First & Franklin Street Presbyterian Church, Baltimore

The First & Franklin Presbyterian Church is a historic landmark with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Originally founded in 1761 by Scots-Irish families fleeing the French and Indian War on the Pennsylvania frontier, the church moved to its current location in 1859 and built a magnificent Gothic Revival building.

The First & Franklin Presbyterian Church's most prominent feature is its 273-foot spire, which is the tallest in Baltimore and was completed in 1874. The spire is supported by massive stone piers with cast-iron columns at their centers, which were a marvel of engineering for their time.

In addition to its impressive architecture, the church has played an important role in American history. Its first Minister, the Rev. Dr. Patrick Allison, was a personal friend of George Washington, and the church supported the Revolutionary cause during the American Revolution.

The church's legacy of leadership continued in the 19th century with the Rev. John C. Backus, who organized the relocation of the church to its current location. Backus was instrumental in the passage of the controversial Gardiner Spring Resolutions, which required pastors to swear allegiance to the federal government during the Civil War.

In 1973, the First Presbyterian Church merged with the nearby Franklin Presbyterian Church to form the First & Franklin Presbyterian Church. The church has remained committed to social justice causes, adopting "The More Light Statement" in 1980 to foster understanding of issues of gay and lesbian rights and hosting Baltimore's first public forum on the AIDS crisis in 1983.

Today, the First & Franklin Presbyterian Church continues to serve its community, offering a welcoming space for worship and social engagement.