P«fl» 10 Portland Observer Section II February 28. 1980
Birth of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
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by Clarence L.
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I he spirit o l treedom which permeated the air during
the Revolutionary War did much to enhance the ability
o f Blacks to manly resist subjugation and build their
own institutions. They looked upon them with pride.
The major avenue at the time whch lent itself to this
possibility was the church, and the Bethel A frican
Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia became the
flagship; Richard Allen was the commander, and Ab-
solom Jones the first mate.
Richard A llen (1760-1831), born a slave in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, showed high evidence o f
talent and leadership at an early age. He was converted
while young and was licensed to preach in 1782. In 1797,
he was ordained a deacon by Bishop Francis Asbury,
superintendent ol Methodist work in America.
Allen travelled as an exhorter, but returned to
Philadelphia in 1786 to preach at St. George Methodist
Episcopal Church and at various other places in the city.
Few Blcks attended public worship and this induced him
to hold prayer meetings at St. George. He preached with
such power, a large number o f Blacks started to attend
the church. I he officials regarded this as a problem and
undertook to segregate them. In carrying out the action,
Allen, Absalom Jones and William White, occupying
their usual seats on the main floor lo r the Sunday mor
ning service, were pulled from their knees while praying
to be led by the ushers to the segregated area designed
for the Black communicants. A ll the Blacks arose in a
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body and withdrew from the church.
one another during illness, and to assist widows and
Allen possessed organizing talents o f the highest or
fatherless children. It was the first Black organization o f
der, a born leader and an almost infallible judge o f
its kind. Out o f it grew the first two Black-administered
human nature. He was actively identified with every
churches in the N orth, each dedicated in 1794 - St.
forward movement among Black people, irrespective o f
Thomas African Episcopal Church and Bethel. Blacks
religious denomination. He died leaving a greater in
in Baltimore; Wilmington, Delaware; Attleboro, Penn
fluence upon Black people in the North than any other
sylvania; and Salem, New Jersey followed the example
man ol his times. He was one o f the organizers, as well
ol Bethel and established African Methodist Episcopal
as one of the chief actors in the first national convention
Churches, and the number continued to grow.
of Black men held in the United Slates. It convened in
Philadelphia in 1830.
Absolom Jones (1745-1818), born a slave in Sussex,
Delaware, was taken to Philadelphia when he was six
teen years old. His education was so limited, a dispen
sation was necessary to permit his ordination, and a
condition was affixed that the St. Thomas Church
should not have the privilege o f sharing in the govern
ment of the Episcopal Church in the diocese o f Penn
sylvania. Jones was impressive in his style o f
preaching, but his forte was not in the pulpit. It was his
mild and easy manner, his habits as a minister, and his
public spirit that strengthened him in public regard.
Whenever he appeared in public, he donned the dress o f
his profession - black dress coat, breeches and vest o f
the same color, with top-boots or shoes with buckles
and black stockings. A fter a ministry o f twenty-two
years, he died at teh age o f seventy-one years.
Allen and Jones organized the Free African Society in
1787, which held the group together. It functioned to
Recording spirituals sung by ex slaves. Petersburg
systematize a means by which its members could assist
The Portland Public Schools
and the Portland School Board
join in saluting
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
It is the aim of Portland Public Schools to encourage
all employees and students to continue to develop
and practice constructive human relations.
The Portland School District consistently encourages
programs in Black History which affirmatively manifest
a commitment to good human relations and equality
of educational opportunity.
Portland Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer