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John Gloucester House is a faith-based organization providing a vibrant, safe and secure haven for growth and development to the multicultural and intergenerational neighborhood. Our resources and programs transform and empower individuals and families to become healthy, self-sustaining, contributing members of the community.
The Mission of the John Gloucester House (JGH) is to empower individuals and families in the Point Breeze community and beyond by providing programs in a safe environment for learning, wellness and community involvement.
History: JGH was established in 1968 and named after Reverend John Gloucester, the first African-American Presbyterian pastor in Philadelphia. JGH is a faith-based organization of the Presbyterian Community Ministries of the Delaware Valley (PCMDV) and governed by a volunteer board of directors, through which basic human and spiritual needs are met.
JGH is located at 2147 Manton Street and serves children, youth and families residing in the Point Breeze community of South Philadelphia, PA. Programs are offered in response to specific community needs and in ways that are transformational and life-giving for the community, the the staff and for the volunteers. After school tutorial, cultural arts, summer day camp, Vacation Bible school, life skills preparation, guidance counseling for college bound students, SAT preparation, an adult Bible study are offered on site. Partnering with the Center for Urban Health at Jefferson University Hospital, a health and nutrition education program will be launched in the spring of 2012.
JGH supports a relationship with Head Start Learning Tree which has 13 locations serving 800 children. The first Head Start Program was and continues to be located in the JGH building.
See more about contributing/volunteering to the work of JGH.
John Gloucester (1776-1822)
John Gloucester, nicknamed Jack, was born a slave in eastern Tennessee. He was purchased by a white Presbyterian minister, Gideon Blackburn, who saw young Jack's potential as a man of God. As Blackburn's personal servant, Gloucester received religious training and eventually was taken under the care of the Presbytery of Union in Tennessee. John Gloucester later returned to the Presbytery to be ordained. Now Tusculum College, a Tennessee state marker honors Rev. Gloucester achievements.
Gloucester began his ministry in Philadelphia in 1807 when Dr. Archibald Alexander, pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church and chairman of the Evangelical Society of Philadelphia, prevailed upon Blackburn for Gloucester's services in starting a church. As the first African American Presbyterian pastor in Philadelphia, John Gloucester founded The First African Presbyterian Church at Girard Avenue and 42nd Street.
John Gloucester was able to purchase freedom for his wife and four sons, all of whom attended Princeton University.
We at The John Gloucester House are proud to represent this pioneer in ministry.
Henry Weaver
Director
Henry Weaver has been appointed permanent Director as of December 16th, 2009. Henry is dedicated to enhancing the Point Breeze community through education, leadership, community service and urban ministry.
Henry has based his entire career toward helping children achieve educational goals. He has a desire to increase community awareness regarding homelessness, parenting skills, anti-violence and beautification of city streets. He has a passion to help everyone in the urban areas of the city, especially the Point Breeze section of Philadelphia. We look forward to having his dedication shared with the John Gloucester House.
Henry has 12 years experience in English education, mental health management, psychology, and social service administration. Henry has been a member of White Rock Baptist Church, Philadelphia since 1992. He is also the appointed Chaplain of his Masonic Lodge, J.C. Price lodge 82, and leading brothers in spiritual unity.
He was educated in the Philadelphia Public School system graduating from Lankenau Germantown High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and his Master’s of Science Degree from Springfield University. Henry is a man of many talents who also is a certified electrician and received Associate credits from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art.