Mission Statement
Our mission is to preserve and promote the rich history of the August Quarterly Festival nationally.
The August Quarterly Festival, also known as the Big Quarterly, is a beacon of African American cultural and religious heritage in Wilmington, DE. We honor the legacy of Peter Spencer and the monumental establishment of the Union Church of Africans—the first African American church independently incorporated in the United States in 1813. The festival stands as a historic testament to African American religious freedom and self-determination.
Preserving Peter Spencer's Legacy of Freedom and Community
Peter Spencer (1782-1843) was a pivotal figure in American history, founding the first independent black church in the United States, the Union Church of Africans in Wilmington, Delaware. After gaining freedom from slavery, he established the August Quarterly in 1814, a festival celebrating African American religious freedom and aiding the Underground Railroad. A committed advocate for education and civil rights, Spencer’s enduring legacy highlights his significant contributions to American religious and social reform.
August 24 - 31 2025
August Quarterly Festival Celebration
Join us for the 2025 August Quarterly Festival! Celebrate a pivotal moment in history and experience the vibrant spirit of community and freedom that defines this extraordinary event. Don’t miss out on a day filled with inspiring music, educational activities, and heartfelt commemorations. Mark your calendars and be a part of preserving a legacy of liberation and unity. See you there!
Our Host Church
Motherland Nation
The historic Mother African Union Church, affectionately known as the Motherland Nation, is the United States oldest African American incorporated Church. Founded by the Rev. Peter Spencer in 1813, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the church continues to operationalize the principles of our founder attributed to him by Baldwin (1987) of Salvation, Liberation, Self-Determination, Community, and Hope! Â
