(Emtmnmi Itistnrtral i>mntnttr OF MOTHER" BETHEL A. M. E. CHURCH Philadelphia, Pa. ALSO PLACES OF INTEREST AND CHURCHES OF ALL DENOMINATIONS, (COLORED) with Introduction By Dr. R. R. WRIGHT, Jr. Editor of The Christian Recorder PUBLISHED BY THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY TRIPLE 2F CONTENTS Preface - - - - - - Page 5 Introduction - 7 History of "Mother"Bethel Church - - - 9 Officers of "Mother" Bethel Church - - 13 Historical Chorus of "Mother" Bethel Church - - 15 Ministers who have served as Pastors - - 15 History of the Sunday School - - - .16 Speech of Mr. Wm. H. Jones - 20 Distinguished Men of to-day - - 25 Great Women of Bethel . - - - - 34 Allen Guards ------ 41 Allen Altar Guild - - - - - 41 Sarah Allen League - - - - - 49 Circles - 49 Historical Commission - - - 49 Church Directory - - - - - .51 Roster of Lodges - - - - - 54 Places of interest ----- 56 Catalogue of Bethel Historical Museum - 57 Advertisements - - - - - 59 llLySTSI^TMS Cover, BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN The present "Mother" Bethel page 3 The First place of fWorship - 11 The Second "Mother" Bethel Church - - 11 Allen's Pulpit - - - - - 19 Distinguished Men of to-day - - - 26-29-31 The Third "Mother" Bethel Church - - - 33 Great Women of Bethel - - . - - 3' Mrs. Lena Arkansas Mason - - - - 39 Ushers' Association of "Mother" Bethel Church - 42 "Mother" Bethel's present pastor - 43 Altar Guild - - - 44 Sunday School Board . - 45 Trustees - - 46 Stewards - - - 47 # Historical Commission - - 48 E. Purnell, - - - - - 50 Union A. M. E. Church - - " - 53 The Present "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church Sixth Street below Pine, Philadelphia PREFACE ITH the desire to do long deserved honor to our dear Mother of African Methodism, Mother Bethel A. M. E. Church, of Philadelphia, and with the further desire to bring to the minds of the present and future generations the splendid worth of our fathers and mothers of the past, as well as to leave a record of the work done in this day, giv¬ ing honor to whom honor is due, we have presented this little book to the public. In the sense of critical history we know it is deficient; for we have not attempted to give the long drawn out details of our honorable history as interesting as that may be. That would take too large a book and so we leave it for future work. In this book we have only touched here and there the most important points in Bethel's history that the interested but busy reader may eaisly learn the principal parts and personages connected with Mother rt?ttjt?t f.pttnpw BETHEL HISTORICAL COMMISSION. INTRODUCTION 7|T HAT the Historical Commission of Mother Bethel A. M- V/ E. Church, of this city should at this time publish a Centennial Historical Souvenir Book is highly appropri¬ ate when there shall gather within her spacious walls the representatives of African Methodism throughout the world the legitimate offspring of her body. There is no church in America more interesting than Mother Bethel. Her foundation was unique. Christianity for a thousand years had been for whites only, so to speak. The European and the American had not considered the black man as a real Christian brother except theoretically. To segregate and other¬ wise humiliate the Negro, was thought to be the natural thing and not inconsistent with their conseption of Christian Broth¬ erhood. When Richard Allen, Absalon Jones and their company walked out of St. George's Church, Philadelphia, in September 1787, they voiced a protest against discrimination in the Church of Christ, which was destined to be heard around the world. Out of the protest came the organization of Bethel Afri¬ can Church. As original Methodism under Wesley hesitated to disconnect itsself from the Church of England, so Allen and his followers when they established Bethel hesitated to leave the Mother Methodist Church, and not only till he became convin¬ ced that race prejudise was so strong in the Methodist Episcop¬ al Church, did he withdraw. For at least twenty-tw© years Bethel went along with the M. E. Churches, then Allen lead Bethel out as the principal organizer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. From that day to this the Church of Allen has expanded. It now numbers in its membership scattered through the United States, the Dominion of Canada, the West Indies, South America, South Africa and West Africa upwards of three-quarters of a million. It has more than six thousand churches and more than that number of traveling ministers, and nearly twice that number of local ministers. The African Methodist Episcopal Church has twenty Schools and Colleges, Three Weekly Newspapers, Two Monthly Magazines and One Quarterly. It has two Publishing Plants, a 8 Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church Sunday School Department editing its own literature and print¬ ing ths same, supplying our Sunday Schools which have up¬ wards of a half-million pupils. Richard Allen was the first Bishop elected. Since his day there has been thirty-eight Bishops elected to supervise the church. Of these several have been pastors of Mother Bethel. During all these hundred years Bethel Church has held her own place of prominence in the general church, unlike old St. George, she has not been so far unsurpassed that she is known only for her history; but she ranks as one of the leading churches of the City of Philadelphia and the connection. It is very fitting and proper therefore that these living sons of Allen, through the Historical Society should present this souvenir, which I take pleasure in commending not only to the citizens of Philadelphia, but to the Church in general. I only wish that others may catch the inspiration from Bethel and that throughout the connection all the valuable facts of local church history will be gathered and put in book form. R. R. WRIGHT, Jr. Philadelphia, Pa., April 24, 1916. Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church HISTORY OF CHURCH Mother Bethel A. M. E. Church "Mother," the name of human names most dear to man. "Bethel" (House of God Beth-El), the sacred spot on which Jacob placed the sacred stone and with prophetic voice exclaimed, "And this stone which I have set for a pillar shall be God's House." Bethel has a sacred and distinguished his¬ tory. Mother Bethel A. M. E. Church was organized by that grand, courageous young Christian, Richard Allen, in 1787. An old blacksmith shop which was moved upon a lot pur¬ chased on Sixth street above Lombard served as the first house of worship, and was used until 1805, when the rough¬ cast church was built. While this church was under con¬ struction services were held in the shop, the new church being built over and around it. After its completion the old blacksmith shop church was ton? down and removed. Dr. Benjamin Rush and Mr. Robert Ralston, white Christian gentlemen of Philadelphia, were the first to subscribe towards paying for the ground, and by their influence secured the services of David Paul Brown, an at- torney-at-law, who secured for them, by a special act of Legis¬ lature, a charter. Thus Bethel became an independent organ¬ ization, known as the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Richard Allen, in his biography, says: "The house was called Bethel in keeping with the prayer that was made at the dedication. Mr. Dickens prayed "that it might be a Bethel to the gathering in of souls." The name appealed to the members and the same was unanimously agreed upon. The rough-cast church soon grew too small, and Richard Allen requested Thomas Jones to start a mission at Seventh and Dickinson streets. Deacon Jones accepted on condition that after the mission was self-sustaining he would be allowed to return to Bethel, but after he took charge of the work it proved so successful he grew to love it, and continued a mem¬ ber until he died. Jones' mission is now Zion A. M. E. Church, Twenty-first and Tasker streets. In 1840 it was found necessary to remove the rough-cast church, and the old brick church was built. This was remod¬ eled ir»1870. The present structure was built in 1889, at a cost of $68,000, during the pastorate of Dr. C. T. Schaffer, now Bishop. Bethel Church was the school of our Revolutionary church Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church ancestors. In it they learned to live for a purpose. From it they sent out a virile people, worthy progenitors of a new and mighty organization, disciplined to plan on a large scale and to live for ideals never before set up in the souls of Ne¬ groes. It is the effect of Mother Bethel upon the quality of the membership of the A. M. E. Church that makes her holy to all lovers of virtue, liberty and religious independence. In it was