Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church facts for kids
The Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, often called "Mother Zion", is a very old and important church in Harlem, New York City. It is located on West 137th Street. This church is the oldest African-American church in New York City. It is also the main church for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion group.
The city officially recognized the church as a New York City Landmark on July 13, 1993. This means it is a special building that needs to be protected.
The Church Building: A Look Inside
The current church building was built between 1923 and 1925. It was designed by George W. Foster, Jr.. He was one of the first African-American architects to be officially registered in the United States.
Building Style and Design
The church's style is called neo-Gothic. It has a simple front, much like other Protestant churches built in Manhattan around the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Inside the Sanctuary
The main worship area, called the sanctuary, has an "auditorium" layout. This design was becoming popular for churches at the time. Instead of a long, cross-shaped layout, the seats are arranged in a wide curve around the altar and pulpit. There is also a large balcony on the second level, also curved. The church can seat about 1000 people.
This building is the sixth home for the Mother Zion church community.
History of Mother Zion Church
The Mother A.M.E. Zion church community started in 1796. It was formed by African-American members of the John Street Methodist Church. Even though the John Street church was against slavery, there was still racial segregation. This meant Black members were treated differently.
Why the Church Was Formed
One historian from the A.M.E. Zion church explained the problem. Black members were not allowed to take Holy Communion until all the white members had finished. This included even the children. Because of this unfair treatment, the African-American members decided to form their own church.
Early Leaders and Locations
The first bishop who led the new church was James Varick. His tomb is located under the current church building. The first group had about 100 members. They met in a rented hall. Over the years, the church moved to several different places in Manhattan. It moved to Harlem in 1914, and then to its current spot.
The "Freedom Church" and the Underground Railroad
The A.M.E. Zion group became known as the "Freedom Church" across the country. This was because of its important role in the movement to end slavery. It was also a safe place for people on the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
Important Members and Supporters
- Sojourner Truth, a famous speaker against slavery, was a member of Mother Zion. She often spoke from the church's pulpit.
- Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, two other very important figures in the fight against slavery, were also part of the A.M.E. Zion group in other churches.
Facing Challenges: The 1834 Riot
Because Mother Zion was so strongly against slavery, it was attacked during a three-day riot in 1834. An angry mob broke the church's windows. Several Black and white churches were set on fire. The New York Evening Post newspaper called these attacks a "disgrace."
A Center for Culture and Civil Rights
Mother Zion also became a key cultural center for the African-American community in New York City.
- Paul Robeson, whose brother Dr. Benjamin C. Robeson was a pastor there, spoke from the pulpit.
- Dr. Robeson worked with important people from the Harlem Renaissance, like Langston Hughes and W. E. B. Du Bois. They all worked for civil rights.
- From the 1920s to the 1960s, Bertha Des Verney directed the church's choir and drama. She organized concerts and historical plays to raise money and help the community.
Today, Mother Zion church continues to offer many programs. These programs help its members and the people living nearby. You can see several old items from the church's 200-year history in the entrance area.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia Madre Africana Metodista Episcopal de Sion para niños
