A Day of Reciprocity
In late August of 1793, leading members of the free African and white communities joined in a banquet to celebrate the roof raising of the first African church in Philadelphia. The dinner was in two parts, Dr. Benjamin Rush explained, "six of the most respectable of the white company" served dinner for the men and women of African descent. "May African churches everywhere soon succeed..." was Dr. Rush's heartfelt toast as the white donors and workers then ate, served by the African participants.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1793.
Location. 39° 57.031′ N, 75° 9′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in William Penn Annex East. It is at the intersection of Market Street and South Independence Mall West (6th Street), on the left when traveling west on Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: President's House Site N of Liberty Bell Pavilion, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The opener of the Way (here, next to this marker); Refuge in the country (here, next to this marker); "Burn this treaty to Hell!"
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. The Executive Branch (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); "I am free now" (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. The marker is highly reflective and difficult to photograph straight on.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 592 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 26, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