planted the great purpose to gather together human souls under the banner of religious freedom, upheld, supported and dominated by Negroes, under the favor and guidance of the Almighty God. The banner is of white and blue, white symbolic of the purity of the holy cause; blue symbolic of its inherent truth, with the Sacred Pulpit of Allen emblazoned on its front. This purpose found expression later at the General Conference held at Mother Bethel in May, 1816. It was the legitimate fruitage of the purpose of '87. The hardships encountered by the founders of our great church were blessings in disguise; the choicest fruits of Negro character grew in times of greatest stress. The A. M. E. Church in its every struggle to succeed has acquired the qual¬ ity of resourcefulness by our willingness heroically to try and plan for every exigency. Thus our church has steadfastly held to the purpose of the founder. Many years previous to the Rebellion, Bethel Church was praying for the deliverance from slavery of our brothers and sisters of the South. From her rostrum were heard the voices of Lucretia Mott, Frederick Douglass, William Still, Alfred Love, Jabez Campbell, William Forten and other Abolitionists denouncing slavery and plead¬ ing for justice. Bethel has always been in the forefront of every move¬ ment for the advancement of the Negro. It was an important factor in the Underground Railroad. In its basement many slaves en route to Canada have been fed and sheltered, and thousands of dollars were raised by the church An the aid of the cause of freedom. Numbers of Bethel's members fought for the flag in the wars of 1812 and 1845. During the Rebel¬ lion Bethel furnished nearly a company of men. In 1863, immediately after the promulgation of the Eman¬ cipation Proclamation, a committee was formed to receive and care for the thousands of ex-slaves who would be brought Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church Bethel A. M. E. Church, If05. Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church to Philadelphia and turned loose without money, clothing-, food or homes. Hundreds were brought to Bethel, where they were cared for in the homes of members and friends. All during the memorable autumn and winter of '63 the church was open; meetings were held nightly; old plantation hymns were sung; fervid prayers of thanksgiving were ut¬ tered ; tales of the horrors of slavery were told by the victims; sermons were preached, and many were converted. Many of the best members of the church are the descend¬ ants of the men and women cared for by the church in 1863. Mother Bethel then, as now, led in every movement whose object was the social, economical, moral and religious better¬ ment of the race. Bethel's pulpit has been filled by some of the most learned, devout and eloquent ministers of the race: Richard Allen, the founder and first Bishop; Richard Williams, Jacob Tapsico, William Cornish, Morris Brown, Joseph Cox, William Moore, John Cornish, Willis Nazrey, Henry J. Young, Henry Davis, Richard Robinson, John Cornish, William D. W. Schureman, Joshua Woodlin, William Moore, James Hollen, Deaton Dorrel, J. M, Williams, Theodore Gould, R. F. Wayman, George C. Whitfield, L. J. Coppin„ J. S. Thompson, C. C. Felts, J. W. Beckett, C. T. Schaffer, William H. Heard, William D. Cook, T. W. Henderson, W. H. Thqmas, R. W. Fickland, M. W. Thorn¬ ton and C. C. Dunlap, who has the distinguished honor of en¬ tertaining the One Hundredth Anniversary General Confer¬ ence of the Church. Dr. Dunlap has by> his judicious management accom¬ plished a great work in that he has repaired the windows, in¬ stalled electric lights and beautified the interior and exterior of the church, all of which has been paid for; also built two houses adjoining the church, which are self-supporting. Dur¬ ing his four years' pastorate many souls have been added to the church. Thus it can be truthfully said that under the leadership of Dr. Dunlap the mother is holding her rightful place. Six of Bethel's pastors, namely, Richard Allen, Morris Brown, Willis Nazrey, L. J. Coppin, C. T. Schaffer and W. H. Heard, have been elevated to the Bishopric. Historical So a venir of '"Mother" Bethel A. M, E. Church OFFICERS OF BETHEL A. M. E. CHURCH Officers of the Corporation. Philip H. Edwards, President. F. Leonard Williams, Secretary. Matthew Manor, Treasurer. Trustees 1. Armstead Rollins 2. Daniel Nias 3. William Smith 4. Robert Allen 5. Samuel Adams 6. George T. Carson 7. Nathaniel Morgan 8. Isaac Mosely 9. P. C. Spriggs The present officers entered into office four years ago, being elected on April 8, 1912. They were confronted with a current indebtedness of $1000, which has been fully paid, and also $4000, with interest on the bonded indebtedness, reducing the same from $15,997 to $11,997. A mortgage of $1500 that had been held by W. M. Lansdale for twenty-six years has also been paid. Two new dwellings adjoining the church have been built at a cost of $12,000. The windows, whose beauty has been admired by thousands of people, have been repaired and the entire church painted and renovated, at a cost of $3000, which has also been fully paid. THE RECEIPTS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FROM APRIL 8, 1912, TO APRIL 5, 1916, ARE AS FOLLOWS: Received from April, 1912, to April, 1913.... $5344,71 Received from April, 1913, to April, 1914.... 4303.70 Received from April, 1914, to April, 1915.... 3776.93 Received from April, 1915, to April, 1916.... 6235.43 Total receipts to date $19,660.77 Presidents of the Corporation William H. Crawford, Willis H. Cromwell, John R. Powell, Daniel W. Parvis, Charles H. Dorsey, Augustine Dunn, John R. Powell, P. H. Edwards. Historical Saiirenfr of "lofe"" Bethel A- M. E_ Chnrcfe Stewards D. Jas. Mason Elijah. Hamilton Charles H. Pottsr Albert H. Marshall John E. Marshall Moses G. Johnson. George Harmon. Charles W. Bell David Wooding; Stewardesses Elizabeth Fisher Isabella P. Johnson Louis'a Robinson Margaret Robinson Margaret C. Ford Maggie Robinson Hester Simpkins Jemima Robbins Gertie B. Lee Junior Stewardesses Rena Potts' Laura Whitehurst Julia Stanford Elizabeth Waters Julia Brewington Mary Bradsliaw Henrietta Cox Elsie Good Lucy Wooding Amount of money raised by Stewards' Department during quadrennium r May, 1912, to May, 1913. $2715.19 May, 1913, to May, 1914 2409.92 May, 1914, to May, 1915 2707.57 May, 1915, to April, 1916 .. 2879.96 $10,792.64 Class Leaders 1. Geo. T. Corson 19. Fred McNeil 2. Jacob Tilghman 20. Geo. W. Cook 3. Geo. E. Spence 21. ,Chas. H. Potts 4. Jno. Marshall 22. J. R. W. Sewell 5. Enoch Moore 24. Saml. T. Holland 6. Jno. J. Sears 25. Wjm. Glenn 7. Jas. Burton 26. D. Jas. Mason 3-9. Henry Anderson 27. John Hamilton 10-16. C. J. Cbppin 28. Chas. W. Bell 11. David Ambrose 29. L. H. Stanford 12-18. A. H. Marshall 30. Joshua T. Simp^ins 14. Robt. T. Allen 31. Wm. Queen 15, Wm. B. Scott 32. Amos Crawford 17. Handy Robbins 34. Amslead Rollins Historical Souvenir of "Mother^ Bethel A. M. E. Church The Historical Chorus of Bethel A. M. E. Church Was Organized February 4,1916 Sopranos Josephine Saunders Julia E. Stanford Gertrude B. Lee Ada Williams Lydia Brittingham Carrie Fisher Rebecca Robinson Olivia Hemsley Sadie Moore Ruth Mackey Isabella Jackson Altos Alice Jacobs Selena Waters Kathryn Simmons Mamie Bell Elizabeth Saunders Bassos Leonard Williams Linton Fisher James Smith Tenors Wm. H. Owens Edward Bishop N. P. Stanford NATHANIEL P. STANFORD, Director. Ministers Who Have Served as Pastors * Richard Allen Richard Williams Jacob Tapsico William Cornish * Morris Brown Joseph Cox William Moore John Cornish *Willis Nazrey Henry J. Young Henry Davis Richard Robinson John Cornish Wm. D. W. Schureman *Jabez P. Campbell Joshua Woodlin William Moore Joseph Hollen The pastors marked Bishopric. Deaton Dorrel J. M. Williams Theodore Gould *R. F. Wayman George C. Whitfield *L. J. Coppin J. S. Thompson C. C. Felts J. W. Beckett *C. T. Schaffer *William H. Heard William D. Cook T. W. Henderson W. H. Thomas R. W. Fickland M. W. Thornton C. C. Dunlap thus * have been elevated to the Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M.. E. Churcla HISTORY OF BETHEL A. M. E. SUNDAY SCHOOL of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church, Philadelphia, Penna- The year 1835 begins the period of the formation of ways and means to organize a Sunday school in, the historic Mother Bethel A. M. E. Church of Philadelphia. During this year a Teachers' Association was organized at the home of Di\- J. G. Gould Bias, who was chosen president. The association met weekly at the homes of the metabers, who finally decided to ask permission to hold their sessions in the church. A committee of three was appointed, viz., Morris Hall, Moses: Wheeler