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April 1818

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AME Church Holds Second General Conference, Adopts Hymnbook

The second General Conference of the AME Church met in Philadelphia in 1818 and adopted a hymnal — the first hymnbook published by and for Black Americans. Richard Allen compiled the hymns, many reflecting African American worship styles. The conference also expanded church governance to accommodate growing congregations in new cities.

Events

  1. April 1818
    AME Church Holds Second General Conference, Adopts Hymnbook

    The second General Conference of the AME Church met in Philadelphia in 1818 and adopted a hymnal — the first hymnbook published by and for Black Americans. Richard Allen compiled the hymns, many reflecting African American worship styles. The conference also expanded church governance to accommodate growing congregations in new cities.

  2. April 1818
    AME Church Adopts First Black American Hymnbook at Second General Conference

    The second General Conference of the AME Church met in Philadelphia in 1818 and adopted a hymnal compiled by Richard Allen — the first hymnbook published by and for Black Americans. The hymns reflected African American worship styles and musical sensibility, establishing the AME's distinctive congregational sound.