Levi Coppin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Levi Jenkins Coppin
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Coppin in 1910
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| Born | December 24, 1848 Fredericktown, Maryland
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| Died | June 25, 1924 (aged 75) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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| Other names | L. J. Coppin |
| Occupation | writer, minister |
Levi Jenkins Coppin (born December 24, 1848 – died June 25, 1924) was an important leader in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church). He was a minister, a writer, and helped start the American Negro Academy. He worked hard to help his community and spread his faith.
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Early Life and Education
Levi Jenkins Coppin was born on December 24, 1848, in Fredericktown, Maryland. His parents were John and Jane (Lilly) Coppin. During this time, it was against the law for Black people to learn to read. But Levi's mother bravely taught him anyway.
In 1865, when he was 17, Levi joined the AME Church. This church was very important for African Americans. Just one year later, in 1866, he was given permission to preach. This meant he could share religious messages with others.
Becoming a Minister
In 1867, Levi Coppin officially joined the annual conference of the AME Church from the Bethel Church in Wilmington, Delaware. His first job as a pastor was in Philadelphia. A pastor is a leader in a church who guides the community.
Later, from 1881 to 1883, he served as a pastor at the Bethel AME Church in Baltimore, Maryland. He continued his education and graduated from the Philadelphia Episcopal Divinity School in 1887.
Important Roles and Missions
Levi Coppin took on many important roles in his life. In 1888, he was chosen to be the editor of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Review. This was a major magazine for the AME Church. He held this important job until 1896.
Missionary Work in Africa
In 1900, Coppin was elected as an AME bishop for South Africa. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the church. He traveled to South Africa and Ethiopia to work as a missionary. Missionaries help spread their faith and often set up schools or other community programs.
While in South Africa, Coppin also helped establish the Masonic Lodge of Capetown. He was a 33° Mason, which is a high rank in the Masonic organization.
Family Life
Levi Coppin was married three times during his life.
First Marriage
In 1875, he married Martha Grinnage, who was a schoolteacher. They had one son named Octavius. Sadly, Martha passed away in 1877.
Second Marriage
In 1881, he married Fanny Jackson Coppin. She was also a very important person and a pioneer in education. They worked together as missionaries in South Africa. There, they founded the Bethel Institute. This school helped people learn skills and promoted self-help programs. Fanny passed away in 1913.
Third Marriage
In August 1914, Levi Coppin married M. E. Thompson Coppin. They had one daughter together, named Theodosia.
