Constructed in 1884, the building was a shelter and refuge for some of the city’s poorest black residents, who often had to endure dangerous conditions on their walk to Church, including physical and verbal threats. Through the work of its renowned Pastor, Henry L Phillips, the Church was a leader of its time in offering social programs, including the creation of the first gymnasium in Philadelphia for blacks, as well as, the expansion and growth of various initiatives for the needy through its Home for the Homeless program. In fact, W.E.B du Bois, who was a member of the Church, claimed that no other church in the city was doing as much for the social betterment of Philadelphia Blacks as the Church of Crucifixion. Marian Anderson was a member of the Choir for this church and would often require a chair to stand on to see the conductor.