50 Facts About Richard Allen

Early Life and Slavery

Richard Allen's journey began in a world where freedom was a distant dream for many African Americans. His early life was marked by hardship and resilience.

1. Richard Allen was born into slavery on February 14, 1760, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a family owned by Benjamin Chew, a Quaker lawyer.
2. When Allen was a child, his family was sold to Stokeley Sturgis, a plantation owner in Delaware.
3. At the age of 17, Allen was converted to Methodism by an itinerant preacher, which significantly influenced his life and future.
4. Allen’s master, Sturgis, was also influenced by Allen’s devout lifestyle and eventually became a Methodist himself.
5. In 1780, Allen purchased his freedom for $2,000 by working extra jobs over a period of five years. He changed his name from “Negro Richard” to Richard Allen.

Religious Awakening and Preaching

Allen's newfound faith in Methodism became the cornerstone of his life. His dedication to spreading the gospel was unwavering.

6. While still enslaved, Allen began preaching in Methodist churches and meetings in the Baltimore area. His religious activities convinced Sturgis that slavery was wrong.
7. After purchasing his freedom, Allen became a traveling preacher, spreading the gospel to both whites and blacks throughout eastern Pennsylvania and adjacent states.
8. In 1787, Allen and Absalom Jones founded the Free African Society (FAS), a non-denominational mutual aid society dedicated to helping the black community. The society provided assistance in finding work, homes, literacy education, and financial education.
9. During the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia in 1793, FAS members were hired as nurses, collected human remains, and buried them for the city. Many members died from the illness.
10. Allen and other African American Methodists left St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church due to racial tensions and segregation. They formed a separate church that would become Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Establishing Bethel Church

Allen's vision for an independent black church led to the creation of Bethel Church, a sanctuary for African Americans seeking spiritual and social empowerment.

11. In 1794, Allen founded Bethel Church in an old blacksmith’s shop. The church became known as “Mother Bethel” and served as the first independent black church in the United States.
12. In 1799, Francis Asbury ordained Allen as a deacon, making him the first African American to be ordained in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
13. Allen served as the pastor of Bethel Church and worked tirelessly to keep it separate from the white-led Methodist Episcopal organization.
14. In 1816, Allen united other African Methodist congregations from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland to form the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). He was elected as the first bishop of the new denomination.
15. Allen became the first African American bishop in the United States, consecrated in 1816. His leadership played a crucial role in establishing the AME Church as a powerful force for African American spiritual and social empowerment.

Education and Community Support

Allen's commitment to education and community support was evident in his numerous initiatives aimed at uplifting African Americans.

16. Allen cared passionately about education and opened a day school for African American children. He also promoted literacy and financial education through the Free African Society.
17. Allen abhorred slavery and actively worked for its abolition. He maintained his home as a stop on the Underground Railroad, helping countless enslaved individuals escape to freedom.
18. Allen’s home in Philadelphia served as a key stop on the Underground Railroad, where he and his wife, Sarah Bass, helped many enslaved individuals escape to freedom.
19. Allen was involved in various community projects, including helping to organize Sabbath schools to teach literacy and promoting national organizations to develop political strategies for African Americans.
20. Richard Allen married twice, first to Flora and then to Sarah Bass. He had several children, including Richard Jr., James, John, Peter, Sara, and Ann.

Legacy and Influence

Allen's impact extended beyond his lifetime, influencing future generations and leaving a lasting legacy.

21. After his death on March 26, 1831, Allen was buried in the basement of Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, where he is still honored today.
22. The AME Church, founded by Allen, remains a vibrant and influential institution in the United States and overseas. It continues to support many missions and community projects.
23. Allen’s life and legacy are significant not only for his role in establishing the AME Church but also for his contributions to the broader struggle against slavery and racial oppression in America.
24. Allen’s writings and activism inspired notable figures such as Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr., who recognized his dedication to social justice and equality.
25. The Free African Society, founded by Allen and Absalom Jones, provided critical support to the African American community during times of crisis, such as the yellow fever epidemic.

Architectural and Historical Significance

The physical spaces associated with Allen's work hold historical and architectural importance, reflecting his enduring legacy.

26. The original Bethel Church was an old blacksmith’s shop, but it was later replaced with a red brick building in 1805. The current building was completed in 1890 and features a tunnel connecting it to the Arch Street Friends Meeting House, which served as part of the Underground Railroad.
27. The Mother Bethel AME Church, founded by Allen, is a significant architectural landmark in Philadelphia and a testament to his enduring legacy in the city’s history.
28. The National Archives Catalog includes digital scans of applications for National Historic Places and Landmarks status related to Richard Allen, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, and the Arch Street Friends Meeting House.
29. Allen’s civic engagement extended beyond religious activities. He was actively involved in community projects that aimed to improve the lives of African Americans through mutual aid and social support.
30. Allen’s leadership style was characterized by his deep piety, strict integrity, and indomitable perseverance. He inspired countless individuals with his moral influence and unwavering commitment to justice.

