15th Street Presbyterian Church was very active in Washington DC. Founded in 1841 by John F. Cook, a teacher, activist, and minister, the church stands as a testament to one of the early African American communities in the District of Colombia. The schools developed in connection with the church predate the DC Public School System. 15th St. Presbyterian Church also served as a gathering place of secret sanctuary from the brutality of enslavement. According to the church Historian Dr. Tressie Muldrow part of the 1859 Harper’s Ferry Raid was planned at 15th Presbyterian Church. Osborne Perry Anderson was an active member of the church and one of the few survivors of the Harper’s Ferry Raid.