Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church facts for kids
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Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
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 Location in Philadelphia
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 419 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| Built | 1890 |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001166 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 16, 1972 |
The Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is a very old and important church. It is located at 419 South 6th Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. This church community started in 1794. It is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church group in the United States.
The church building you see today was finished in 1890. It is the oldest church property in the U.S. that has always been owned by African Americans. Because of its history, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1972.
Contents
The Church's Amazing History
How the Church Began
The idea for this church came about in 1791. Members of the Free African Society of Philadelphia wanted their own place to worship. They wanted a church where African Americans could lead and feel welcome.
This desire grew stronger in 1792. African American members of St. George's Methodist Church left that church. They left because of unfair rules that separated people by race during services.
Two important leaders helped make Mother Bethel a reality. Richard Allen bought the land and helped build the church. Absalom Jones raised money from both Black and white people in Philadelphia. Even then-President George Washington helped with donations.
Mother Bethel was one of the first African American churches in the United States. It officially opened on July 29, 1794. Bishop Francis Asbury led the dedication.
On October 12, 1794, Reverend Robert Blackwell announced something special. 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 church group called the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). Richard Allen was chosen as the first bishop of this new denomination.
After the American Civil War, AME missionaries traveled to the Southern states. They helped formerly enslaved people, known as freedmen. They also started many new AME churches in the South.
In 1838, the church building was damaged. This happened during riots after another building, Pennsylvania Hall, was destroyed.
Richard Allen and his wife, Sarah Allen, are buried at the church. Their resting place is in the crypt of the current building. The church building standing today was built between 1888 and 1890.
A Special Reunion
On October 25, 2009, a special event called "The Great Gathering" took place. The communities of Mother Bethel AME and St. George's Church met for Sunday worship. This was the first time they gathered at St. George's since the historic walkout in 1792. Reverend Dr. Mark Kelly Tyler led this important service.
The Church Buildings Over Time
Early Structures
The land for the church was bought in 1794. The very first church building was a simple wooden structure. It had been a blacksmith's shop and was moved to the site.
This first building was later replaced. New wooden churches were built in 1805 and again in 1841. The church from 1841 had a secret tunnel. This tunnel connected it to a nearby Quaker meetinghouse. It was used to help people escaping slavery find safety. This was part of the Underground Railroad.
The Current Building
The building you see today was finished in 1890. It is made of stone and brick and has three stories. Its style is called Romanesque, which means it has large, rounded arches.
The big, round-arch windows are beautiful. They have stained glass that came all the way from Germany.
Gallery
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Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church Historical Marker
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National Historic Landmark Plaque
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Richard Allen Historic Plaque
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Free African Society Historical Marker
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See also
