Also American
Struggle & ResistanceAchievement & Excellence

June 1820

Zoom out
Achievement · religion
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Incorporated in New York

The AMEZ Church, founded by James Varick and Christopher Rush among others, was formally incorporated in New York in 1820 after years of meetings beginning in 1796. Varick was elected the first superintendent (bishop) in 1822. The church grew to become a major institutional anchor for Black New Yorkers and would shelter abolitionists Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth among its members.

Events

  1. June 21, 1820
    African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Incorporated in New York

    The AMEZ Church, founded by James Varick and Christopher Rush among others, was formally incorporated in New York in 1820 after years of meetings beginning in 1796. Varick was elected the first superintendent (bishop) in 1822. The church grew to become a major institutional anchor for Black New Yorkers and would shelter abolitionists Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth among its members.

  2. June 21, 1820
    African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Incorporated in New York

    The AMEZ Church, founded by James Varick, was formally incorporated in New York in 1820. Varick was elected first bishop in 1822. The church grew to become a major anchor for Black New Yorkers and would shelter abolitionists Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth, earning the name 'Freedom Church.'