The Spring Street Church in the Age of Abolition

Author

David S. Pultz, CUNY City College of New YorkFollow

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Department

History

First Advisor

John Blanton

Keywords

Spring Street Presbyterian Church, antislavery, abolition, anti-abolition riot, slavery, New York City

Abstract

This study profiles the Spring Street Presbyterian Church in antebellum New York City as an integrated congregation active in the local abolitionist movement. It is framed against the rapid economic and social changes taking place within New York and the immediate neighborhood of the Eighth Ward during the early 19th century. Research focuses on religious antislavery during the Second Great Awakening and the place occupied by the Spring Street congregation as led by three of its antislavery pastors: Samuel H. Cox (1820-1825), Henry G. Ludlow, (1828-1837), and William Patton, (1837-1847). The study argues that Spring Street was a uniquely activist antislavery congregation over an extended period of time. Its participation within the public sphere was influenced by pastoral leadership, a history of racially integrated membership, and a reputation that attracted an activist membership.

Recommended Citation

Pultz, David S., "The Spring Street Church in the Age of Abolition" (2018). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/734