and Lymas Johnson, to visit the Quarterly Confer¬ ence and ask permission to organize a, Sunday schooL At first their request was not granted, but after repeated efforts, they won their pointr and the pastor, Rev. Morris Brown, announc¬ ed that on February 14, 1836, a Sunday school would be or¬ ganized in the church. Dr. J. G. Gould Bias, Superintendent; Moses Davis, Mrs. Jane L. Johnson, Mrs. Mary Newton, as¬ sistants. Superintendents have been as follows: David Ware, who served ten years; Henry Gordon, four years; Josiah Wil¬ liams, John D. Oliver, Dr. John Goulder, Thomas Kennard, Louis R. Seymore, Esther Armstrong, Elizabeth Oliver, assist¬ ants ; George Garnett with Sophia Hazzard and Maria Fletcher, assistants; J. Edward Masten, assisted by John H. Myers,, Mrs. Mary A. Campbell, Miss Lottie Wilmore. During the year 1872, there arose some difficulty between pastor and superintendent, and the pastor, Rev. Henry J„ Young, appointed superintendents, viz:; Hans Shadd, Edward W. Banton, William H. Bryant, George Garnett, William C. Banton with Mrs. Wealthy Dorsey assistants, until a satisfac¬ tory election was held which resulted in the election of Edward W. Banton, superintendent with Mrs. Wealthy Dorsey assist¬ ant, who served during the year 1873. John E. Marshall serv¬ ed with Mrs. Wealthy Dorsey as assistant in 1874; next, William C. Banton assisted by Miss Mary Brown and Mrs. Sarah Burton; Parkes T. Smith, assisted by Mrs. Sarah Burton; William W. Allen, assisted by Mrs. Maria Lindsay; Daniel W. Paris, assisted by Mrs. Maria Lindsay; Willis H. Cromwell, assisted by Mrs. Marcelina Monlier, Miss Celestine Mosely; John E. Marshall, assisted by Maria Lindsay; William T. Raikes, assisted by Miss Mary E. Stewart. Historical Souvenir ©f '"Mother1"' Bethel A. M. E. Church George P. "Woodson was elected superintendent in '1886 and served until October, 1887, when he resigned to enter Wilberforce University, as a student ; he was assisted by Hiss Carrie P. J ones. D, James Mason was then elected superinten¬ dent, Miss Mary E, Jones assistant, and served three years. Next William J. Woodson, assistant, Miss Anita Dill; .Sydney E. Purnell, assisted by Miss Sarah A. Riddick and Mrs. Julia Brewington, served three years ; D. James Mason, as¬ sisted by Mrs. Jennie .McClain, served four years; George H. •Cambridge was next with his assistants Mrs. Jennie McClain, Mrs. Louisa M. Banks and Eben King; Eben King, with Alvin , P. Polk as assistant, served during the year 1902, D. James Mason was again elected in 1903 and served until the present date, assistants, Miss Julia E, Stanford, Mrs. Constance J. Coppin. Mr. Lymas Johnson was the first chorister, followed by Henry Gordon, Hans Shadd, Robert J. Hamilton, Daniel W. Parvis, John Whittington and the late Charles W. Clark, who was chorister twenty-four years. Mr. George H. Cambridge held the position as organist twenty-eight years, succeeded by David S. Mason, the present organist. Prom Bethel Sunday school have gone forth many young men and women who have become prominent in our great A. M. E. Church, and there are many boys and girls now in training for religious work. Miss Annie Gilbert is the oldest teacher in the Sunday school Brothers Simon T. Saunders, Isiah Cropper, Joshua D. Kelly are among the faithful teachers who have passed away. Starting with a little band of less than two dozen persons, . the school has now over six hundred scholars enrolled. When we consider the many disadvantages under which the workers have labored in recent years, it can be justly concluded that they are doing remarkably well. A few years ago nearly all the colored churches were centered around and located near Bethel Church, on Sixth street, below Pine, and the colored population to a very great extent lived near the church. Bethel being the Mother Church, was always crowded at each service. The Sunday school flour¬ ished also, the records giving a membership of nearly eleven hundred scholars. An entirely different situation now exists; all the churches have moved westward; the people have gone far from the church, and many of the children of the mem¬ bers prevented from attending the school. But the Sunday school and church still remain on the old historic spot. God is leading and blessing their efforts, and they are earnestly working for the advancement of His Kingdom. SYDNEY E. PURNELL and D. JAS. MASON. Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church THE SUNDAY SCHOOL Bethel A. M. E. Sunday school was organized Sunday, February 14th, 1836, by the Rev. Morris Brown, pastor. Sup¬ erintendents have been as follows: Dr. J. Gould Bias was the first superintendent and served at the organization of the school. The following have served as superintendents: David Ware Moses Davis Henry Gordon Elizabeth Oliver Josiah Williams Esther Armstrong John D. Oliver Sophia Hazzard Thomas Kennard Maria Fletcher Lewis R. Seymour John H. Myers William C. Banton Mary A. Campbell George Garnett Lottie Wilmer J. Edward Masten Wealthy Dorsey Edward Banton Mary Brown John E. Marshall Sarah Burton Parker T. Smith Maria Lindsay William W. Allen Marcelina Montier Daniel W. Parvis Celestine Mosely Willis H. Cromwell Mary A. Stuart William T. Raikes Carrie B. Jones George F. Woodson Mary E. Jones D. James Mason Anita C. Dill William J. Woodson Sarah A. Riddick Sydney E. Purnell Julia Brewington George H. Cambridge Jennie McClain Eben King Louisa Banks D. Jas. Mason Alvin F. Polk Assistants Julia E. Stanford Jane L. Johnson Constance Coppin Mary Newton Charlotte Reynolds Jane L. Johnson, Mary Newton and Moses Davis also served at the organization of the school. PRESENT SUNDAY SCHOOL BOARD D. Jas. Mason, Supt., Charlotte Reynolds, Asst. Supt.; Alice Jacobs, Sec.; Edward Bishop, Asst. Secty.; Gertie B. Lee, Treas.; Jno. Beach, Librarian; Jas. Smith, Asst. Librar¬ ian; George T. Carson, Chorister; David Mason, Organist* Charles Robbins, Pianist. Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church 19 TEACHERS 1. John E. Marshall 13. Spencer Ferrell 2. Louisa Banks 14. Moses G. Johnson 3. Rena Potts 15. Charlotte Reynolds 4. S. E. Purnell 16, Lottie Adams 5. Mary E. Lovely 17. James W. Burton 6. Constance Coppin 18. Martha Stevens 7. M. G. Johnson 19. Rena Potts 8. Alice Jacobs 20. Julia E. Stanford 9. Mary Whittington 21. Ada Owens 10. Mary Mason 22. Sadie Moore 11. George T. Carson 23. Annie Gilbert 12. Gertrude Lee 24. Emma Smith O. A. B. C. Alvin T. Polk Assistant Teachers—Mrs. Rosa Johnson, Wm. S. Glenn* Allen D. Purnell. \llen's Pulpit Historical Souvenir of "Mother'* Bethel A. M. E. Church SPEECH OF MR. WM. H. JONES, PAST EXALTED RULER I. B. P. O. E. OF PENNA. AT THE RE-OPENING OF BETHEL A. M. E. CHURCH "BETHEL—THE MOTHER CHURCH." At the outset, I think I cannot do better than to say, as I did in my reply to the communication inviting me to speak here to¬ night, that it is a most pleasant privilege to meet this splendid assemblage, and doubly pleasant to see the faces of so many good friends of mine, who are numbered among both your Of¬ ficers and Congregation. I fear, too, that somewhat regret it that my theme has been selected for me, necessitating thereby, that all of the many felicitous expressions of congratulation which are crowding my thoughts at this moment, may not be indulged in—especially just now—but must await the fulfill¬ ment of task, feeble though my effort may! be, to speak to you of BETHEL—THE MOTHER CHURCH. Some one has said that, facts are hard, cold, and incontro¬ vertible ; and that History is oftentimes but the recital of dry and spiritless doings of the past; this being so or not, the rec¬ ords of history must be resorted to and opened up to our view if we are to deal properly and truthfully with our subject, MOTHER BETHEL. It is at once to the everlasting honor and glory of the Af¬ rican Methodist Episcopal Church, that the records of his¬ tory show, that of all the Protestant Denominations, the Metho¬ dist was first to arrange for the training of the Negro along moral, religious and educational lines; and first and above all else for this, that you as Methodists, of the line of Allen, are to be congratulated in that1 as early as 1758, Rev. John Wes¬ ley baptized two (2) Negroes in the British West Indies. In 1784, Richard Allen was recognized as a local preachfer; and as a Junior Preacher traveled through Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. In 1785 Richard Allen became a mis¬ sionary preacher, laboring still in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia, Allen preached at St. George's Church, during 1785 and 1786; and this Church we ought proudly to remember was not only the oldest Church in Amer¬ ica, but as well white. Here Allen preached ofttimes from three to five sermons