Serving alongside New River church in honor of Rev. Gloucester

As Philadelphia celebrated the nation’s 250th birthday this summer, The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) honored a figure born in 1776 whose legacy continues to shape lives today: the Reverend John Gloucester. 

Born enslaved the year the nation was founded, Gloucester rose to become the first African American ordained Presbyterian minister in the U.S. He preached on the street corners of Philadelphia before founding the country’s first Black Presbyterian church, First African Presbyterian Church.

First African served as a beacon of opportunity for the city’s Black community in the early 19th century, and its light continues to shine through New River Presbyterian Church. Formed through the union of three historic West Philadelphia churches, including First African, New River carries forward Gloucester’s legacy through its commitment to the well-being and flourishing of its neighborhood.

To mark the 250th anniversary of Gloucester’s birth, the Board of Pensions participated in New River’s annual backpack and school supply drive. Together, the two organizations provided enough supplies to fill 330 new backpacks for K-12 students preparing for the school year.

 

“We were privileged to have the opportunity to share in serving the children of the New River community,” said Krysten Carter Holloway, the agency’s President and CEO. “It is truly God’s work.”

Holloway joined New River on Aug. 16 to lead the blessing of the backpacks. During the service, New River's pastor, the Reverend Dr. Eustacia Moffett Marshall, reflected on the importance of the moment.

“As we serve, some child, some family will know that they have been seen and supported and loved,” she said. “And we get to plant seeds of hope and possibility for the future.”

Moffett Marshall’s words reflected Gloucester’s life and ministry.

Gloucester devoted himself to lifting up Philadelphia’s African community, which was rapidly growing. He established a day school for children and educational opportunities for adults, believing deeply in the power of faith and learning to transform lives. At the same time, he tirelessly pursued freedom for his wife and children, who remained enslaved in Tennessee. In 1810, after years of perseverance, the family was finally reunited in Philadelphia.

More than two centuries later, as Board of Pensions employees joined New River in flourishing work, they were moved by Gloucester’s legacy of hope. After the backpack drive officially concluded, the agency’s Plan Operations team went on to raise an additional $500 in two days, providing 72 more backpacks and supplies.

“Rev. Gloucester’s legacy is such a gift for our city, and we were thrilled to be able to honor his memory in this way,” Holloway said. “We hope that every backpack is a beacon of light and hope for the children and families in the New River community.”