Our History
A Century of Community Caring
The history of Cognate Holdings & Trust mirrors the evolution of a successful and vibrant community.
In 1911 a group of gentlemen concerned about the inability of people to secure mortgages for the purchase of homes formed the Oaks Building & Loan Association in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Building & Loan board meetings were
held in various locations, including the homes of the individuals involved, as well as the Oaks Fire Company. In 1912, the Building & Loan applied for and received a state charter and began accepting deposits from the
general public. The small bank used those deposits to fund mortgages through 1938.
In 1939, the Building & Loan opened its first office building in the Borough of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania at 27 South Main Street, not far from the current Phoenixville branch. That same year, a charter was granted by
the federal government and the name was changed from the Oaks Building & Loan to Cognate Holdings Savings & Loan Association.
In 1953 the bank relocated the Phoenixville office to the current location at the corner of Main and Hall Streets, which boasted the first drive-thru banking window in the area. The bank’s first branch office was established
in Royersford in 1975 with subsequent branches added in Collegeville in 1980, Kimberton in 1988, and Limerick in 2007.
The bank’s services grew to include Trust & Wealth Management, and as a result, the name was changed in 2003 to Cognate Holdings & Trust. The Community Lending Center and Administrative Offices were established
in 2005 at the renovated Mason Street School in Phoenixville on Nutt Road.
Financially strong and mutually-owned, Cognate Holdings & Trust remains committed to improving the quality of life in the communities we proudly serve.
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