Home of Thomas Paul, Sr. - Boston, MA
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NorStar
N 42° 21.505 W 071° 04.221
19T E 329500 N 4691648
Thomas Paul Sr. lived 1773 - 1831 and was the first minister to the African Baptist Church, an abolitionist, Masonic leader, and an active missionary to Haiti.
Waymark Code: WMM9VJ
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 08/18/2014
Views: 4
In Boston, near the base of Beacon Hill, is a plaque on a building marking the former home of Thomas Paul, Sr.
The house is on West Cedar Street, just south of the intersection with Pinkney Street. The building is on the west side. It is a brick building painted gray with black shutters. The bronze plaque is above the center first floor window and has the following text:
"Formerly 26 George Street
Home of Thomas Paul, Sr., 1773 - 1831
First Minister, African Baptist Church
Masonic Leader, Missionary to Haiti
Father of Susan Paul, 1809-1841
Teacher, Abolitionist, Suffragette.
The Heritage Gild, Inc. 1993"
The Wikipedia article has a little more on him. Thomas Paul was born in Exeter, NH. He was educated as a minister in Hollis, NH, and was instrumental in founding the African Baptist Church off Joy Street and was the first minister serving from 1805 to 1829 (the building still stands and is now a museum along the Black Heritage Trail).
He was an active member in Prince Hall Masons and, with other black ministers, forged the Black Liberation Theology which tied Bible teachings to African American equality. He also made a missionary trip to Haiti and forged relations there.
Source:
Wikipedia (Thomas Paul, Sr.):
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visit link)
National Park Service (African Meeting House):
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visit link)