July 29, 1794: Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was dedicated. Mother Bethel was founded by Richard Allen and organized by African American members of St. George’s Methodist Church who walked out due to racial segregation in their worship services. The current structure was built in 1890 and is the oldest church property in the United States continuously owned by African Americans. Bishop Allen, his wife Sarah, and Bishop Morris Brown are entombed in the current structure. The church today has approximately 700 members. Mother Bethel was designated a National Historic Landmark March 16, 1972, and a Pennsylvania Historical Marker was dedicated in 1991. http://thewright.org/explore/blog/entry/today-in-black-history-07292015
Margaret Jerrido, archivist for the Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, looks at an image of Richard Allen. APRIL SAUL / Staff Photographer. Philadelphia Inquirer 2/20/13
Bethel Burying Ground Project 