Mar 21, 2024 - Sale 2663

Sale 2663 - Lot 376

Unsold
Estimate: $ 1,200 - $ 1,800
(RELIGION.) Group of 5 newspapers relating to Absalom Jones, Richard Allen and the early Philadelphia churches. 5 items, each about 20 x 13 inches; disbound, generally minor wear. Philadelphia, 1791-1805
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Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser, with a first printing of the "articles of faith and practice of the African Church of Philadelphia," signed in type by Absalom Jones and 7 others (page 3, columns 1-2). The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas was formally established the following year as the first Black Episcopal church in the nation, with Jones as its preacher. It begins "Under a deep sense of the goodness of God, who has blessed many of us with liberty . . . in a land in which we or our forefathers were once out-casts and strangers," and asserts that God "hath made of one blood all the Nations of the Earth." 3 closed incisions not affecting the main article. Philadelphia: John Dunlap, 1 September 1791.

Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser, with a long advertisement by future A.M.E. bishop Richard Allen for his chimney-sweep services (page 2, bottom of column 1). Philadelphia: John Dunlap, 27 June 1793.

General Advertiser, with a publication notice for the book on the yellow fever epidemic co-written by Absalom Jones and Richard Allen, "A Narrative of the Proceedings of the Black People, during the late Awful Calamity in Philadelphia" (page 4, 3rd column near bottom). "This day is published," giving the names and addresses of both authors as distributors. Philadelphia: Benjamin Franklin Bache, 8 February 1794.

Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, with a fundraising appeal for the recently opened African Methodist Episcopal Church (page 2, bottom of 2nd column). "The Trustees have erected a house for Divine Worship, in Sixth Street. . . . We are in debt, and our frame house too small for our congregation." Richard Allen is named first among the seven trustees. Philadelphia, 15 December 1794.

Political and Commercial Register, with a notice for the Society of Free People of Colour (page 4, bottom of 4th column). The Society was formed "for the tuition of youth of their own race," and "have resolved to open a school, in a house fitted out for the purpose, near the head of Carter's Alley." Rev. Richard Allen of 150 Spruce Street is named first of the four committee members. Philadelphia: W. Jackson, 6 August 1805.