New Richard Allen Way Honors Late African Methodist Episcopal Church Founder in Philadelphia

Bishop Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, is being honored in Philadelphia through the renaming of a street to Richard Allen Way. The change marks a significant recognition of Allen’s legacy as a pivotal figure in both religious and civil rights history.

Born into slavery in 1760, Allen purchased his freedom at age 23 and went on to establish the African Methodist Episcopal Church, becoming its first bishop. His contributions to the church and the broader Black community have endured through the centuries, as noted by Reverend Audrey Blackwell-Washington, a pastor at Sayers Memorial Methodist Church in West Philly. She emphasized the importance of connectionalism within the United Methodist Church, highlighting unity through shared faith despite differences in appearance.

The renaming of the street is seen as a historic milestone by religious and city leaders. Very Rev. Canon Martini Shaw, the 17th Rector of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, expressed hope that the change would remind travelers of Allen’s unwavering faith, courage, and hope. This aligns with the biblical principle found in Micah 6:8, which calls for acting with mercy, justice, and humility.

Philadelphia City Councilmember Mark Squilla revealed that while a commemorative sign honoring Allen had been present, the street had never been officially named in his honor. The city’s discovery of this discrepancy led to efforts to make the renaming permanent. Rev. Carolyn Clarene Cavaness, the 53rd pastor at Mother Bethel AME Church, played a key role in bringing this issue to the city’s attention. She noted that a city council resolution from February 19, 1976, had temporarily designated the street as Richard Allen Avenue.

Cavaness and other groups worked with City Council to ensure the change would be lasting. On June 11, City Council unanimously passed a resolution to make the renaming permanent, reflecting a collective commitment to recognizing Allen’s enduring impact. This decision underscores the importance of remembering and honoring historical figures who have shaped both faith and society, as encouraged by the biblical call to seek peace and justice.

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