Berean Presbyterian Church Site / Berean Institute

Neighborhood:North

Address:
1906-1926 S. College Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19121

Significance:
Founded in 1880, the Berean Presbyterian Church was one of a group of important institutions founded by Rev. Matthew Anderson. Other associated institutions included the Berean Institute, a vocational training school located at this same address, and the Berean Savings and Loan. According to Cooperman, the church building was constructed in 1884 and occupied until sometime after 1962, when the congregation moved to its current location at 2101 N. Broad Street (see entry).

Type of Historic Resource:church

Date Built / Architect:1884; 1888, T. P. Chandler

Extant: no

Philadelphia Register of Historic Places:Philadelphia Register (4/27/1971)

Historical Marker:PA Historical Marker (1990; 1901 W. Girard Ave.)

Text of Historical Marker:
Founded in 1899 by Rev. Matthew Anderson, pastor of Berean Presbyterian Church and founder of Berean Savings Association, this school taught Blacks skilled trades not available elsewhere. Later the curriculum was expanded to meet changing student needs.