Ricahrd Allen, Founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Today the Church remembers a friend of Absalom Jones, Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Born into slavery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 14 February 1760, Allen bought his freedom at age 17.

 

Allen, as well as Absalom Jones, were members of St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church, where blacks and whites worshiped together. Allen and Jones became assistant ministers and conducted prayer meetings. Frustrated with the limitations the church placed on them and Black parishioners, in 1787 they both left the church.  Jones joined the Episcopal Church and Allen founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church (“AME”).  Using a converted blacksmith shop, Allen opened the doors of Bethel AME Church on 29 July 1794. In 1799, Allen became the first black Methodist minister, ordained by Bishop Francis Asbury, in recognition of his leadership and preaching.

 

Allen died in his home on this day in 1831.

 

Let us pray:  Loving God, your servant Richard Allen was born a slave, but in you he learned that he was your beloved child by adoption in Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit was led to proclaim liberty to his captive people: Give us strength to proclaim your freedom to the captives of our world; through Jesus Christ, Savior of all, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

 

Lenten Program, The Rule of Life, is at Trinity on Wednesday, 1 April starting at 6 PM.  The Rev. Bob Flick will be our speaker. 

 

This Sunday is Palm Sunday.  We start at the cross outside.

 

Senior Health Lunches with hosted by the Rev. Dr. Helen Appelberg and UTMB at St. Augustine’s starting Tuesday, 14 April at 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.  Come and learn about health issues from trained medical professional speakers.  Spanish speakers are especially welcome since there will be someone from UTMB providing translations.  Please get the word out!

 

The Annual BBQ with Bigmista is right around the corner, 2 May.  Pitch in and help!

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially those recovering from surgery.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550