Formed in 1910, this organization is in charge of preserving the history of First African Presbyterian Church, located at 42nd and Girard Avenue.
On September 16, 1910, a number of ladies of the First African Presbyterian Church, met with the current Pastor, Rev. John Lee for the purpose of forming a new organization. The purpose of the meeting was briefly stated by the Pastor and after a few suggestions the name of the proposed organization was decided upon as follows “The Ladies Gloucester Memorial Society”. This organization was created to work along side the Pastor and Officers of the church, and support all its efforts and endeavors of reaching out to the surrounding community and other historical organizations, and to preserve the history of this-the First African Presbyterian church.
First African Presbyterian Church was founded in 1807, by former slave John Gloucester, who was freed to pursue a calling of leading African Americans in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the Presbyterian ways of fellowship.
Several years later, as the Society expanded to include the men of the church, the name of the organization was changed to "The John Gloucester Memorial and Historical Society."
Rules and Regulations were to be in accordance with Parliamentary usages.
For over 100 years, this organization has fulfilled its obligation of preserving the rich history of the first African American Presbyterian congregation in the nation.
MOTTO - “But be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only” James 1:22
PLEDGE - " I hereby pledge myself to in every way possible assist the Pastor and officers of the First African Presbyterian Church, of which I am a member (or friend) to advance its interest spiritually, morally, socially and financially, to the best of my ability at all times."