a day, beginning as early as. five o'clock A. M. Historical Soivenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M, E. Church In 1786—twenty years after the organization of the first "Class" in America, forty-two persons met Richard Allen and organized a "Class." Allen became its leader, teacher and preacher, making the first time in the history of the race on American soil, that one of its own members became a leader of the moral and religious forces. In 1787, Richard Allen purchased a lot on Sixth street near Lombard Street, a portion of which ground forms the hallowed and sacred spot on earth, where in 1816 African Methodism was born and where one hundred years later, this magnificent edifice stands, a tower of Christian zeal, and verily "The House of God." In 1794, the first Bethel Church was completed as a house of worship; thus from Allen, first preacher and first Bishop of African Methodism, in a direct line as clearly traceable as are the rays* of the noon-day sun, comes Bethel—The Mother Church. How appropriately named you were, and how faith¬ fully, resolutely and devoutly you have kept both to your name and to the charge of Isaac to Jacob, in the 28th Chapter of Genesis as shown in Verses I to IV inclusive and in the 10th to 22nd verses inclusive: I. And Isaac called Jacob and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of, Canaan. '2. Arise, go to Padan-aram, to the house of Bethel, thy mother's father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban, thy mother's brother. 3. And God Almighty bless, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people. 4. And give thee the blessings of Abraham, to thee and to thy seed with thee, that thou mayest inherit the land where¬ in thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham. 10. And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. II. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. 12. And he dreamed, and behold thee a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and, behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it. Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. ChurcR 13. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, T am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac; the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14. And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth; and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and 10 the north, and to the south; and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15. And behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and Mali bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. 16. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not. 17. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. 18. And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. 19. And he called the name of that place Beth-el; but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. 20. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on. 21. So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God. 22. And this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house; and of all that thou shalt give me, I will surely give the tenth unto thee. The real beginning of African Methodism, as distinctly con¬ sidered apart from its real birth in 1816, may justly be said to have originated with the formation of the Free African Society, April 1787, for from this Society sprang not only re¬ ligious denominations such as the A. M. E., Episcopalian and Presbyterian, but at the same time also were formed, secular, charitable and educational combinations; so that this So¬ ciety and the two Churches established by it, Bethel and St. Thomas, brought a change of view and became a mighty up¬ lift in the affairs of the American Negro of the period. Mother Bethel indeed, are you, when after the lapse of but one hundred and twenty-two short years you have increased Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church and multiplied and replenished the earth, till now it is your proud and matchless heritage, that your communicants over 650,000 strong, are ministered to by upwards of 7000 preach¬ ers, under the leadership and supervision of 14 Bishops, only one of whom is inactive, being superannuated; that support¬ ing twenty-four schools and colleges, with property holdings that must reach far into the millions of dollars, your juris¬ diction extends throughout the United States and Canada, in¬ to far Africa, and the Islands of the Sea. We are told that the wise ancients did not praise the ship, parting with flying colors from the port but, only, that brave sailor who came back with torn sheets and battered sides, stripped of her banners, but having ridden out the storm. And so, brothers and sisters, friends; I feel to-night with reference to this aged Bethel, with her achievements, her honors, her possessions, and also with such infirmities as an hundred and twenty-two years should be expected to gather around her, irrevocably committed as she now is to many old customs, which cannot be suddenly changed; pressed upon, as she cannot help but be, by the transitions of time and by the influex of new* and foreign peoples, modes and fashions; I be¬ hold her to-night, not dispirited, not weak, but, well remem¬ bering that she has seen dark days before, indeed, with a kind of instinct that she can see a little better in cloudy days, and that in times of storm and stress she is possessed of a sort of vigor and a pulse like a cannon. Yea! I behold you tonight, in your old age if you will, not decrepit but an hundred and twenty-two years young, and still daring to believe in your powers of endurance and ex¬ pansion. Seeing you thus it is joyous: to shout, All Hail! Beth¬ el Mother of Churches! Mother of Heroes! Mother of Martyrs! With a strength still equal to the time, still wise to entertain, and swift to execute those policies which the mind and heart of man require in the present hour, Mother Bethel! Hail! Nor can I conclude without a word for the splendid work and achievement of my good friend and brother, your honored Pastor Dr. Dunlap. That he is a man of work and of action, that he fully realizes that life is a battle for results, and that he goes forth and achieves these results is amply evidenced in the beauty and embellishments of this auditorium, which you are tonight rejoicing in; for it was, both my good fortune and my pleasure to be present here on December 5, last, when Historical Souvenir of '"Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church. the good Doctor announced that this interior was to be renovated; and lo, tonight, seven weeks and one day later., it is my honor to speak in sight of the finished work. So then, Dr. Dunlap, I have very real joy in saying also to you Sir, Hail! and Godspeed. Ending, I must pay a just and well deserved tribute to the African Methodist Episcopal Church—the Church of Allen for it is to your Church, his Church, more than to any otherr that credit is due for having taught the Negro both how to govern and how to submit to government. The influence of this entire connection upon the moral condition of our people has been most beneficient, and as it should, your name and your fame and your works, have gone out to the very ends of the earth. The Savior of the world was born in a manger, and it is more than a mere co-incident, that this the greatest religious body among Negroes in the world, should have had its origin in a black-smith shop. And now, sincerely and deeply I con¬ gratulate the African Methodist Episcopal Church on its giant growth from a mere handful of worshippers to a membership of close to a million souls in less than a century and a quarter. The distance you have come is great, but that which you yet shall traverse is vastly greater so, "KEEP a GOIN' KEEP A GOIN'! If you strike a thorn or roses Keep a Goin'! If it hails or if it snows Keep a Goin'! 'Taint no use to sit and whine When the fish ain't on your line Bait your hook and keep on tryin^ Keep a Goin'! If the weather kills your crop Keep a Goin'! When you tumble from the top Keep a Goin'! 