The congregation began in 1922 and in 1923 was renamed for Bishop Alexander Priestly Camphor, a missionary who was the first President of Monrovia Seminary (now College of West Africa) in Liberia. The congregation purchased their present building in 1943 from Fifth United Presbyterian, whose white members had fled the community as more African Americans moved into West Philadelphia during the Great Migration. Camphor Memorial Church’s Gothic Revival style building was constructed in 1904 with additions in 1914 by George Espie Savage, a Philadelphia architect known for his many church designs. Located in the Haddington community, Camphor Memorial Church served as a community hub during the Great Migration and was actively involved in the Civil Rights movement.

Today, Camphor Memorial Church serves the wider community through organizing food and clothing drives, hosting workshops and tutoring, and partnering with local health organizations to offer clinics. In addition to providing space for a variety of community meetings and events, Camphor holds their Saturday Youth Program, which provides weekly classes to local youth in fitness and dance, art, African drumming, music, Black History, conflict resolution, and mental health counseling.

A National Fund grant of $100,000 with $100,000 in matching funds raised by the congregation will allow Camphor Memorial Church to complete a roof replacement. This urgent repair will address active water infiltration, ensuring that the church can remain a vibrant center for worship and community activities.

Photo by Carol Black