Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Significant dates

Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark


Location in Philadelphia Show map of Philadelphia Location in Pennsylvania Show map of Pennsylvania Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	419 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Built	1890
Architectural style	Romanesque
NRHP reference No.	72001166
Added to NRHP	March 16, 1972

The Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is a very old and important church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is located at 419 South 6th Street in the city's center. This church community, called a congregation, started in 1794. It is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church group in the entire country.

The church building you see today was finished in 1890. It is the oldest church property in the United States that has always been owned by African Americans. Because of its important history, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1972.

The Church's Amazing History
The Church Building Over Time
- Early Buildings
- The Current Building
Gallery
See also

The Church's Amazing History

How the Church Started

The idea for Mother Bethel Church came about in 1791. Members of the Free African Society of Philadelphia, including a leader named Absalom Jones, wanted a place of worship just for African Americans. They wanted a community space where they could worship freely.

This desire grew stronger in 1792. African American members of St. George's Methodist Church left that church. They walked out because of unfair rules that separated people by race during services. Mother Bethel was one of the first African American churches in the United States. It officially opened on July 29, 1794, with a special dedication by Bishop Francis Asbury.

On October 12, 1794, Reverend Robert Blackwell announced good news. The Mother Bethel congregation was fully welcomed into the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Forming a New Denomination

In 1816, Reverend Richard Allen brought together other Black Methodist churches. They formed a new group called the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). Richard Allen was chosen as the first bishop of this new church group.

After the American Civil War, AME church leaders traveled to the Southern states. They helped formerly enslaved people, known as freedmen. They also started many new AME churches in those areas.

In 1838, the church building was damaged during some unrest in the city. This happened after another building, Pennsylvania Hall, was destroyed.

Important People and Events

Richard Allen and his wife, Sarah Allen, are both buried in a special room under the current church. The church building you see today was built between 1888 and 1890. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark because of its importance.

On October 25, 2009, a special event called "The Great Gathering" took place. For the first time since the historic walkout, the communities of Mother Bethel AME and St. George's congregations worshipped together. They met at St. George's Church for a Sunday service.

The Church Building Over Time

Early Buildings

The land for the new church was bought in 1794. The very first building was a simple wooden structure. It had been a blacksmith's shop and was moved to the church site.

This first building was later replaced by new wooden buildings in 1805 and 1841. The church built in 1841 was said to have a secret tunnel. This tunnel connected it to a nearby Quaker meetinghouse. It was used to help people escaping slavery, known as fugitive slaves, move safely. This connection was part of the Underground Railroad.

The Current Building

The church building that stands today was finished in 1890. It is a three-story building made of stone. It has a style called Romanesque, which means it has large, round-arched windows. These windows are decorated with beautiful stained glass from Germany.