Samuel Snowden facts for kids

Samuel Snowden (born around 1765, died 1850) was an important African-American leader. He was a pastor and an abolitionist. An abolitionist was someone who worked to end slavery.

Reverend Snowden led the May Street Church in Boston, Massachusetts. This was one of the first Black Methodist churches in the city. From 1818 to 1850, his church helped the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Famous abolitionists, like David Walker, were members of his church. Samuel Snowden was born into slavery in the Southern United States. He later escaped to the North and became a pastor.

Samuel Snowden's Life as a Pastor

Before 1818, Reverend Snowden was a pastor in Portland, Maine. He led the Chestnut Street Church there. In Boston, the African-American community at Bromfield Street Methodist Episcopal Church was growing. They asked their church leaders to create a separate church for Black Methodists. They also asked for Reverend Snowden to be their pastor.

Their request was approved. In 1818, Reverend Snowden became the pastor of the new May Street Church. This church was smaller than the First African Baptist Church in Boston. But it gave its members a sense of independence.

Under Reverend Snowden's leadership, the May Street Church grew very quickly. It became too big for its building. So, in 1824, the community built a new church nearby. This new church was called the Revere Street Church. Reverend Snowden continued to serve as pastor until he passed away in 1850.

Fighting Against Slavery

Reverend Snowden was deeply involved in the movement to end slavery. He worked on this while leading the May Street and Revere Street churches. David Walker, a well-known abolitionist, was a member of the May Street Church. Walker wrote an important book called An Appeal to the Coloured Citizens of the World.

Snowden's strong personality and work against slavery likely drew Walker to his church. In the late 1820s, the two men even lived across the street from each other. Their homes were on the north side of Beacon Hill.

Helping the Underground Railroad

Reverend Snowden's church supported the Underground Railroad. It was a safe stop for people escaping slavery. Snowden and his family also helped these brave individuals in their own homes. His daughters, Isabella and Holmes, were known for welcoming runaway slaves. They offered them a safe place to stay, food, and clothes.

Reverend Snowden also worked closely with William Lloyd Garrison. Garrison was another famous abolitionist. Snowden gave money to the cause of ending slavery. He also let Garrison use his church for important meetings and events.