History
Learn about the role First & Franklin played in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States of America
Tracing a path from colonial dissent in 1761 to modern social justice. the congregation of First & Franklin has consistently embraced the intersection of faith, civic responsibility, and American democracy for more than 265 years.
From anchoring the revolutionary spirit alongside George Washington to pioneering integrated healthcare after the Civil War, the church has actively shaped Baltimore’s civic conscience. Today, this rich legacy continues through a steadfast dedication to civil rights, urban outreach, and the defense of marginalized and at-risk communities.
Colonial Beginnings and Revolutionary Spirit
First & Franklin's history began in 1761, when Scots-Irish "Dissenters" arrived in Baltimore- Towne from Pennsylvania fleeing the terrors of the French and Indian War. Opposing the state-established Church of England, these early builders, merchants, and farmers brought with them a fierce predilection for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. The congregation's founding minister, The Rev. Dr. Patrick Allison, cemented this revolutionary identity by serving as Chaplain to the Continental Congress in 1776/1777 at the direction of George Washington with whom he maintained a close relationship. Allison used his vast influence to champion free speech by petitioning the fledgling Continental Congress, to break from the British embargo on printing of American Bibles. Later, under the pseudonym Vindex, Rev Allison published the influential Candid Animadversions in 1783 arguing against a state religion.
As Baltimore transformed into a major American metropolis, prominent foundational families like the Gilmors, Pattersons, and Steretts guided the church's spiritual and physical expansion. Influential heroes of the American Revolution in the congregation at that time included: James Calhoun, Baltimore's first elected mayor, General Samuel Smith, who famously directed the city’s defense during the War of 1812, David Poe Sr. quartermaster of Baltimore Habor, James McHenry military surgeon after whom the fort is named, and Samuel Purviance who instigated a plot to kidnap the royal governor of Maryland. Early 18th congregational abolitionists and heroes of the American Revolution include: Isaac Griest, Samuel Sterett, William Wilson, Andrew Aitken and John McKim.
Post-Civil War Healing and Innovation
The fractures of the American Civil War demanded a new era of national reconstruction and community healing, a challenge the congregation met with bold institutional innovation. In 1877, the church established the Presbyterian Ear, Eye, Nose and Throat Hospital in East Baltimore, introducing a radical mission statement to never turn anyone away. This institution distinguished itself as one of the first integrated hospitals in the City of Baltimore, offering equal access to healthcare long before systemic integration became widely adopted. Later absorbed by the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), the hospital's groundbreaking legacy survives today.
The Mid-Century Urban Exodus and Merger
By the mid-twentieth century, American cities faced intense economic upheavals. A shifting social landscape, and a massive residential exodus to the suburbs challenged many congregations. Rather than abandoning Baltimore’s urban core, First Presbyterian and Franklin Street Presbyterian chose to deepen their commitment to their community by merging their historic congregations in 1973. The new First & Franklin established faith-based community support programs in our historic buildings including an orphanage for girls, a school for the deaf, an anti-recidivism housing program and meal and food pantry programs for our neighbors in need.
Advocacy on the Front Lines of Civil Rights
Mirroring the great social awakenings of the twentieth century, First & Franklin positioned itself at the front lines of human rights and labor advocacy. Building upon a nineteenth-century commitment to public literacy and Sunday School access, the church pivoted dynamically to meet the raw challenges of the Civil Rights Movement. The congregation opened its doors to labor unions, organized for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights and provided vital infrastructure for anti-poverty campaigns. Church spaces served as crucial meeting grounds for grassroots organizing for the early LGBTQ+ community, offering partnerships with local health care providers alongside essential food and clothing programs.
Crafting a Modern Legacy of Equity
The strength of First & Franklin’s congregation has sustained an impactful, intersectional ministry dedicated to systemic urban reform. Through deep interfaith and ecumenical collaborations, the church actively addresses ongoing contemporary crises such as food insecurity, institutional inequality, and the needs of underrepresented and marginalized communities. By consistently opening its doors to Baltimore's most vulnerable and disenfranchised populations, the congregation continues to act as a vital guardian of equity. More than 265 years after its founding, First & Franklin stands not just as a religious monument, but as a living piece of Baltimore’s civic heritage.
Why the name First & Franklin?
Meanwhile, our church was sending forth colonies of members to found new congregations throughout the city. In this effort, The Franklin Street Presbyterian Church was founded in 1844. Its brick and Gothic structure still stands on the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Street. In 1973, the two historic congregations reunited to form The First & Franklin Street Presbyterian Church and, in 2012 the congregation voted change it to the simpler First & Franklin Presbyterian Church.
