Bethel AME Church is the first church established by Richard Allen in Philadelphia in 1794. It became the mother church of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination.
Related terms
Mother church: A mother church serves as the central or primary location from which other churches within its denomination are established.
Philadelphia: Philadelphia was where Bethel AME Church was founded by Richard Allen. It played an instrumental role in shaping early American history and served as a center for various social and political movements.
Religious autonomy: Religious autonomy refers to having independence and self-governance within one's religious community. Establishing Bethel AME Church allowed Richard Allen and his followers to have control over their own religious practices and leadership.