Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by Schmap online guides. Pages in this guide may display incorrectly.

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

Internet Explorer 6 and above
Firefox 1.5 and above
Safari 3 for PC

MAC

Safari version 1.3 and above
Firefox 2 and above

Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Map
Download the Schmap Philadelphia Guide
Philadelphia Home
Schmap Philadelphia guide and map

Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

First of its Kind

419 Richard Allen Avenue
(near 6th & Lombard Streets)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
+1 215 925 0616

Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is the first A.M.E. church in the world. It was founded by free American blacks in the 1700s. The current building was constructed in 1889 and occupies the same location as three previous structures. Stained glass windows feature masonic and religious themes and the shrine of the church contains the tomb of Bishop Allen, his wife Sarah, and Bishop Morris Brown. Purchased by Richard Allen in 1791, this site is the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans. The Richard Allen Museum contains 19th century artifacts from the church. Traditionally, all other A.M.E. churches are designed along the plans of this building.

Review © 2009, Wcities

Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church photo by Crawford Wilson III

Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Photo: Crawford Wilson III