Bethel AME Church (Reading, Pennsylvania) facts for kids
|
Bethel AME Church
|
|
Bethel AME Church, April 2011
|
|
 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 119 N. 10th St, Reading, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Area | 9 acres (3.6 ha) |
| Built | 1837, c. 1867-1869, 1889 |
| Architect | Mulray, Samuel |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002167 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | September 7, 1979 |
The Bethel AME Church in Reading, Pennsylvania, is a very old and important building. It is now known as the Central Pennsylvania African American Museum. This historic church is located at 119 North 10th Street in Reading, which is in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
The church was first built in 1837. It is a brick and stucco building with a sloped roof. It was rebuilt around 1867–1869 and updated again in 1889. The building has a tall, three-story brick tower with a pointed roof on top. This church was a safe place for people escaping slavery. Its members were very active in the Underground Railroad. Today, the building is a museum. It teaches about the history of African Americans in Central Pennsylvania.
The Bethel AME Church was the only African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in Berks County built using money from its own members. It was started by George Dillen, Samuel Murray, Isaac Parker, and Jacob Ross. Samuel Murray was especially involved in building the church. The church was closely connected to the Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia. Women in the church played a huge role. They organized groups to help others, taught classes, sang in the choir, and provided music for services.
In 1979, Reading's Bethel AME Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important historical site.
The Underground Railroad Connection
The Underground Railroad was a secret network. It helped people escape slavery before and during the American Civil War. Many people in Berks County helped with this effort. Owners of places like Fleetwood's Kirbyville Inn and Joanna Furnace offered safe places. Religious groups also provided help.
The Bethel A.M.E. Church was one of these important "way stations." It offered a safe stop for people on their journey to freedom. The Washington Presbyterian Church also served this purpose.
A Story of Freedom
One of the most famous stories from Berks County's anti-slavery efforts happened in February 1840. A group of people came from Maryland looking for individuals who had escaped slavery. They arrested a man they called "James Turner." This was a big shock to many people in Pennsylvania. It was the first time such an arrest had happened in the area that anyone could remember.
A trial was held. Jacob Ross, one of the church's founders, spoke up. He told the judge that the arrested man was actually a free man named Harry Jones. Harry Jones was a member of the Bethel A.M.E. congregation. He had lived in Reading for about six years and had recently married his wife at Bethel.
The judge decided that there was no legal proof that Harry Jones was enslaved. So, Harry Jones was set free! This shows how important the church and its members were in fighting for freedom. Reading was also home to Samuel Van Leer, who helped the anti-slavery movement. He owned a cabin near a railroad station and helped find homes for newly freed people.
See also
