United States

U.S. Forever Stamp Pays Homage to Philadelphia Church Founder, Abolitionist

Abolitionist who founded Philly church gets postage stamp

A former slave turned abolitionist who founded a Philadelphia church 200 years ago is being honored with a postage stamp.

Members of Mothers Bethel AME Church and others will gather at noon Tuesday to honor Bishop Richard Allen.

Allen was born a slave in 1760, purchased his own freedom then became a Methodist minister. When he encountered discrimination in that church, he started his own.

The Rev. Mark Tyler, the current pastor, says 1,500 people including bishops and scholars from various countries will attend the ceremony unveiling the stamp.

Pastor Tyler says, "This stamp is significant and it's long overdue. It says to people that there is a story here worth following up on."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us