Henry L. Phillips (1847-1935)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Baptized a Catholic, reared a Moravian, and ordained an Episcopal priest, Phillips transformed the Church of the Crucifixion into a Black cultural center, known for its social outreach. He was a founder, American Negro Historical Society.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Henry L. Phillips traveled a remarkable spiritual path—baptized Catholic, raised Moravian, and ultimately ordained an Episcopal priest—before turning the Church of the Crucifixion into far more than a house of worship. Under his leadership it became a Black cultural center renowned for its social outreach in Philadelphia. He also helped found the American Negro Historical Society, an early effort to document and preserve African American history.
Why it matters
Phillips linked the Black church to cultural life and social service, and his historical society reflected an early movement to safeguard African American heritage as a national inheritance.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Hill-Physick House0.4 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial0.4 mi away
- Bridgette Mayer0.5 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Powel House0.5 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Congress Hall0.6 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.6 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Italian market0.2 mi away · Christian Street
- Liberty Bell0.6 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.6 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.6 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- First Bank of the United States0.6 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.4 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.4 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.4 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.5 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.5 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roasters0.5 mi away · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Morris House Hotel0.4 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn0.4 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.5 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.5 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.6 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.6 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Henry L. Phillips
Themes & tags
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