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ABOUT US
OUR HISTORY
A rich history. A vibrant present. A bright future.
"The plain and simple gospel suits best for any people."
-Richard Allen, Founder of the AMEC
The African Methodist Episcopal Church
In 1787, Reverends Richard Allen and Absalom Jones withdrew from the St. George Methodist Church because of "unkind treatment" and restrictions placed upon worshipers of African descent. They founded The Free African Society, which was the beginning of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1816, Richard Allen called together sixteen representatives from Bethel African Church in Philadelphia, and African Churches in Baltimore, Maryland; Wilmington, Delaware; Attleboro, Pennsylvania, and Salem, New Jersey, to meet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A church organization or "connection" was organized as the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Richard Allen was the founder and first Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Click here to discover more about the rich history of the AME Church.
African
The term "AFRICAN" in the church's name reflects that it was founded by individuals of African descent, not that it originated in Africa or is exclusively for people of African heritage. In 1787, Richard Allen and other African Americans established the church due to being excluded from other religious spaces, seeking a place for spiritual, social, and educational growth. At that time, people of African descent were simply called Africans, and Allen's group became the church's first members.
Methodist
Our church is part of the Methodist tradition. Richard Allen, the founder and first bishop, believed that Methodism was the best fit for his people due to its focus on a simple gospel that resonated with their needs. He felt it provided the freedom to worship, progress, and hold various roles within both the church and the wider community.
Episcopal
The term "EPISCOPAL" refers to our church's governance structure, where Bishops are the chief executive and administrative leaders, with authority granted by the General Conference. Their responsibilities include overseeing spiritual and temporal matters, presiding over conferences, making pastoral appointments, ordaining clergy, organizing missions, and promoting the church's interests.
Interactive Gallery
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