La Mott African Methodist Episcopal Church

Beneath the whispering branches of La Mott, Pennsylvania, lies a testament to faith and resilience: La Mott African Methodist Episcopal Church. This isn’t just a building; it’s a living story etched in the very heart of this community. Originally, this area was known as Camptown, named after Camp William Penn. This camp held a unique distinction, it was the first federal camp to train African-American troops during the Civil War. The land belonged to Edward M. Davis, son-in-law of Lucretia Mott. This remarkable woman, a Quaker minister, women’s rights advocate, and abolitionist, lived in Camptown from 1857 until her passing in 1880. The village itself was later renamed La Mott in her honor when the post office opened in 1888. But before the post office, before the official name change, La Mott AME Church began as a humble Sunday school. It was held in the home of William Butcher, the first black resident of the area. Eventually, the Sunday school became affiliated with Campbell AME Church in Frankford, Philadelphia. However, the desire for their own dedicated space for worship grew. In 1888, six devoted members of the Sunday school pooled their resources. They gathered $1500 to construct the first La Mott AME Church building. These founding members were William and Hester Butcher, Emanuel and Jennie Johnson, and Abbie and George Washington. Their first pastor was Rev. W. H. Hoxter. The current church building, a testament to the growing congregation, was constructed in 1911 under the leadership of Rev. H. D. Brown. He led successful fundraising campaigns and oversaw a period of significant growth for the church. La Mott AME Church continues to serve as a vibrant hub for the community. The legacy of those first six founders lives on in the various ministries, the uplifting choirs, the spirited Sunday school, and the dedicated missionary societies that enrich La Mott to this day.