Washington Square West in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, January 27, 2024

1. Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church Marker

Inscription. Founded by German-speaking immigrants in 1787 to preserve their language and customs, Holy Trinity Church was the first German Catholic parish in the U.S. and became a model for other ethnic Catholic parishes. The church was built in 1788-1789. By 1790, members included African Americans and emigrants from Saint-Domingue. The cemetery interred Black parishioners together with those of European ancestry. The parish closed in 2009.

Erected 2023 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Immigration. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1787.

Location. 39° 56.729′ N, 75° 9.099′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Washington Square West. Marker is at the intersection of South 6th Street and Spruce Street, on the right when traveling south on South 6th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 241 South 6th Street, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Holy Trinity (here, next to this marker); Joseph Jefferson, the Actor

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(a few steps from this marker); John Vallance - Engraver (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas Sully Residence (about 300 feet away); The Lippincott Building (about 400 feet away); Blackwell House (about 500 feet away); Nicholas Biddle (about 500 feet away); Old St. Mary's Cemetery (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Additional commentary.
1. About Saint-Domingue
Saint-Domingue was part of what is present-day Haiti.

— Submitted January 29, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.

Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 27, 2024

2. Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church

Credits. This page was last revised on January 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 46 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 29, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.