The African Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church

Throughout history, religion was an important practice for many communities throughout the world. This was the case for enslaved African Americans as well. However, they were not given the ability to practice their religion. Throughout much of the 18th century, slaves organized themselves in underground churches and participated in religious meetings, practicing their faith in hiding. This was known as the "invisible church" (Keller, 2006). These churches were times and areas of peace from their enslavement and allowed for a community to be built. In fact, these "invisible churches" sparked the initial movements for freedom. These secret locations became known as "Hush Harbors" and they were places of worship and community building (Keller, 2006). Over this century, Welsleyen Methodist hymns and songs became incorporated into their religious practices (Keller, 2006). This was an important aspect for African American culture and allowed for a strengthening within themselves that prompted the freedom movement to come.

In 1831, Nat Turner's Rebellion led to stricter laws regarding the practices of slaves. One law required that congregations could not exist unless in the presence of a white minister. Thus, slaves had to learn about Christianity under the supervision of a white preacher. In many areas, these preachers used the Bible as a means to encourage and establish slavery. Later, Bible stories allowed for literary expansion in the African American community (Pinn, 2002). For instance, the story, the Curse of Ham was used to justify slavery to African Americans who later used it to justify slavery to themselves (Pinn, 2002). In fact, Frederick Douglass used this technique to teach other slaves how to read and write, allowing for literary freedom and the increase in knowledge. In the end, all of these actions prompted the freedom of freedom seekers and allowed them liberation. 

For Free African Americans, independent churchs and congregations were organized without white oversight. As long as African Americans were free, these churches were beginning to be established as early as the late 1770s (PBS, 2007). For example, in 1787, in Philidelphia, Jones and Allen who were two Methodist preachers left the church and formed the Free African Society (Alkalimat, 2007) . This was a church that provided aid to black communities and eventually began Episcopal practices, led by Jones (Alkalimat, 2007). Later, this led to more established practices to create the African Church which was rooted in Episcopal practices. In most communities, Baptism was practiced as well. This signified the passing down of the Episcopal Christian tradition and was a signal of the lineage of religious pursuit for the African American community. Furthermore, these churches, especially those in Philidelphia were known to provide aid to those who were escaping the South. In other words, these churches were beginning to act as stops on the Underground Railroad. 

This image depicts the Wunsch Building when it served as a Church. It can be noticed that although the architecture of the building remains the same, many other aspects including the function and the experience of the building itself have changed over time. During its time as a Church, it was more than a place of worship - it was a space that encouraged a community to form. Despite originating in 1766, it took almost 50 years to establish it as a formal incorporation in the United States. 

The Methodist Church in Brooklyn was one of the first that was established in the Northeast. The A.M.E Church emphasized their beliefs as a practicing community of Christians who believed that they should be free to worship God without the experience of racism. Like other Methodist congregations, the A.M.E. Church here heavily believed in baptism, the Holy Spirit, that salvation is achievable, and that the Holy Spirit comes from the Father and the Son. Christian beliefs revolve around the Holy Trinity: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. 

The origins of the Church seen in this Volume shows that there was initially only white men, ex-slaves, and free Black individuals involved in the Church. When others were asked to pay to worship, African Americans withdrew and held services at the members' homes. Richard Allen, a visionary leader of the AWME organization, led and prompted the organization of themselves into their own religious denomination. In 1817, a rallly was held and $130 was collected which was put towards purchasing two lots on the east side of High Streeet. In 1840, membership reached 195 at the High Street Church. Thus, Reverend J.M. Williams marched 292 members from High Street to New Bridge Street Church. This is the Bridge Street Church that exists as Wunsch today. 

Furthermore, the role of leaders and mentors in the Church was significant in this space. The bishops are responsible for providing spiritual leadership and guidance to its members. Bishops play a central role in the governance of the denomination as they are ordained clergy who hold significant authority within the church. Bishops are consecrated through a selective process, and thus are required to be influential and just members of society. Once consecrated, bishops oversee episcopal districts as well as annual conferences, each comprising a group of local congregations or churches. Furthermore, some figures acted as both pastors and bishops in the Church. This is likely due to a shortage of Church leaders during the initial establishment of religious organizations for African Americans. During the early period of Church origins, Bishops played a central role as role models, guides, and mentors. Many of them also contributed to the facilitation of the Underground Railroad by opening Church doors to freedom seekers. Further, they had a lot of influence in the African American cultural community throughout the 18th and 19th century; thus, they were important catalysts for social movements including the Civil Rights movement.