Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church
Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church is considered the mother church of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination. It was founded by Richard Allen, a former slave, and his associates in 1794. This makes it one of the oldest African American congregations in the United States.
Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church's property is recognized as the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans in the United States. The congregation purchased the land in 1791, three years before the church was officially founded, and they have maintained ownership ever since.
The original church building, constructed in 1794, was a simple, one-room structure. Over the years, the church has gone through multiple renovations and expansions. The present building, which incorporates elements of the original structure, is a substantial and architecturally significant edifice reflecting the church's growth and historical importance.
The church played a pivotal role in the African American religious and social history. It was a place of worship and a center for community activities, as well as a gathering place for leaders of the African American community during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Mother Bethel Church is often associated with the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by escaped slaves to reach freedom in the North. Some members of the church were known to be active in the Underground Railroad movement.
Richard Allen, the founder of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, was a prominent abolitionist and civil rights leader. His leadership in the church and in the fight against slavery contributed to the church's historical significance.
The church building itself is an example of historic architecture, with elements dating back to the early 19th century. Its design reflects the period in which it was built and is significant in the architectural history of Philadelphia.
The doors of Mother Bethel remain open to those who have often been considered by society as the “least of these”.