A Most Sinful Feast, Again!

Follow in John Adams’ footsteps to sample the indulgence of the political life of the First Continental Congress.

The Powel House, Carpenters’ Hall, and Christ Church present a joint program for the 250th anniversary of the September 8th Sinful Feast. Through the lens of Adams’ diary entry, learn about the intersection of political, religious, and social life at each of these historical locations with guest lecture by Dr. Stephen Nepa, recreated Sinful Feast desserts, and a rooftop reception at Christ Church Neighborhood House.

John Adams wrote:

1774. SEPTR. 8. THURSDAY.

Attended my Duty on the Committee all Day, and a most ingenious, entertaining Debate We bad. — The happy News was bro’t us, from Boston, that no Blood had been spill’d but that Gen. Gage had taken away the Provincial Powder from the Magazine at Cambridge. This last was a disagreable Circumstance.

Dined at Mr. Powells, with Mr. Duché, Dr. Morgan, Dr. Steptoe, Mr. Goldsborough, Mr. Johnson, and many others. — A most sinfull Feast again! every Thing which could delight the Eye, or allure the Taste, Curds and Creams, Jellies, Sweet meats of various sorts, 20 sorts of Tarts, fools, Trifles, floating Islands, whippd Sillabubs &c. &c. Parmesan Cheese, Punch, Wine, Porter, Beer &c. &c. At Evening We climbed up the Steeple of Christ Church, with Mr. Reed, from whence We had a clear and full View of the whole City and of Delaware River.

The event will start at the Powel House at 4:00 PM, with the doors opening at 3:30 PM. There, guests will learn about Elizabeth Powel and how the social lives of the elites were deeply engrained into politics. Next, guests will walk as a group to Carpenters’ Hall to learn about the First Continental Congress and hear a talk with Dr. Stephen Nepa, history professor at Temple University, about the food described in the sinful feast and what those items reveal about colonial American foodways as sentiments for independence were beginning to stir. Guests will be invited to sample modern recreations of historic desserts provided by Hart of Catering at both locations. Guests will then walk as a group to Christ Church to learn about the church and the political role religion played at that time before meeting on the roof of the Christ Church neighborhood house for a reception. In case of rain, the reception of charcuterie and drinks, including a flight of madeira, porter, and cider to emulate Adams’s drink choices, will be in the Neighborhood House theater.

About the Speaker

Stephen Nepa has taught history and American Studies at Temple University since 2009. He regularly appears in the Emmy Award-winning ABC-6 series Philadelphia: The Great Experiment and is a contributing author to numerous books and journals. He received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and his Ph.D. from Temple University. He lives in Philadelphia.

Please note: This event requires walking between the locations and climbing multiple flights of stairs. The distance between the Powel House and Carpenters’ Hall is 0.2 miles (about a 5-minute walk) and from Carpenters’ Hall to Christ Church is 0.4 miles (about a 10-minute walk). The path will have some uneven surfaces.

If you have any food allergies, please contact mwarren@philalandmarks.org

Use the Eventbrite link below to reserve your tickets