Built in 1852, the church originally served the First Baptist Church of Germantown. The Greek Revival structure was designed by notable Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan, who is known for several National Historic Landmarks. Sloan included the design for the First Baptist Church of Germantown in his influential pattern book, “The Model Architect.” It is one of the few remaining buildings from Sloan’s pattern book to retain such a high level of integrity to the original design. The Corinthian capitals on the portico were one of the earliest uses of architectural terracotta in the United States. In the 1950s, Polite Temple Baptist Church purchased the building from the original congregation, which had dwindled as neighborhood demographics changed following the Great Migration.

Polite Temple serves the Germantown community through involvement in advocacy and educational programs. The congregation hosts local organizations including Power Interfaith, Germantown Faith Community Against Gun Violence, and the Eastern Region Ushers and Nurses Association. The pastor also partners with La Salle University to teach conflict-resolution classes during its annual summer camp program. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the congregation served as a host site for afterschool enrichment programs, which they hope to restore after completing needed building repairs.

In 2024, a Building Conditions Assessment identified that the two corner column capitals are in poor condition, with loose pieces of terracotta falling to the ground. To ensure public safety, the congregation had to close the portico, which is the only public entrance to the upper sanctuary. Worship services have been moved to the lower sanctuary, limiting the use of that space for other programming. 

An Intervention Fund grant of $84,000 awarded in 2026 will help the congregation install shoring and stabilize the columns for up to 15 years while they raise funds for a full restoration. This work will allow the congregation to regain access to the sanctuary and expand community programs in other parts of the building.