Absalom Jones
Image courtesy of the Delaware Art Museum

Richard Allen
Image courtesy of Moorland-Springarn Research Center, Howard University

Churches founded by African Americans like Mother Bethel AME and St. Thomas African Church were very important to the free black community in Philadelphia. The churches created a niche in society where African Americans were in charge of the church and many different organizations branching from the church. They could try to better themselves and their families, and help other who were in need. In 1830 there were as many as 44 such societies that were founded and operated by blacks.

Community Service

Take a look at the list below to see some of the organizations started by African American Churches. Can you tell from the name what they did? If a name is highlighted, click on it to see more information.

The Free African Society (later called the African Friendly Society)

African School for Free Instruction of the Black

Society of Free People of Color for Promoting the Instruction and School Education of Children of African Descent.

The Union Society for the Support of Schools and Domestic Manufactures for the Benefit of the African Race

The Rush Education Society

The Female Benevolent Society

The Philadelphia Library Company of Colored Persons.

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