Did freedom ever have an address? At Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, it did. This church, right here on West 137th Street, wasn’t just a place of worship. It was a beacon of hope in a city grappling with the horrors of slavery. Mother Zion, as it’s affectionately known, is the oldest Black church in New York State. Founded in 1796, it represents more than just bricks and mortar. It embodies the unwavering spirit of those who fought for a better future. Imagine those early days, free and enslaved Black Americans walking out of John Street Methodist Episcopal Church. They yearned for a place where their voices could rise without constraint, where their faith could flourish without prejudice. They found that place here, at Mother Zion. This church was a vital stop on the Underground Railroad. Think of the countless souls who found refuge within these walls. Harriet Tubman, the courageous conductor of the Underground Railroad, used Mother Zion as a sanctuary. Even Frederick Douglass, a towering figure in the abolitionist movement, sought refuge in the church’s basement. He later married Anna Murray here in 1838. In 1843, Sojourner Truth, the powerful women’s rights activist, transformed her life at the altar of Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The legacy of Mother Zion continued to grow. In 1893, Julia Foote became the first ordained female Deacon in the A.M.E. Zion Connection within these very walls. Notable figures like Madame C.J. Walker and Paul Robeson, brother of the church’s long-time pastor, Dr. Benjamin C. Robeson, were also part of Mother Zion’s rich tapestry. In 1993, Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was officially designated a New York City Landmark. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the fight for freedom. This isn’t just a church. It’s a living monument to those who dared to dream of a better world.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to