First African Baptist Church
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Founded 1809 as one of the first Black Baptist churches in America. Later two members sold themselves into slavery to free a slave to serve as pastor. Erected 1906, this building is located at a later site of the congregation.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded in 1809, the First African Baptist Church was among the earliest Black Baptist congregations in America, born in an era when free and enslaved African Americans built their own institutions of faith and community. In an act of extraordinary devotion, two members are said to have sold themselves into slavery to free an enslaved man to serve as their pastor. The present building, erected in 1906, marks a later site of this long-lived congregation.
Why it matters
The church testifies to the resilience and self-determination of early Black religious life and to the profound sacrifices made to sustain it.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer1.0 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hill-Physick House1.2 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Congress Hall1.2 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall1.2 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial1.2 mi away
- Philosophical Hall1.2 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Italian market0.6 mi away · Christian Street
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.8 mi away
- The Universal Sphere1.0 mi away
- Reading Terminal1.1 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate1.2 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Liberty Bell1.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden1.0 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily1.0 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon1.0 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill1.0 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut1.0 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe1.1 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.6 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.6 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn0.6 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City0.6 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express0.7 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City0.9 mi away · 1180 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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Christian Street YMCA
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Mercy Hospital
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