Day 28: Celebrating 29-Days Of Black History In Brooklyn

On Day 28 of Black History Month we recognize Siloam Presbyterian Church.

Siloam Presbyterian was founded by Reverend James A. Gloucester. James’ father, Reverend John Gloucester, was born into slavery in Tennessee in 1776. While living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the elder Gloucester, founded Presbyterianism for African Americans.

Following in his father’s footsteps, James began a mission in 1847, according to the Siloam Presbyterian Church semi-centennial report printed by Nolan Brothers in 1899. They met in a place called the Hall Buildings where Fulton and Cranberry Streets formerly joined in Downtown Brooklyn. In 1849, Siloam acquired a building at 160 Prince Street near Willoughby Street. The building cost $4,000. According to Brownstoner, it was acquired to a great degree by monies donated by Mrs. Elizabeth Gloucester, Reverend James Gloucester’s wife.

Elizabeth Gloucester made a fortune buying and selling real estate. Everything she touched turned into gold. She used her money though, to help her people. She invested heavily in charities and worthy causes. Newspapers, internationally and nationally, reported Elizabeth Gloucester was “the remarkable colored woman.” It was said that she was the richest woman of her race in America, leaving an estate worth millions in today’s market.

Together, the Gloucesters, used their combined resources and the church, as a pulpit for freedom and equality. Siloam, a significant stop on the Underground Railroad, kept a freedom fund and invited speakers and abolitionists, including Fredrick Douglas and John Brown to keep congregants informed and active participants.

Siloam remained at the Prince Street location for 60 years before moving to its current location of 260 Jefferson Avenue in Bedford Stuyvesant. It continues to be a vibrant house of worship and one of the oldest thriving African American churches.