African Methodist Episcopal Church
Decatur and Frederick Sts., Cumberland, MDThe African Methodist Episcopal Church building in Cumberland is a material part of the history of the free blacks in that city. This substantial building reflect the level of prosperity the black community had reached by 1892, as well as the prominent place of the Church in the life of the community.
The congregation that built this church is itself important in Maryland's black history as an early organized group of free blacks. In 1847 blacks who had for many years worshiped from the balcony at the Center Street Methodist Episcopal Church decided to leave the white congregation and build their own church. They elected a board of trustees, and a plain brick building was completed by the end of 1848. A Father Golden, of Baltimore, came to Cumberland to help in this effort.
In 1847 Lot #15 in Magruder's Addition to Cumberland was sold to the trustees of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, in particular, Burgis Magruder. In 1863, after Magruder's death, his administrator confirmed the sale to the trustees, described as "free men of color". The deed mentions a "church and lot".
This first church was rebuilt and enlarged in 1871 and enlarged again in 1875 to accommodate the increasing membership. The present church was built in 1892 in the Methodist tradition with the sanctuary on the second floor and Sunday school rooms below.
A certificate of incorporation was recorded for the congregation on July 7, 1886. The trustees at that time were Pastor Joseph H. Robinson, Frederick Burger, Allison Shackelford, Philip L. Brown, William H. Campbell, and Stewart McNeal.
Two years later a deed was recorded from the House Building Association of Cumberland to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The lot description was as follows:
In 1901 this lot was sold to William M. Mertens.
Local significance of the building:
The congregation that built this church is itself important in Maryland's black history as an early organized group of free blacks. In 1847 blacks who had for many years worshiped from the balcony at the Center Street Methodist Episcopal Church decided to leave the white congregation and build their own church. They elected a board of trustees, and a plain brick building was completed by the end of 1848. A Father Golden, of Baltimore, came to Cumberland to help in this effort.
In 1847 Lot #15 in Magruder's Addition to Cumberland was sold to the trustees of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, in particular, Burgis Magruder. In 1863, after Magruder's death, his administrator confirmed the sale to the trustees, described as "free men of color". The deed mentions a "church and lot".
This first church was rebuilt and enlarged in 1871 and enlarged again in 1875 to accommodate the increasing membership. The present church was built in 1892 in the Methodist tradition with the sanctuary on the second floor and Sunday school rooms below.
A certificate of incorporation was recorded for the congregation on July 7, 1886. The trustees at that time were Pastor Joseph H. Robinson, Frederick Burger, Allison Shackelford, Philip L. Brown, William H. Campbell, and Stewart McNeal.
Two years later a deed was recorded from the House Building Association of Cumberland to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The lot description was as follows:
All that lot ... the intersection of the North side of Decatur Street with the East side of Frederick Street.
In 1901 this lot was sold to William M. Mertens.
Black; Architecture; Religion
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Maryland was once the site of a major Civil Rights protest: In 1963, civil rights activists organized the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which drew more than 250,000 people to the National Mall in Washington D.C. Many of the participants in the march were from Maryland, and the state played a crucial role in the civil rights movement.
About Allegany County
Allegany County Timeline
Allegany County, located in western Maryland, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The region was home to Native American tribes, including the Susquehannocks and the Seneca, before the arrival of European settlers. In the 18th century, the French and British fought for control of the area, with the British ultimately establishing dominance and building Fort Cumberland in present-day Cumberland.
During the 19th century, Allegany County experienced significant growth and development due to its close proximity to the National Road, a major transportation route connecting the East Coast to the Ohio River Valley. The county became an important logistical hub and saw the establishment of towns and industries such as manufacturing, coal mining, and transportation. In 1854, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was completed, further boosting commercial activity in the region.
Allegany County played a significant role during the American Civil War. Located on the border between the North and the South, the county was heavily contested and saw multiple skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Folck's Mill. The war had a lasting impact on the county, causing economic disruption and leaving scars on the landscape.
In the 20th century, Allegany County continued to experience changes in its economy and demographics. The decline of traditional industries such as coal mining and manufacturing led to a shift towards service industries, healthcare, and education. The county is home to Frostburg State University and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which both contribute to its cultural and tourist attractions. Today, Allegany County combines its historical significance with its modern developments, offering a unique blend of heritage and progress.
During the 19th century, Allegany County experienced significant growth and development due to its close proximity to the National Road, a major transportation route connecting the East Coast to the Ohio River Valley. The county became an important logistical hub and saw the establishment of towns and industries such as manufacturing, coal mining, and transportation. In 1854, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was completed, further boosting commercial activity in the region.
Allegany County played a significant role during the American Civil War. Located on the border between the North and the South, the county was heavily contested and saw multiple skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Folck's Mill. The war had a lasting impact on the county, causing economic disruption and leaving scars on the landscape.
In the 20th century, Allegany County continued to experience changes in its economy and demographics. The decline of traditional industries such as coal mining and manufacturing led to a shift towards service industries, healthcare, and education. The county is home to Frostburg State University and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which both contribute to its cultural and tourist attractions. Today, Allegany County combines its historical significance with its modern developments, offering a unique blend of heritage and progress.
Allegany County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Allegany County, Maryland.
- 1789 - Allegany County was established by the General Assembly of Maryland.
- 1791 - The county seat was established in Cumberland.
- 1801 - The National Road, a major highway, was authorized to be constructed through Allegany County.
- 1811 - The first courthouse in Cumberland was completed.
- 1824 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal began construction in Cumberland, becoming an important transportation route.
- 1851 - The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad reached Cumberland, further enhancing transportation in the county.
- 1862 - Allegany County played a significant role in the American Civil War as a transportation hub and defense location.
- 1920s - The county experienced economic growth due to coal mining and the manufacturing industry.
- 1950s - The construction of Interstate 68 provided better transportation access to Allegany County.
- Today - Allegany County continues to be a picturesque area with a mix of rural and urban landscapes, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and historical sites.