3800 Hamilton Street
Built as the
Tenth Presbyterian Church
From the 1912
Church Directory:
“Sketch of Organization of the l0th Church
“The
Church had its beginning in a Sabbath School which met in a small building
called "The White House" cor. Market and Lancaster Ave. This Sabbath
School was organized and continued its work for a year. At the end of the year
the school was in debt about $25.00 and most of the officers and teachers
withdrew thinking the work hopeless.
“But
some of the teachers unwilling to give up the work for the children, enlisted
the interest of Dr. J. B. Dales and others. Dr. Dales gave a lecture in the
First Church for the benefit of the work. The proceeds of this lecture enabled
the workers to pay all debts and left a balance for new supplies for the School. Encouraged. the little band of consecrated workers
took up the work with new zeal. Feeling the need of a better place of meeting
the school moved 1st Sabbath in August, 1863 to the
building known as Dr. Saunders Institute.
“At
a meeting held, March 12th, 1863, at the home of Mr. James Gillespie, two
persons were appointed to the next meeting of Philad1elphia Presbytery, and
asked permission to start a mission church.
“This
request granted, Dr. J. T. Cooper preached the first sermon in the new mission,
on the first Sabbath in May 1863. There were present about 40 persons. Dr.
Cooper’s text was Psalm 22:5. ‘We will rejoice in thy salvation; and in the
name of God we will set up our banners.’
“Following
Dr. Cooper the other ministers of the city preached in
turn until July 1st, 1863 when Rev. H. P. McAdams and Rev. James Sankey were
appointed to supply the pulpit for the year. The mission grew until it was
thought best to organize it as a regular congregation. So
at a meeting of Presbytery held Oct. 1863, Dr. J. B.
Dales and his
session were appointed to organize a congregation in West Philadelphia which
was done October 29th, 1863. The first Communion service was held by Dr. Dales
on November 29th, 1863.
“Ministers
“The
Tenth Church has had but four ministers during nearly fifty years of history.
“The
first Rev. J. M. Hutchison was installed May 1st, 1865
and he preached his farewell sermon November 14th, 1869.
“The
Rev. S. S. White was installed November, 2nd, 1871.
His also was a brief pastorate. Given less than five years to labor for his
Master in this congregation; he made in that short time a deep and lasting
impression on the whole community. He preached his last sermon before his
illness on Sabbath, August 5th, 1876. Stricken with typhoid fever he was taken
to his home in Ohio and died August 16th, 1876.
“The
longest pastorate this congregation has enjoyed was that of The Rev. John Teas,
D. D. During this pastorate the main church building was erected
and a strong congregation built up.
“Dr.
Teas was known as a man of strong pulpit ability, and loving, sympathetic
pastor of the flock of which he was the earthly shepherd for thirty-three years
and a half. He deserves and has a large place in the affections of the people
among whom he labored so long and efficiently. Dr. Teas began his labors in
this congregation, November 18th, 1877, was installed as pastor January 14th,
1878, and preached his farewell sermon June 18th, 1911.
“The
present Pastor, John A. Gregg, was installed as pastor, January 15th,
1912.”
Rev. John Teas
lived in the new manse, 3806
Hamilton St.
It is now the Tyree AME Church.
<
3728 Hamilton 3806 Hamilton >
Revised: 10/5/2022