'Spose you're out of every dime Gettin' broke ain't any crime Tell the world you're feelin' prime Keep a Goin'! When it looks like all is up Keep a Goin'! Drain the sweetness from the cup Keep a Goin'! See the wild birds on the wing Hear the bells that sweetly ring When you feel like sighin'—sing, Keep a Goin'! Historical Souvenir-of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church DISTINGUISHED MEN OF TODAY JOHN R. POWELL, President of the Corporation for fifteen years. COL, PHILIP H. EDWARDS (House Builder), CoL Regiment Patriarchi G. U. O. of O. F.; P. G. M. Grand Lodge P. A. M. of Pennsylvania and President of the Corporation of Bethel, also Provident Home Beneficial Society. D. JAS. MASON, Superintendent of the Sunday School for twenty-one years. Clerk of the Church, seven years; Sec- xetary of the Commission that built the present church. HANDY ROBBINS, Class Leader of Bethel, 46 years. DAVID AMBROSE, of Bethel Building Commission. DANIEL PAR VIS, ex-Chorister; ex-Superintendent; ex- President of the Corporation; ex-Steward and, Honorary,mem¬ ber of Bethel Historical Commission. PROF. GEO H. CAMBRIDGE, Organist of Bethel Church and Sunday School, twenty-seven years ; also ex-Superinten- sdent of the Sunday School. ANDREW MASON, President of the Allen C. E. League. WILLIAM WEBB, President of the Ushers' Association. MOSES G. JOHNSON, President Historical Commission. etc. JOHN H. MARSHALL, ex-Trustee, ex-Superintendent, Teacher and Steward. JOSHUA T. SIMPKINS, Class Leader of Bethel, 25 years. HANDY ROBBINS Born at Berlin, Maryland, June 8th, 1843. Enlis,ted in the army, January 2nd, 1864. Discharged, February 14th, 1867. Wounded, July 30th, 1864, in front of Petersburg, Vir¬ ginia. Came to Philadelphia, February 15th, 1867. Convert¬ ed, October, 1858. Joined Bethel in the year of 1868. Elected Trustee, 1872 and served six years. Appointed class leader, 1870 by Rev. Young. Appointed Steward in 1878 by Rev. G. 26 Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church John E. Marshall iii"~. h. r<,+- Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church C. Whitfield. Elected Treasurer of the church, 1888 and served twenty years. Brother Robbins is the father of nine children and has been a class leader of the church for 46 years. As far as we know he is the oldest member in this part of the country. Brother Robbins has six love feast tickets signed by Richard Allen personally. It is a notable fact that Brother Robbins was with the colored troops in the capture of Richmond on April 3rd, 1865. His wife, Jemima Robbins, daughter of Rev. Thomas Jones, the founder of Zion A. M. E. Church, was con-, verted at Bethel Church when but a child. She is a Sr. •Stewardess of Bethel and has filled all the positions in the Church available to the sisters. JOHN E. MARSHALL, (whose picture appears on the op¬ posite page), Ex-Trustee; Steward; Ex-Sunday School Super¬ intendent; Class Leader; member of the Choir; father of five children, and has five grand children, all of whom belong to Sunday Schools. CHARLES H. POTTS, (whose picture also appears on the opposite page), is Senior Steward and Treasurer of Stewards' Board, Class Leader and Sunday School teacher. MOSES G. JOHNSON . Born in Philadelphia, 1855. Educated at Birds School (opposite Bethel Church). Joined Bethel Sunday School, 1860. His grandmother was a member of the first church. He is teacher of Class 7 in the school. Delegate to the General Conference of 1916. Steward, member of Class 29, Sarah Allen League, one of the founders and secretary of the Allen Guard; founder of the Hall of Fame, Historical Commission and His¬ torical Society. A collector of Allenonia, and everything of historic value relating to the A. M. E. Church. President of the Historic Commission, President of Chapter No. 1, Rich¬ ard Allen Laymen's Assn. He is an employe in the Recorder of Deeds' office. Is married and has one child, a boy. Mrs. RoS& E. Johnson, his wife, is an enthusiastic worker in the church and Sunday school, being President of the Young Peoples Association, Teacher in the Sunday school, member of the Allied Sunday School Reception Committee, and of the Sarah Allen Auxiliary to the R. A. L. A.; also one of the Allen Guard and Ushers Auxiliary. Historical Souvenir of 4'Mother" Bethel A. Mi E. Churek W. H. JONES. Born in the Danish West Indies 1864. In 1876 he went to London, England, where he lived three years. He came to this country in 1879, and entered into the shipping busi¬ ness. In 1888 he engaged into the grocery business and after seven years launched out into the real estate and insurance business in which he continues very successfully to the pres¬ ent. Served three years in the Army of Central America, Bolivia, and came out with the Commission of Captain. He has been Captain of the Philadelphia Patriarche twenty-one years. Present Coloniel of the 3rd Patriarche Regiment; Past Grand Present Colonel of the 3rd Patriarche Regiment; Past Grand mander, Knights Templer, of the State of Penna. Col. Philip H. Edwards, the president of the Bethel Church Corp, Philadelphia, Pa., was converted and received into the Church during the time Rev. L. J. Coppin, now Bishop, was pastor of Bethel Church, the fourth Sunday in March, 1896, and he has been an active member of the Church since that time,. He was, elected a trustee in April, 1904, and served six • years until April, 1910. On April 8, 1912, he was elected presi¬ dent of the Corporation of Bethel A. M. E. Church, defeating John R. Powell, who had led the Corporation for about sixteen years. Under his administration the Church has had unusual financial success. From April 14, 1912, to the present date, the trustee department has collected in money from all sources about $19,000, and spent about $17,700. On entering into office the trustee department owed current expenses of $1000, and the bonded indebtedness was $16,997. There was a mortgage of $1500 which had been held against the church for 26 years. The current indebtedness and the $1500 mortgage have been paid in full, and the bonded indebtedness reduced from $16,997 to $11,997. Where the old frame build¬ ings stood, next to the Church, there have been built two mod¬ ern houses of twelve rooms each, at a cost of $16,000, and the Church has been renovated at a cost of $2500. The church also owns the ground and properties from 635 Lombard street to the corner of Sixth and Addison streets. Col. Ed¬ wards is not only useful in church circles, but he is popular in fraternal affairs. p Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M.. E. Church 29 \ Capt. P. H. Edwards W. H. Jones D. James Mason Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church Moses G. Johnson, a steward in Mother Bethel A. M. E. Church, was bom in Philadelphia, Pa., June 9, 1855. His parents, Mr. George and Mrs. Mary Ann Johnson, were both members of Mother Bethel Church, and his grandmother was a member of the first Bethel A. M. E. Church during the days of Bishop Richard Allen, hence he has more than ordinary at¬ tachment to this cradle of African Methodism. He attended school from the age of seven for about nine years, attending principally Bird's School, at Sixth above Lombard street, Phil¬ adelphia. He was converted in January 1897, and joined Bethel Church in which he is steward, Sunday school teacher and church marshal. His wife is Mrs. Rosa E. Johnson, to whom he was married in 1908. He is founder and president of Bethel Historical Commission, and author of the centennial souvenir of Mother Bethel; a charter member and secretary of Allen Guards, and custodian of Bishop Allen's tomb, charter member of Sarah Allen League, founder of Bethel's Young People's Association, former president of Bethel A. C. E. League. Mr. Johnson has been a member of the Central Com¬ mittee of Colored Republicans, a contributor to several .peri¬ odicals, and is a lay delegate to the Centennial General Con¬ ference, representing the Philadelphia Conference. D. James Mason, superintendent of Bethel A. M. E, Sunday School, Philadelphia, is the only son of Robert James and Margaret Shorts Mason. He was born in Philadelphia, March 19, 1862. His parents died when he was quite young and he was reared by his aunt Phoebe Mason. He attended the James Forten Grammar School, and received a good scholastic train¬ ing. At the age of five years he was enrolled as a scholar in Bethel A. M. E. Sunday school, was converted January 19, 1880, at a revival service under the pastorate of Rev. Levi J. Coppin, joined the church and has ever since remained there-* in. He has served three terms as superintendent. First term, three years; second term, four years; and the third, fourteen consecutive years, in which he has, earnestly and faithfully performed the duties of the office which has won for him the esteem of his school. He has served longer than any superin¬ tendent of the school. He also holds the bffices of church clerk, secretary of the stewards' board, secretary of the quar¬ terly conference, class leader and a member of the choir. He Historical Souvenir of "Mother7' Bethel A. M. E. Church 31 Rev. Thomas Jones Founder Zion A. M. E. Church Moses G. Johnson Mrs. Rosa E. Johnson, Pres. of the Youmg People's Asso'n; Vice Pres. of the Historical Society; Sunday School teacher; member of Auxiliary to Ushers, Allen Guards and Conference Branch M. M. Society Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church