Mother Bethel AME Church
by Megan R. Smith
South Philadelphia: Place
Mother Bethel AME Church
by Megan R. Smith
Walk on hallowed ground when you visit Mother Bethel AME Church, the mother church of the nation's first black Christian denomination. Founded in 1797, the church rests upon the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African-Americans. The church memoralizes Rev. Richard Allen, its founding pastor and first bishop. Mother Bethel's origins date back to the late 18th century, when Rev. Richard Allen and Absalom Jones encouraged black worshippers to form their own congregation after being forced to sit in the balconies during services at some of the city's traditional white churches. The church's original structure was actually a wood frame blacksmith shop that Allen purchased and had moved to the church's current location. A basement crypt in the church serves as a museum, housing Allen's tomb and other intriguing artifacts including original pews and the original pulpit constructed and used by Rev. Allen. Historically, the church served as a stop on the Underground Railroad and represents the division of the Methodist Church. Mother Bethel was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974.
Address: 419 Richard Allen Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19147
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