth, and Chase Liam, Adrienne, Donna, Calvin, Catrina, Shekira,
A Church of Purpose and Power
Over the past 50 years, Upper Room Missionary Baptist Church has flourished both spiritually and structurally. Today, URMBC is home to:
- Over 25 ministries
- Has ordained as several servant leaders, ordained as Pastors, Deacons and licensed ministers, some who have gone on to serve in various ministries across the city and abroad.
With outreach efforts such as the “2Fish 5 Loaves” food pantry and dynamic worship services, URMBC remains deeply committed to its calling to win souls for Christ and build the Kingdom of God. With the motto:
“Committed to building the kingdom for the Body of Christ” the church continues to live up to its reputation as 'The Friendliest Church in Town.'
Through the initiated and inspired vision of Bishop Joseph Aiken and the continuation of transformational leadership by Pastor Carlton L Aiken Sr. The Upper Room has continued to be a beacon of hope, direction and guidance. Turning the brick and mortar of the Renel Theater into a church is not only a story of renovation, but of resurrection. URMBC stands as a shining example of how old spaces can become sacred places. Where we don’t just come “To Church” we come "Through Church” so souls are healed, families are restored, and God is glorified. As we look forward, we remain faithful to our past, committed to our present, and excited for our future. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the vision of our leadership, The Upper Room Missionary Baptist Church continues to 'Build a Kingdom-Focused Church' in the heart of Philadelphia.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:2-3