was married to Miss Henrietta Fassitt, of Philadelphia, Jan¬ uary 25,1893, by Rev. William D. Cook. This happy union was severed by the death of Mrs. Mason, August 22, 1906, leaving four children—J. Winsmore, Henrietta C., George A., and Evelyn K., who have been in the care of their father, and are active in Mother Bethel Church and Sunday school, Philadel¬ phia. • Sydney E. Purnell was born January 2, 1867, at Snow Hill, Worcester County, Maryland, the son of William P. and Nellie Purnell. Received his education in the public schools at his home and in New York City. At the age of seventeen he was forced to stop school and go to work. His father had become blind and his mother a cripple. He took up seafaring life and traveled on the Atlantic Ocean for three years. He then lo¬ cated in New York and was chief steward of a yacht club for two years. He moved to Philadelphia, December 31, 1888, and on January 7, 1889, secured position as porter with a millinery firm; after two years he was promoted to shipping and receiv¬ ing clerk and holds that position until now. He was converted at Snow Hill when eleven years old and joined the church immediately. His mother entered him on the Sunday school roll when he was three years old and he has continued an active member of the church and Sunday school. He joined Bethel Church and Sunday school, Philadelphia, January, 1889; has served as a class leader, steward, church clerk, secretary o^ the stewards' board and Sunday school teacher. He served as District Superintendent of the Philadelphia District fourteen years. He served as secretary of the Publication Board for a number of years. Mr. Purnell is well informed on the discip¬ line and church law, and is an influential and prominent citizen. He was married on November 27,1895, in Philadelphia, to Miss Julia Lucinda Sumby, who was formerly of Alexandria, Va., and the union has been a happy one. Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church 33 The Third "Mother" Bethel Building Historical Souvenir of '"Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Churchy GREAT WOMEN OF BETHEL Christianity was destined to be a great lever to uplift woman. Her status was to be altered with this new inaugu¬ ration of Christian womanhood. Could a more appropriate time have been chosen for it than the day set for sacred recol¬ lections in the church? It was a new step that was taken, and we have to note that women were chosen as the first to see Jesus and the first to make known to the disciples that He had returned to earth. They, too, were to be witnesses and the truth is obvious that, without the instincts of woman¬ hood, the internal evidences of Christianity would have lacked completeness. These thoughts suggest good reasons for the exercise of diligence in the Master's service and for women doing- what they have to do with all their might. It is necessary because the work to be done is great and also because others have to be drawn by woman's example and influence into the same service. Her influence must of necessity react upon others, and every true life becomes a living stone in the pal¬ ace of the King. Note here a few of the many great women of the church: Mother Duncan, one of Allen's helpers and one of the organizers of the Praying Band; Wealthy Dorsey, one of the leaders of the band; Aunt Hattie Thomas and Mother Shep¬ herd, organizers of the Sunday Morning Prayer Meeting; Sophie Murray, a member of the 2d church and first evangelist of Bethel, whose name fifty years ago was known and rever¬ enced throughout the land; Martha Collins, one of the sweet¬ est singers of the race; Jane Johnson, the Heroine, whose bravery and strategy saved the church from being burned in the riots of 1844, when the mob, after destroying the Cali¬ fornia House, assembled in front of Bethel. Fearing for the safety of the church, Jane Johnson collected a score of male members, entered the church ahead of the mob—their only ammunition being bags of red pepper, bricks and clubs. She caused the men to boldly ascend the stairway on the north, creep over to the south, come down the south stairway and again ascend on the north. By repeating these tactics the mob, seeing what they believed a continuous stream of men ascend with clubs, which in the darkness they mistook for guns, was afraid to attack the church. After a fmsillade of Historical Souvenir of "Mother", Bethel A. M. E, Church bricks and stones having broken the windows, they dispersed. Thus the name of Jane Johnson deserves a prominent place1 on Bethel Honor Roll. Kitty Fletcher, Leah Read, Lizzie Clark, Mona, Catto, Lizzie Parker, Caroline Girding, Mary Ann Johnson were members of the Freedmen's Relief Association of Bethel, who fed, clothed, sheltered and found employment for the emanci¬ pated slaves in 1863. Lizzie Armstrong, the great soprano, helped to make the choir of Bethel the most famous in the country, afterwards being called to Wilmington, where she organized and directed the famous Wilmington Choir. Sophie Fresco was organizer and president of the Wom¬ en's Day Association, which has done so much in helping the church financially. Fanny Jackson Coppin, principal of the Institute for Col¬ ored Youth and organizer of the Manual Training School, now at Cheyney, was a woman of world-wide renown. Hundreds of young men and women have been trained by her, and through her efforts many have found places in the arts and professions of the day. She accompanied her husband, Bishop Coppin, to South Africa and helped him in the organization of churches, colleges and schools in the Fatherland. Josie Heard is known as a school teacher and a writer of music. For a number of years she was musical direqfcress in Morris Brown College, Atlanta, Ga., and also proved a valu¬ able aid to her husband, Bishop Heard, on the west coast of Africa. The women of the church should take the words of the mother of Jesus for their life motto and unfailing guide; "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it." (St. John, 2d chap., 5th verse.) That is, His will should be their sincere, un¬ swerving choice. They should fill to the brim their minds and hearts with everything pure, lovely and of good report; take life as His Providence offers it, with all its opportunities. Then, as He directs, draw out the wine of love, service, good cheer, sympathy and every grace that makes the individual heart' and the hearts of others happy. In fellowship with Him they should have that divine magnetism which drew the Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church publicans and sinners unto Him. They who toil for the good of souls work together with God and see the power of divine increase blessing their efforts, an increase that has! in it the issues and rewards of eternity. Consecration, faith and patient courage will remove obstacles that seem insurmountable and crown with success the work which every hand may find to do. JULIA E. STANFORD. ELIZABETH FISHER Born at Concord, Del., came to Philadelphia when a child. Converted at Bethel in 1882. Joined Class No. 9, of which she is Secretary. She has been a Stewardess twelve years and four years its President. President of the Allen Guard (Cus¬ todians of the Allen Tomb), Vice-President of the Women's Mite Missionary Society; Treasurer of the Dorcas Society. "Lizzie" Fisher as she is fondly called by her friends, is an enthusiast in all matters pertaining to the A. M. E. Church, and a "dyed in the wool" Bethelite. MRS. ISABELLA SOPHIA JACKSON Mrs. Isabella Sophia Jackson was born in Philadelphia, Pa., March 18th, 1866, at the Kelley Homestead, 1115 Rodman street, where her parents and grand-parents had previously resided. She is the daughter of the late Joshua D. and Isabella Melvina Kelley, who were active workers in the church. She united with the church under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Fick- land, an# has been at work ever since. She now holds the posi¬ tion of Vice-President of the Sr. Stewardess' Board; President of the Randolph Circle and Historical Society. MRS. CARRIE FISHER Mrs. Carrie Fisher was born in 1885 at 422 S. 6th street, opposite Bethel A. M. E. Church. She is the great, great, great granddaughter of Richard Allen. She was converted and joined Bethel Church when eleven years of age. She was educated at the Institute for Colored Youth, of which the late Mrs. Fanny Jackson Coppin was principal; was made the first President of the Allen's Altar Guild in 1907, which position she still holds. "Our" Carrie (as she is lovingly called by us) is a true type of an earnest, faithful, young Christian woman and a devoted wife. Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church 37 Mrs. C. J. Coppin Mrs. Elizabeth Fisher Mrs. Gertrude B. Lee Mrs. Isabella Jackson Historical Spuvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church, MRS. CONSTANCE J. COPPIN Mrs. Constance J. Coppin (sister-in-law of the Rt. Rev. L. J. Coppin), was born in Philadelphia, January 18th, 1861. Was brought to Bethel A. M. E. Church when an infant by her parents, the late Martin L. and Rebecca Jacobs, who were among the early workers in Mother Bethel. She was converted under the first pastorate of the late Rev. Joseph S. Thompson and joined the church. She became active in church and Sunday school work, being a teacher in the Sunday school for sixteen years. She held the position of Assistant Superinten¬ dent for eleven years and rendered valuable services. DISTINGUISHED WOMEN OF TODAY MRS. LENA MASON Mrs. Lena Mason, Evangelist, of the Colorado Conference, was born in Quincy, 111., May the .eighth, 1864, in the Soldiers' Barracks, on Hampshire street. Her mother having escaped from slavery to that State, found refuge in the Barracks, her father having gone to war. He enlisted November, 1863, in Company I, No. 56, under command of General Godfrey and Lieutenant Cutslinger. Her parents were Relda Doolin and Vaughn Poole Doolin. There were born to them eight girls and two boys. She being the fifth child. She experienced her first call to preach at seven years of age and was converted at nine. It may seem strange that she was called to preach be¬ fore conversion. The war going on, slaves running away, masters pursuing them, her mother riot knowing what would befall her, gave her to God as Hannah did Samuel. And He that said "Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven," led her through green pastures and beside still waters, and His rod and staff did comfort her, till at nine years of age He converted her soul, and made known unto her that she was a Chosen Vessel unto Him. She united with the church in January, 1872, under Rev. John Turner, pastor of the A. M. E. Church, Hannibal, Mo. She continued to grow in Grace and in the Knowlegde of Truth and experience, her second call at twelve years of age. At that time she fully understood that it was time she was about her Father's business, as Jesus did when He stood Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church Mrs. Helena Arkansas Mason Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church in the Temple before the lawyers and doctors and said: "It is time I was about My Father's business." Having no one to explain the Scriptures to her, she prayed to God for the understanding, and He that told Solomon: "If you lack wisdom, ask of^Me, and I will give liberally, and up¬ braid not," began to lead her out in the Spirit. She says that He began to teach her spiritually by visions and revela¬ tions and from that time on she has been a power in saving souls. ELIZABETH FISHER, President of the Board of Stew¬ ardesses and Allen Guard. ANNA NIAS, President of the Women's Day Association. RENA POTTS, President of the Board of Jr. Stewardesses. CARRIE FISHER, Great, Great Granddaughter of Richard Allen and President of Allen's Altar Guild. ISABELLA JACKSON, President of the Randolph Circle and Historical Association, also Stewardess. ELIZABETH STANFORD, Founder of the Allen Guard. FANNIE JACKSON, President of the Sarah Allen League. VIRGINIA ANDERSON, President of the Deaconesses' Board. MAMIE BELL, President of the Ushers' Auxiliary. LUCY WOODING, President of the Pastor's Club. REBECCA TAYLOR, President of the Trustees' Auxil¬ iary. HENRIETTA COX, President of the King's Daughters and Sons. FANNIE SIMPKINS, President of the Golden Circle. M. H. DUNLAP, President of the Missioi&ary Society. Historical Souvenir o(f "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church FLORRIE LEWIS MAKEL, President of the Sr. Choir. GERTRUDE B. LEE, Stewardess; Treasurer of the Sun¬ day School and Historical Association. CONSTANCE COPPIN, Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School for eleven years. ROSA E. JOHNSON, President of the Young Peoples' Association. JUILA E. STANFORD, Stewardess, ex-Assistant Super¬ intendent of the Sunday School, Secretary of the Altar Guild and Historical Society, also Superintendent of the Primary De¬ partment of the Sunday School. CHARLOTTE REYNOLDS, Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School. ALLEN GUARDS Custodians of Allen's Tomb Elizabeth Fisher, President Gertrude B. Lee, Vice President Moses G. Johnson. Secretary Fanny Simpkins, Ass't Secretary Ella Jones, Treasuree David B. Ambrose, Chaplain The Allen Guard has raised $600, for the embellishment o the Tomb and other church purposes. ALLEN ALTAR GUILD Allen's Altar Guild was organized in 1907 by Dr. Montrose W. Thornton. It was called Allen's Altar Guild to dignify, honor and revere the name of Richard Allen, the founder of African Methodism. The establishment of this Auxiliary in Bethel, is a distinguished honor to he surviving relatives of the founder, one of whom, the great great grand-daughter, Mrs. Carrie Fisher is President. The work of the Guild is to hold keep in order and handle the Communion Service, to fur¬ nish' keep and set the Communion Surplices. Also to assist in work and effort all laudable, religious and financial undertak¬ ings of Allen's Church-Bethel. Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church Our present pastor, Rev. C. C. Dunlap, D. ALTAR GUILD of BETHEL A. M. E. CHURCH ( Emma, Morrow Estella Harrod Amelia Harper Julia E. Stanford Mary Hardy Helena Webb Carrie Fisher Florence Blackledge SUNDAY SCHOOL BOARD of BETHEL A. M. E. CHURCH Sitting on floor in front—Barbara Lee Saunders; 1st row seated from left to right—David S. Mason, Edward Bishop, Miss Julia E. Stanford, Mrs. Constance J. Coppin, D. James Mason, Supt., Mrs. Gertrude B. Lee, Miss M. Alice Jacobs, Chas. Robbins, John Beach; 2nd row—Syndey E. Purnell, Geo. T. Carson, Alvin F. Polk, Spencer W. Ferrell, Mrs. Emma Smith, Miss Mary Whittington, Mrs. .Rena F. Potts, Mrs. Mary E. Mason, Mrs. Annie Gilbert, James Burton; top row—John E. Marshall, Mrs. Josephine Saunders, Mrs. Carrie Fisher, Mrs. Rosa E. Johnson, Mrs. Charlotte Reynolds, Mrs. Annetta Johnson, Miss Ada Owens, Mrs. Lottie Adams. Miss Sadie Moore, Moses G. Johnson. - .... - „ . j 46 Historical Sotivenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church TRUSTEES of BETHEL A. M. E. CHURCH Standing left to right—Robert T, Allen, George T. Carson, Burvin Hardy, Nathaniel Morgan, Daniel E. Nies, Samuel Adams. Sitting—Amstread Rollins, F. Leonard Williams, P. H. Edwards, Pres.; Phillip C. Spriggs. Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church 47 STEWARDS of BETHEL A. M. E. CHURCH Standing" left to right—John E. Marshall, E. Alex. Hamilton, Chas. Bell, Albert Marshall, Moses G. Johnson. Sitting—Chas. H. Potts, Rev. C. C. Dunlap, D. Jas. Mason. HISTORICAL COMMISSION of BETHEL A. M. E. CHURCH Historical Souvenir of * 'Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church SARAH ALLEN LEAGUE Fannie Jackson, Pres. Mary E. Wilson, Sec'y Ella Jones, Treas. George Jackson Mary Mason Rebecca Thomas Carrie Hunter Laura Whitehurst Handy Robbins Barbara Saunders Margaret Leonard Matthew Manor Anna Saunders Josephine Saunders, Vice Pres, Lydia Hardy, Ass't Sec'y Rev. Alex. Murray, Chaplain Catherine Wright Florence Carter Rev. and Mrs. Dunlap Mary Smith Rebecca Taylor Venus Jenkins Elizabeth Houston Katie Davis Laura Hamilton William Hill Moses G. Johnson Gertrude B. Lee Onina Robbins Annie Sipple David Ambrose Anna Nias Daniel Nias Ida Washington Sadie Waters Elsie Good Oscar E. Jones KELLY CIRCLE Chas. H. Bell, President Lillian A. Kelly, Sec'y Jos. F. Kelly, Treas. RANDOLPH CIRCLE Mrs. Isabella Jackson, Pres. Lillian Kelly, Sec'y Jas. Burton, Treas. HISTORICAL COMMISSION Extract From the Minutes of the Allen Guard, August 10,1908 "Mr. M. G. Johnson spoke at length on the lack of a his¬ tory of our church, saying in part it is time that we began to gather in this church pictures and historical relics of the founders of the A. M. E. Church, and offered the following resolution, which was adopted: Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed, to be known as' the Historical Committee, whose duty shall be to collect, care for and preserve such arti¬ cles of historical value as may be now or hereafter ki the possession of the church. "Resolved, That we petition the trustees to give a room in the church to be known as 'Allen Historical Museum.' " Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church At the annual meeting of the corporation in 1911 the commission was officially recognized as a department of the church. Historical Commission Moses G. Johnson, Linton Fisher, Alvin F. Polk, F. Leon¬ ard Williams, Sydney E. Purnell, Wm. H. Owens, Nathan