FAITH & FREEDOM 250 CELEBRATION SERVICE
An America 250 Commemorative Service Presented by: 400 Years of African American History Commission The Marian Anderson Historical Society & The Historic Mother Bethel AME Church

​                             Faith & Freedom 250 Commemorative Service is being presented by 400 Years of African American History Commission The Marian Anderson Historical Society & The Historic Mother Bethel AME Church on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, located at 419 S. 6th Street in Philadelphia. Faith & Freedom 250 is a national commemorative initiative created to recognize 250 years of faith and freedom in America and explore the enduring relationship among faith, liberty, justice, civic responsibility, and the American story. The Constitution Sunday service will bring together faith leaders, artists, historians, and community members for an evening of historical reflection, spiritual renewal, and national unity. The program will feature the Faith & Freedom 250 Mass Choir and the Marian Anderson Historical Society Orchestral Ensemble, along with national faith leaders, historic dramatic readings and reenactments, historical film reflections, and tributes recognizing the role of faith throughout America’s history. Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church provides a meaningful setting for the celebration. For 232 years, the historic church has served as a center of worship, justice, spiritual leadership, and community service in Philadelphia. Everyone is welcome. The celebration is open to individuals, families, congregations, educators, community organizations, civic leaders, and members of the public.

                       

EVENT DETAILS
Faith & Freedom 250 Constitution Sunday Celebration
Sunday, September 20, 2026
5:00 p.m.
Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church
419 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
For additional event information, visit: marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com 
or call 215-779-4219

ABOUT FAITH & FREEDOM 250
Faith & Freedom 250 is a nationwide educational, civic, and faith-based initiative of the 400 Years of African American History Commission. Created to commemorate 250 years of faith and freedom in America, the initiative brings together churches, communities, educators, civic organizations, elected officials, veterans, and citizens to promote historical understanding, moral renewal, civic responsibility, and national unity.


ABOUT THE 400 YEARS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY COMMISSION
The 400 Years of African American History Commission is a federally appointed committee established by Congress through the 400 Years of African American History Commission Act. The Commission coordinates programs and activities that recognize the contributions of African Americans and promote a deeper understanding of African American history and culture. For more information, visit 400YAAHC.org.


ABOUT THE MARIAN ANDERSON MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society preserves the life and legacy of Marian Anderson through its historic residence museum, educational programming, performances, and support for emerging artists. Its programs include the National Marian Anderson Scholar Artist Program and the Arts Empowerment Project for young people throughout the tri-state area. For more information, visit marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com.


ABOUT MOTHER BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCH
Mother Bethel AME Church, a National Historic Landmark founded by Bishop Richard Allen, stands on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans since 1791. As the mother church of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination, Mother Bethel became a center of faith, education, abolitionism, civic leadership, and Black institution building. For more than two centuries, the church has served Philadelphia’s Black community while influencing movements for freedom and civil rights across the nation. Its legacy of faith, resistance, self-determination, and service continues today through the global AME Church. 
 
For more information visit: motherbethel.org

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