Editing Mother Bethel AME Church (section)

== History ==

=== Richard Allen ===

'''Richard Allen''' (1760-1831) was born into slavery in Philadelphia. He purchased his freedom in 1783 and became a licensed Methodist preacher. Allen's powerful preaching attracted both Black and white audiences, but the discrimination he encountered in white churches convinced him of the need for independent Black religious institutions.

=== The St. George's Incident ===

In '''November 1787''', Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, and other Black worshippers at St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church were pulled from their knees during prayer and ordered to move to a segregated gallery. They walked out in protest—a pivotal moment in American religious history.

=== Founding of Mother Bethel ===

In '''1791''', Richard Allen purchased the lot at 6th and Lombard Streets. Using money he earned as a shoemaker, chimney sweep, and preacher, Allen acquired property that would become the permanent home of Black religious independence in Philadelphia.

In '''1794''', Allen organized Bethel Church, converting a blacksmith shop on the property into a house of worship. The congregation formally separated from white Methodist authority, establishing the principle that Black Christians could govern their own religious affairs.

=== Birth of the A.M.E. Church ===

In '''1816''', Richard Allen and representatives from Black Methodist churches in other cities founded the '''African Methodist Episcopal Church''', the first fully independent Black denomination in America. Allen was consecrated as the first bishop.

The A.M.E. Church grew rapidly, establishing churches throughout the North and, after the Civil War, throughout the South. Today, the denomination has over 2.5 million members worldwide.

=== Underground Railroad ===

Mother Bethel served as a station on the '''Underground Railroad''', providing shelter and assistance to freedom seekers escaping slavery. Richard Allen and the congregation were active abolitionists who aided countless individuals on their journey to freedom.