At 419 S 6th St in Philadelphia, Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is the birthplace of the AME denomination and a landmark in African American history. Founded by Richard Allen, it stands on land purchased by the congregation in 1787, the oldest property continuously owned by African Americans in the United States. See the church’s stained glass and vaulted ceilings, then visit the museum collection in the crypt below. The site also connects Allen’s story with the founding of an independent Black church.
Richard Allen and the founding of Mother Bethel
Mother Bethel’s story begins with Richard Allen, who was born enslaved in 1760 and later bought his freedom. In 1786, he was invited to preach an early morning service at St. George’s Methodist Church. His preaching drew many Black worshippers, and in 1787 Allen and Absalom Jones founded the Free African Society, a mutual-aid group for widows, orphans and sick people.
As the Black congregation at St. George’s grew, the church added a balcony. When Allen and other Black worshippers were prevented from using their chosen seats because of racial segregation, they left together. Allen and his followers went on to establish a congregation where people could worship as equal citizens. The land for a new church was purchased in 1787, and Mother Bethel was founded in 1794. It became the first congregation of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination.
The church building and its historic ground
The present church building dates from 1888 to 1890. It is the fourth structure on the site, after an earlier building was damaged during riots in the city. Inside, stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings are among the details to look for.
The property is central to Mother Bethel’s history. The congregation has held the land continuously since its purchase in 1787, making it the oldest parcel in the United States continuously owned by African Americans. The church is also the oldest continually owned African American property in the country. Its significance comes from both the ground itself and the community that built and maintained a place of worship there.
The museum beneath the church
A museum collection in the crypt below the church adds context to a visit. Richard Allen’s tomb is there, along with the Christian Recorder, the newspaper he founded. Take time to see the downstairs collection as well as the sanctuary; the two parts of the visit help connect the church’s history with Allen’s work and legacy.
Mother Bethel remains a place of worship as well as a historic site. Visitors can check ahead about tours and special events, or consider attending a service. The church’s website is motherbethel.org.
FAQ
Where is Mother Bethel AME Church?
It is at 419 S 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147.
What is Mother Bethel AME Church known for?
It is the birthplace of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination and stands on land continuously owned by African Americans since 1787.
What can you see at Mother Bethel?
Inside are stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings. The museum in the crypt below includes Richard Allen’s tomb and the Christian Recorder newspaper he founded.
Who founded Mother Bethel AME Church?
Richard Allen founded Mother Bethel. He and Absalom Jones also established the Free African Society in 1787.
