Celebrate 200 years of Black Presbyterian Witness

Join the Office of Black Congregational Enhancement in commemorating more than 200 years of Black Presbyterian witness in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Learn about the struggles, triumphs and visions of faithful Presbyterians as they held to a belief in God’s sovereignty and inclusive love. Explore the remarkable history of personal persistence and community perseverance that broadened the church’s justice ministry by embracing the diversity of God’s creation. 

The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II, pastor of Liberation Community Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tennessee, was the guest speaker at the celebration. Photo courtesy of Peachtree Presbyterian Church.

Presbytery of Greater Atlanta celebrates the heritage and hope of African-American Presbyterians

By Elder Toni Griffin-Fields

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and the Atlanta Chapter of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus celebrated 200 years of organized African-American congregations in the Presbyterian Church on July 10, 2007. Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia, held the event during a special worship service prior to the July presbytery stated meeting. [Read more]

‘This far by faith’
As the first black Presbyterian congregation turns 200, what does the future hold for African Americans in the PC(USA)?

By Gayraud S. Wilmore

A story of successes and hardships: First African Presbyterian Church, located today on West Girard Avenue in Philadelphia, Pa., above, was founded in 1807. The original church building, dedicated in 1811, stood on the corner of Seventh and Bainbridge streets. Photo courtesy of First African Presbyterian Church

The story of black Presbyterianism in America is a complex saga of struggle, survival and hope.

It begins with “Jack,” a slave from Tennessee with a gift for preaching. Jack’s Presbyterian missionary owner taught him theology and named him “John Gloucester” before setting him free. And in 1807 Gloucester became founding pastor of the country’s first African-American Presbyterian congregation, in Philadelphia, Pa.

Philadelphia at the time had a population of just over 50,000, which included 5,000 free blacks and 30 slaves. The city’s black residents were largely impoverished, disenfranchised and unschooled. They squeezed into a narrow slice of the southeastern section of the downtown area, which served as a port of entry for those fleeing from the South’s prejudice and oppression.

But a new day was dawning. A few blacks were breaking into the ranks of tradespersons and artisans, forming self-help clubs and fraternal organizations, carving out a better future for themselves and their children. A growing spirit of race pride and independence existed side by side with gratitude for the generosity of a few prominent white citizens, such as physician Benjamin Rush and pastor Archibald Alexander.

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Shaya Gregory

NBPC Convention nurtures Christian formation

As a little girl I defended my identity as a Black Presbyterian to those incredulous people who asked:

“Really! You’re Presbyterian, but you’re Black!?!”
 “You sure you aren’t Baptist?”

And although I wasn’t sure then what it meant to be Presbyterian, I clearly understood that I was Black and Christian. These dual facets of my personhood were developed coming of age in a distinctly African-American congregation.

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Arms outstretched to the heavens were a normal sight as convention attendees engaged in praise and worship. Photo by Evan Silverstein

From Presbyterian News Service
July 27, 2007

Bicentennial blowout
Spirited event commemorates 200 years of black Presbyterianism

by Evan Silverstein

PHILADELPHIA — With praise and singing that shook the roof, more than 500 African-American Presbyterians recently came together for a spirited, worship-filled bicentennial celebration marking the birth of black Presbyterianism in the United States and sounding hope for the future.

The historic 200th anniversary gala, featuring rousing sermons and thunderous gospel music that brought participants of all ages to their feet with arms outstretched to the heavens, was the focus of the 39th National Black Presbyterian Caucus convention, which was held here July 11-15.

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