Society Hill in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

St. Thomas' African Episcopal Church

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008

1. St. Thomas' African Episcopal Church Marker

Inscription. Organized in 1792 as an outgrowth of the Free African Society, formed 1787. The original church edifice stood here. Under the ministry of the Rev. Absalom Jones (1746-1818), a former slave, this became the nation's first Black Episcopal church.

Erected 1984 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1792.

Location. 39° 56.805′ N, 75° 8.985′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Society Hill. It is at the intersection of 5th Street and St. James Place, on the left when traveling north on 5th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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: Original Cobblestone (within shouting distance of this marker); Rose Garden (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Insurance Company of North America (about 300 feet away); Magnolia Garden (about 300 feet away); Anthony Quervelle (about

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300 feet away); a different marker also named Rose Garden (about 300 feet away); St. Charles Seminary (about 300 feet away); Commodore John Barry (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Another marker is no longer nearby. John Nepomuk Maelzel (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Other markers related to Absalom Jones

Also see . . . The Reverand Absalom Jones 1746-1818. (Submitted on May 14, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)

Marker behind tree looking south on 5th Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008

2. Marker behind tree looking south on 5th Street

John Nepomuk Maelzel marker in the foreground.

The Reverend Absalom Jones image. Click for full size.

3. The Reverend Absalom Jones

www.episcopalarchives.org/.../jones.php

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,985 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on May 14, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.