Church of the Advocate
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Here in the 1974 the first eleven women Episcopal priests were ordained. This noted Gothic Revival church, built 1887-97, served a growing African American community after 1930. Host to major Black Power events of the 1960s and '70s. National Historic Landmark.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Built between 1887 and 1897 as a soaring Gothic Revival church, the Church of the Advocate became a spiritual and political anchor for North Philadelphia's growing African American community after 1930. It hosted major Black Power gatherings in the 1960s and '70s, and in 1974 it made history as the site where the first eleven women were ordained Episcopal priests.
Why it matters
A National Historic Landmark, the church stands at the crossroads of two American movements—Black freedom struggles and women's fight for equality within the church—that reshaped the nation's moral landscape.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia2.3 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center2.3 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center2.5 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House2.5 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia2.6 mi away · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery2.6 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir1.6 mi away
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle1.7 mi away
- Rocky Steps1.7 mi away
- Philly Gun Range1.7 mi away · North Percy Street
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge1.8 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo2.0 mi away
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe2.5 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Burger King2.5 mi away
- Dunkin'2.5 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters2.5 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory2.5 mi away
- Time & Peace2.5 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia2.0 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center2.1 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia2.1 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City2.2 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA2.2 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City2.3 mi away · 1100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related events
- · Ordination of the Philadelphia Eleven
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society
Philadelphia, PA · est. 1992
In 1833, Quaker reformer Lucretia Mott helped organize this society of some sixty women dedicated to ending slavery, headquartered on this spot. Barred from full participation in male-led abolition groups, these women built their own influential organization, raising funds and rallying support for emancipation. After the Civil War, they turned their energies to aiding the newly freed, extending their reform work into a new era.
Joseph and Amy Cassey (1789-1848)/(1809-56)
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Jessie Redmon Fauset
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