Stan¬ ford. The Historical Society was organized by Mrs. Isabella Jackson, as an auxiliary to the Historical Commission. Officers President, Isabella Jackson; vice president, Rosa E. John¬ son; secretary, Julia Stanford; assistant secretary, Olivia Hemsley; treasurer, Gertie B. Lee. Sidney £. Purrfell Hi«%©rieal Souvenir of "Mother Bethel^ A. M. E. Church CHURCH DIRECTORY A. M. E. CHURCHES Bethel—Sixth Street helow Pine Campbell-Oxford Street North of St. Paul, Frankford. (Take car on Route 4—North on Seventh Street). Union—Sixteenth Street and Fairmount Avenue. Zion—Twenty-first and Tasker Streets. Allen—Seventeenth and Bainbridge Streets. Mt. Olive—Clifton Street below South. Mt. Pisgah—Locust Street West of Fortieth. Morris Brown—Twenty-fifth Street and Ridge Avenue. Ward Chapel—Forty-sixth Street and Fairmount Avenue, Disney Mission—Collins Street West of Westmoreland. Germantown A. M. E. Church—Germantown. Elm wood—Tinicum Avenue and Eighty-fourth Street, \ Mt. Zion—Darby. Emanuel—Twenty-fourth and York Streets. LaMott—City Line and School Lane. St. John—Seventy-second Street and Greenway Avenue. A. M. E. ZION CHURCHES Wesley—Fifteenth and Lombard Streets. Yarick Temple—Nineteenth and Catharine Streets. Bethsada Mission—Fitzwater Street above Twelfth, St. Peters' Mission—Lombard Street above Ninth. Union Mission—Eleventh Street and Girard Avenue. M. E. CHURCHES St George—Fourth Street North of Pine. (The Church from which Richard Allen and Absalom Jones seceded). Calvary-Broad Street below Fitzwater. Zoar—Twelfth and Melon Streets. Jones-Haynes Street, Germantown. Snmerville M. E. Church-Somerville. Bainbridge St. M. E. Church-Bainbridge St. below Twelfth. Haven—Twenty-third and Oxford Streets. John Wesley—Forty-sixth and Aspen Streets. Ferry Ave. M. E- Church—Eighth Street and Ferry Avenue. Historical" Souvenir of ' 'Mother'''" Bethel A, M. E. Chard;. BAPTIST CHURCHES First African—Sixteenth and Christian Streets.- Shiloh—Lombard Street above Eleventh.- Ebenezer—Mt. Vernon Street below Broad. Providence—Powelton Avenue above Thirty-sixth Street.. St. Paul—Eigth Street and Girard Avenue- Union—Nineteenth and Fitzwater Streets.. Second Baptist—Mulberry Street North of Neadow- Zion—Thirteenth and Wallace Street- Holy Trinity—Eighteenth above Bainbridge Streets- PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES First African—Seventeenth and Fitzwater Streets.. Berean—Nineteenth Street and College Avenue- Central—Lombard Street below Ninth. PROSTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHUCHES St. Thomas—Twelfth and Walnut Streets. (The church found¬ ed by Absalom Jones. Crucifixion—Eighth and Bainbridge Streets. St. Simon:—Twenty-second and Reed Streets St.. Michael and All-Angels—Forty-fifth Street. ' CATHOLIC CHURCHES St. Peter Claver—Twelfth and Lombard Streets- St. Monica—Broad and Poplar Streets- Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church Union A. M. E. Church, lGth and FairniLunt Aw. Historical Souyenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church ROSTER OF LODGES, F. & A. M. At 409 South 11th Street Laurel Lodge, No. 2•—Third Friday each month. Phoenix Lodge, No. 3—Second Tuesday each month, Widow-Son Lodge, No. 4—First Wednesday each month, Hiram Lodge, No. 5—Third Thursday each month. Mt. Lebanon Lodge, No. 9—First Tuesday each month. Prudence Lodge, No. 11—-Fourth Monday each month. Athenian Lodge, No. 24—Fourth Tuesday each month. Mt. Olive Lodge, No. 27—First Friday each month. St. Albans Lodge, No. 35—Fourth Friday each month. Bethel Lodge, No. 47—First Thursday each month. Philadelphia Lodge, No. 74—Second Thursday each month. Roster of Lodges at 1227 Locust Street Paradise Lodge, No. 1—Third Wednesday each month. Sheba Lodge, No. 7—First Tuesday each month. Olive Branch Lodge, No. 8—First Wednesday each month. Christian Lodge, No. 12—First Friday each month. St. John Lodge, No. 44—Fourth Wednesday each month. Morning Star Lodge, No. 48—Fourth Tuesday each month. King David Lodge, No. 52—Second Friday each month. Rose of Sharon Lodge—Darby. Prince Hall Lodge, No. 57—Manayunk—First and Third Mondays. Star in the East Lodge, No. 55—Germantown—First Monday. Roster of G. U. O. O. F. Unity Lodge, No. 711—First and Third Wednesdays. Good Samaritan Lodge, No. 816—Second Fraternal Lodge, No. 893—First Friday and Third Wednesday. Phoenix Lodge, No. 894—First and Fourth Tuesdays. Friendship Lodge, No. 898—First Wednesday. Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church Covenant Lodge, No. 895—Second and Fourth Fridays. Carthagenian Lodge, No. 901—Second and Fourth Wednes¬ days. -Mt. Olive Lodge, No. 964—First and Fourth Fridays. Good Hope Lodge, No. 1122—Second and Fourth Tuesdays. Mt. Lebanon Lodge, No. 1213—S'econd and Fourth Thursdays. Equity Lodge, No. 1344—First and Third Tuesdays. St. Albans Lodge, No. 1441—Second Monday. Keystone Lodge, No. 1546—First Tuesday. Gideon Lodge, No. 1715—Second Monday. Beth Eden Lodge, No. 1760—First Monday and Third Friday'. Philadelphia Lodge, No. 2751—Second Wednesday. Pennsylvania Lodge, No. 3143—Third Wednesday and First Friday. Quaker City Lodge, No. 3550—First and Third Tuesdays. Apollo Lodge, No. 5821—Second and Fourth Wednesdays. St. Joseph Lodge, No. 8293—First Thursday and Third Mon¬ day. Salem Lodge, Darby, No. 1361—First Thursday. Wm. Murphy Lodge, Media, No. 1448—First Friday. Germantown Lodge, Germantown, No. 2205—Second and Fourth Tuesdays. Lamott Lodge, Lajmott, No. 3242—First and Third Wednes¬ days. Providential Lodge, Bryn Mawr, No. 6107—First and Third Wednesdays. Household of Ruth—No. 2, No. 3, No. 45, No. 81, No. 134, No. 168 No. 301, No. 941, No. 1851, No. 1930, No. 2362; West Philadelphia, No. 2525; Bryn Mawr, No. 3781; German- town, No. 4, No. 9, No. 4228. PGM. Councils, No. 2; Philadelphia Patriachi, No. 1; Key¬ stone, Patriarch!, No. 197; Juveniles, No. 32, No. 199, No. 308, No. 633. Historical SouveniT of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Church PLACES OF INTEREST "MOTHER" BETHEL A. M. E. CHURCH, 6th St. below Pine. Contains Allen's Tomb and Museum JAMES FORTEN SCHOOL, in the rear is the old Bird School, the first School used for Colored Boys and Girls. BETSY ROSS HOUSE, 23^ Arch St.,where the first American Flag was made. CITY HALL, Broad and Market Sts., open to visitors from 9:00 a. m. to 3:00 p. m. INDEPENDENCE HALL 6th and Chestnut Sts. t FAIRMOUNT PARK, in which, Horticultural HaU. Memorial Hall, Wm. Penn House, General Grant's. House and the Zoological Garden are to be found. HOME FOR AGED and INFIRM COLORED PEOPLE, 4-th and Girard Avenue. DOUGLAS HOSPITAL, and TRAINING SCHOOL for NURSFS, 1530 Lombard St. MERCY HOSPITAL and TRAINING SCHOOL for NURSES, N. W. Cor. 17th and Fitzwater Sts. YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, 1724 Christian Street PEOPLES' SAVING BANK, 1508 Lombard Street BROWN and STEPHENS BANK, N. E. Cor. Broad and Lom¬ bard Street YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN. ASSOCIATION, 619 So. 16th Street ACADEMY of FINE ARTS Broad and Cherry Sts. ACADEMY of NATURAL SCIENCE 19th and Race Sts. CARPENTER'S HALL, Rear 322 Chestnut St. U. S. NAVY YARD, League Island Historical Souvenir of "Mother '' Bethel A. M. E; Church CATALOGUE OF BETHEL HISTORICAL MUSEUM 1. Bishop Richard Allen 2. Mrs. Sarah Allen (Wife of Bishop Allen) 3. Religious Liberty Pulpit First Pulpit used by Richard Allen 4. Chair used by Richard Allen 5. Prayer stool used by Richard Allen 6. Bench used in First Church 7. Platter owned by Sarah Allen 8. Allen's Bible 9. Altar Pillars of First Brick Church 10. Autographs of Richard and Sarah Allen, and Bishop Morris Brown 11. Bookcase used in First Brick Church 12. Bishop Morris Brown 13. Bishop Waters 14. Bishop Daniel Payne 15. Bishop Shorter 16. Standing Bishops Campbell and Payne, sitting Shorter Way man and Brown 17. Bishop Grant 18. Leaders of A. M. E. Church 1870 19. Rev. Walter Proctor licensed by Bishop Allen 20. Roughcast Church of 1805, the First Church after Black¬ smith Shop 21. First Brick Church of 1840 22. First Brick Church remodeled in 1870 23. Interior and Conference of 1843 24. Interior of Gallery (rear view) 25. Interior Gallery (Pulpit) 26. Present Church built 1889 27. Building Commission oi Present Church 28. Painting of Old Church on bricks from the Church 29. 30. Rev. John Wesley 31. Bible used by Bishop Allen 32. Stones and Pottery from Holy Land 33. Bishops of Church 1876 34. Allen's Communion Table 35' Wine Jug dug from foundation of First Church in 1S15 36. Wives of Bishops 37. Bishops of 1816 to 1916 Historical Souvenir of "Mother" Bethel A. M. E. Churefe 88. William Moore, 7th Pastor of Bethel Church 39. John Cornish, 8th " " 40. Henry Young, 10th " " 'f 41. Henry Davis, 11th " " " 42. Joshua Woodlin, 16th