Bethel Home for Fallen Women

Neighborhood:Center City

Address:
near 6th and Lombard Sts.
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Significance:
Because other missions generally barred blacks, the women of Mother Bethel AME Church established this mission for black prostitutes in a three-story building near the church in the late 19th century. Founders included Josie Heard (wife of Bethel's then-pastor, Rev. William H. Heard), Fanny Jackson Coppin, Frances E. W. Harper, and representatives of other church denominations. Dr. Nathan Mossell served as a visiting physician at the mission.