What to do and see in Harlem, New York (NY): The Best Churches & Cathedrals

The history of the Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, its growth and development, is one of the extraordinary stories of American history. In 1796, a handful of Black men, free and enslaved-along with James L. Varick, walked out of the John Street Methodist Episcopal Church to establish a separate Black church called "Zion." The growth and development of Zion church mirrors the growth and development of New York itself. Starting in what is now the City Hall area, from its humble beginnings in a stable on Cross Street, Mother Zion has played a critical role in every aspect of African-American life during early New York City history.Many social organizations were founded to assist and improve the condition of the Negro, and Mother Zion Church played a key role in the growth process. William Miller, one of the trustees of Mother Zion, was selected as the first President of the New York African Society for Mutual Relief chartered by New York State in 1810. In 1817, the New York African Bible Society was established from his home.As one of the earliest and most vocal opponents of slavery and a constant champion of abolition, Mother Zion was there. In fact, Mother Zion became an important stop of the "Underground Railroad," hiding slaves behind the pulpit in a secret passageway. "Freedom's Journal," the first Black newspaper published in the United States, operated from the basement of Mother Zion Church from May 4, 1827 to May 2, 1828 for almost a year! Mother Zion's legacy is difficult to surpass, as it has always been a promoter of education and racial self-help for African Americans in this great city. Although our gains as a people have been significant against tremendous odds, the challenges are ever present. The nurturing of great men and women is another of Zion's legacies: Sojourner Truth transferred her membership from the John Street Methodist Episcopal Church to Zion Church in 1827. It was at the altar of Mother Zion that she changed her name to Sojourner Truth and there she was also reunited with her sisters who had been separated during slavery. Sojourner Truth became one of the foremost voices for women's and equal rights and the abolition of slavery. Mother Zion is also known as the "Freedom Church." Throughout its long history, Mother Zion has had many illustrious members who were leaders in our historic fight for freedom. They include Harriett Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Paul Robeson, Madame C.J. Walker and many others who fought so valiantly to free African Americans, socially, politically and spiritually. Today, it is the Mother Church of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church denomination located on five continents with a membership of over 1.5 Million. Mother Zion remains actively involved in all aspects of community involvement, and committed to the civil rights struggle, political empowerment and spiritual enhancement.