KING'S CHAPEL
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Picture
Image from 'The Boston Gazette,' available online through the Library of Congress. Please click the image to visit their webpage.
Although little is known about Letitia, she notably resisted slavery in 18th-century Boston by escaping from the man who enslaved her. Letitia was probably born in the 1720s, though it is unclear whether she was born in Boston or brought here from western African or the Caribbean during the height of the colonial slave trade in New England. As a young girl, Letitia was enslaved by a member of King's Chapel named James Gordon. Letitia most likely labored in the Gordon household, doing domestic work during her enslavement. Gordon enslaved at least eight people during his lifetime, many of whom were baptized at King's Chapel. In the late 1730s, Letitia was sold to a man named John Wass. In 1739, Letitia escaped from bondage, taking her fate into her own hands. The man who enslaved her placed the following advertisement in the Boston Gazette in March 1739: "Absconded from her Master John Wass of Boston, a Negro Girl, named Letitia former bought of Mr. James Gordon. Whoever will take up the said Negro, and bring her to said Wass at the South End of Boston, shall be satisfied for their Trouble." It is unclear if Letitia was captured and returned to slavery, but her name does not appear in John Wass's 1741 will, providing hope that she may have successfully secured her freedom.
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 www.kings-chapel.org |  58 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02108  |  617-227-2155 
  • Home
    • About Us >
      • Welcome
      • Calendar
      • Church Leadership
      • Clergy & Staff
      • Contact Us & Directions >
        • Send A Message
      • Employment Opportunities
  • Worship
    • Sunday at 9 AM
    • Sunday at 11 AM
    • Sermons
    • Special Annual Services
    • Book of Common Prayer
  • Memorial to Enslaved Persons
    • Memorial To Enslaved Persons
    • Memorial Project in the News
  • Visit, History, and History Program Blog
    • Visit
    • Our History >
      • A Brief History
      • Research and Records
      • The Stone Chapel: Art & Architecture >
        • The Wooden Chapel
        • Georgian Architecture
        • Box Pews
        • Interior Colors
        • Memorials
        • The Chancel Windows
        • The Last Supper Painting
      • Crypt and Burying Ground >
        • Crypt >
          • Crypt Highlights: Crypt Entrance
          • Crypt Highlights: Tomb Structure
          • Crypt Highlights: The Stranger's Tomb
          • Crypt Highlights: Research and Family Connections
          • Crypt Highlights: Remaining Memorials
          • Crypt Highlights: Hand-Hewn Beams
        • Burying Ground
      • Religious History >
        • 334 Years of Ministry
      • Slavery and King's Chapel
    • History Program Blog
  • Music
    • Tuesday Recitals
    • Concert Series
    • Musical Inquiries
  • Community
    • Parish Community News
    • News & Updates >
      • Between Sundays Archive
    • Community from Home
    • Community Action Committee >
      • Anti-Racism Resources
    • Environmental Action Initiative
    • Children & Youth
    • Join King's Chapel
    • For Members >
      • Annual Budget Meeting Materials
      • Annual Meeting 2025
      • KC Bylaws
  • Giving
    • Why Give
    • Ways to Give
    • Pledge
  • Weddings & Baptisms
    • Weddings >
      • Dear Prospective Couple
      • Wedding Inquiry
      • Wedding Service
    • Baptisms
  • Space Rentals