Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church - Northeast African American Historic Places Map (sitios de interés)
Descripción del sitio
| 419 South 6th Street | Philadelphia, PA 19147 | | ||
About: This National Historic Landmark is the oldest continuously owned property by African Americans in the United States. Founded in 1794 by Richard Allen, the church formed when African American members of the nearby Saint George’s Methodist Church grew dissatisfied with the racial segregation they faced during services there. As leader of the new congregation, Allen preached a message of equality and advocated for the abolition of slavery. In 1816, Allen called on representatives from other African Methodist congregations and together they officially established the African Methodist Episcopalian Church, with Allen elected as its bishop. During the nineteenth century a series of prominent abolitionists spoke at the church, including Frederick Douglass, and the basement of the structure offered respite to fugitive slaves traveling along the Underground Railroad.
Today, the church houses the Richard Allen museum, which displays artifacts and memorabilia from the church’s storied history. Visitors may arrange for a tour of the building and museum by contacting the church directly.
 Mother Bethel AME ChurchPhotos and text courtesy Mother Bethel AME Church |
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