Quaker Hill in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Gravesite of Bishop Peter Spencer (1779-1843) and His Devoted Wife, Annes

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 10, 2023

1. Gravesite of Bishop Peter Spencer (1779-1843) and His Devoted Wife, Annes Marker

Inscription. Born a slave, Bishop Peter Spencer was the father of Delaware's independent Black church movement. In 1813, he founded the Union Church of Africans, presently known as the African Union Methodist Protestant Church. The mother AUMP church stood on this site from 1813 to 1970. The Union America Methodist Episcopal Church (UNME), formally organized in 1865, traces its origins to Spencer. He was also the founder of "August Quarterly" in 1813, one of the oldest Black folk festivals in America.

Erected 2022 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NCC-84.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1813.

Location. 39° 44.607′ N, 75° 32.838′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Quaker Hill. Marker is on North French Street south of East 9th Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 818 N King St, Wilmington DE 19895, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Here Lie Rev. & Mrs. Peter Spencer (here, next to this marker); Spencer Plaza rain gardens are working to keep Wilmington's waterways clear!

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(a few steps from this marker); Louis L. Redding City County Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Shadd Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Holocaust (within shouting distance of this marker); Ezion Methodist Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Ezion-Mount Carmel United Methodist Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A French Legion Kept Watch Here (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker, which had different text.

Additional keywords. "Black Methodism"

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 10, 2023

2. Gravesite of Bishop Peter Spencer (1779-1843) and His Devoted Wife, Annes Marker

The current edifice of Mother Africa Union Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 10, 2023

3. The current edifice of Mother Africa Union Church

Cornerstone from Mother Africa Union church at 812 North Franklin Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 10, 2023

4. Cornerstone from Mother Africa Union church at 812 North Franklin Street

The church is the current home of the congregation that Spencer founded.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 116 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 10, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on February 12, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.