The statue of Francis Daniel Pastorius stands before us, a testament to a man who dared to dream of a new world. This monument, built in 1917, honors the founder of Germantown and the 13 families who journeyed across the ocean to settle this land. It took years for the monument to be erected. Design plans were finished by 1912, but World War I brought construction to a halt. The war cast a shadow over the monument, and because of anti-German sentiment, the statue was encased in a plywood box to protect it from vandalism. In 1920, the city of Philadelphia finally dedicated the monument, a landmark that stands as a reminder of the enduring commitment to peace and freedom that Pastorius and his companions brought to the new world.
The monument features a seated female figure representing “Light Bearing Civilization.” Look closely at the reliefs on the base. One side honors the memory of those who fought in American wars, a tribute to the sacrifices made by those of German descent. The other side depicts Pastorius’s bold protest against slavery, a beacon of justice in the early days of America. And on the rear, the monument signifies the belief that “Science and Art” rise from the foundation of “Labor.” This monument is more than just a statue. It is a place of reflection, a reminder of the past, and a symbol of hope for the future.
Zion Baptist Church
Founded in 1882 Zion Baptist Church stands proudly in Philadelphia. It’s a testament to faith resilience and community. This wasn’t