Advocacy and Abolitionist Efforts

Allen's relentless fight against slavery and his advocacy for racial equality were central to his life's work.

31. The Free African Society, which Allen co-founded, was a pioneering example of community organization among African Americans. It provided essential services such as job placement, housing assistance, and educational programs.
32. Allen’s advocacy for racial equality was evident in his actions during the yellow fever epidemic. Despite the racial prejudices of the time, he and his associates worked tirelessly to assist both white and black victims without discrimination.
33. During the yellow fever epidemic, Allen worked side by side with Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, to provide medical care to those in need. This act of compassion highlighted the moral and spiritual equality of blacks in the face of racism.
34. The establishment of Bethel Church marked a significant moment in the separate church movement. It provided a space where African Americans could worship without racial segregation, a major issue in many Methodist churches at the time.
35. Under Allen’s leadership, Bethel Church grew rapidly. It became a beacon of hope for African Americans seeking spiritual and social empowerment in a society deeply entrenched in racism and slavery.

Growth and Development of the AME Church

The AME Church, under Allen's guidance, became a powerful institution for African American spiritual and social development.

36. The AME Church, founded by Allen, developed into a robust denomination with congregations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. It became a powerful force for African American spiritual and social development.
37. Allen’s consecration as the first bishop of the AME Church in 1816 marked a historic moment in American religious history. It recognized his leadership and dedication to the cause of African American empowerment.
38. The AME Church, under Allen’s guidance, engaged in extensive missionary work both domestically and internationally. This work aimed to spread the gospel and promote social justice globally.
39. Allen’s efforts to promote education and literacy helped many African Americans achieve social mobility. His schools and educational programs provided essential tools for personal and community development.
40. As an abolitionist, Allen actively worked against slavery. His activism included supporting the Underground Railroad and advocating for the immediate emancipation of all slaves.

Community Projects and Historical Recognition

Allen's involvement in community projects and his recognition in history highlight his lasting impact.

41. Allen was involved in various community projects aimed at improving the lives of African Americans. These projects included organizing Sabbath schools, promoting literacy education, and supporting national organizations focused on African American rights.
42. Richard Allen’s contributions to American history have been recognized through various historical markers and commemorations. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of leaders and activists.
43. Allen was described as a man of deep piety, strict integrity, and indomitable perseverance. His personal characteristics made him an effective leader and a powerful advocate for social justice.
44. Allen’s moral influence was unbounded. He inspired countless individuals with his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. His legacy extends beyond his immediate community to the broader American society.
45. The educational institutions established by Allen played a crucial role in promoting literacy and social mobility among African Americans. His schools provided essential tools for personal and community development.

Architectural Contributions and Preservation Efforts

The architectural landmarks associated with Allen's work are preserved as a testament to his enduring legacy.

46. The Mother Bethel AME Church, founded by Allen, is an architectural landmark in Philadelphia. Its design reflects the cultural and historical significance of the AME Church in American religious history.
47. The National Archives Catalog includes digital scans of applications for National Historic Places and Landmarks status related to Richard Allen, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, and the Arch Street Friends Meeting House. These efforts aim to preserve historical sites associated with Allen’s life and legacy.
48. Allen’s civic engagement initiatives extended beyond religious activities. He was actively involved in community projects aimed at improving the lives of African Americans through mutual aid and social support.
49. Richard Allen’s legacy continues to endure in American history. His contributions to the establishment of the AME Church, his advocacy for racial equality, and his commitment to education have left a lasting impact on American society.
50. His story serves as a testament to the power of individual action and collective effort in achieving social justice and equality.

Richard Allen's Lasting Impact

Richard Allen's life was a testament to resilience, faith, and determination. Born into slavery, he rose to become a key figure in American history. He founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), the first independent black denomination in the U.S., and worked tirelessly for abolition and racial equality. His efforts during the yellow fever epidemic and his role in the Underground Railroad showcased his commitment to helping others. Allen's dedication to education and community support left a lasting legacy, inspiring future leaders like Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr. His story reminds us of the power of perseverance and the impact one individual can have on society. Richard Allen's contributions continue to resonate, making him a pivotal figure in the fight for justice and equality.