Tour of Mother Bethel AME Church, 10 am, 419 S. 6th Street.
About this event
The "Register Now" button is below the description (log in if you're a member). Looking for the Registrants list? Click the above icon of two silhouettes (log-in required).
Tour of Mother Bethel Church and Richard Allen Museum
Tuesday, June 23, 10 am
419 S. 6th Street.
$10 payable to the church.
Park in the lot adjacent to the Church. [Google Map link]
Members and their guests. Registration required. Register online (log in first), or call or text 267-444-4507 (M-F, 9-6).
Mother Bethel AME Church, a National Historic Landmark, holds an unparalleled place in American history as the oldest property continuously owned by African Americans. Founded in 1791 by Bishop Richard Allen, one of the founders of the Free African Society, Mother Bethel was born from the vision of a man who overcame the shackles of slavery by purchasing his own freedom. The first church of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) denomination, the first independent Black denomination in the United States, Mother Bethel served as a beacon for racial equality and civil rights, addressing the spiritual, educational and civic needs of Philadelphia's free Black community. Over time, Mother Bethel's influence extended far beyond Philadelphia, becoming a cornerstone of a denomination that now spans 39 countries worldwide.
By the 1830s and 1840s, a thriving, self-sustaining Black neighborhood surrounded the church, with thousands of residents, multiple churches, professional offices, and the first Black public school, all within walking distance. This network became a powerful center for abolitionist activity, organizing protests, petitions, and acts of civil disobedience decades before the national Civil Rights Movement.
Accessibility: The sanctuary and its vibrant and symbolic stained glass windows are located on the church's second floor, reached by stairs with a stairlift. Tour visitors are invited to sit in the pews.
The Richard Allen Museum is located on the church's lower level, down a flight of stairs (no lift).
Getting there: Park in the church's adjacent parking lot.
Location
Mother Bethel AME Church
419 S. 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
USA
Category
Members and their guests
Registration Info
Registration is required
Cancellation Policy:
If you cannot come, please email info@eastfallsvillage.org any time, or call 267-444-4507 Mon-Fri, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Capacity
15 Available Slot(s)