First African Baptist Church
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1809, it is one of the first black Baptist churches in America and the oldest in Pa. In 1832, two members, John and Samuel Bivins, sold themselves into slavery to free an enslaved man, James Burroughs, to serve as pastor. After a year, Burroughs paid the slaveowner and the Bivinses were freed. F.A.B members helped found Downingtown Industrial School and many Philadelphia-area churches. Booker T. Washington spoke at the church centennial.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded in 1809, First African Baptist Church is among the earliest Black Baptist congregations in America and the oldest in Pennsylvania. In 1832 two of its members, John and Samuel Bivins, sold themselves into slavery to purchase the freedom of an enslaved man, James Burroughs, so he could serve as pastor; a year later Burroughs repaid the owner and the Bivinses were freed. The congregation helped establish the Downingtown Industrial School and many area churches, and Booker T. Washington spoke at its centennial.
Why it matters
The church stands as a landmark of free Black religious and community life in the early republic, and of the extraordinary sacrifices its members made for one another's freedom.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia5.6 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer5.6 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center5.7 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center5.7 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall5.7 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center5.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
Attractions
- American Bandstand2.4 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo3.1 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge3.1 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir3.3 mi away
- Rocky Steps4.0 mi away
- The Universal Sphere4.6 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King5.6 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory5.6 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe5.6 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca5.6 mi away
- Fat Salmon5.6 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Park’s Salad Bar5.6 mi away
Places to stay
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City5.1 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City5.1 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City5.1 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel5.1 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia5.1 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express5.1 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · John Bivins
- · Samuel Bivins
- · James Burroughs
- · Booker T. Washington
Themes & tags
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