Before Indiana had public schools for Black kids, this church filled the gap with candles and bare floors

Wikimedia Commons

Eight Freed Slaves Found Allen Chapel AME Church

When the Civil War ended, freed Black folks who moved north found few open doors in Indianapolis. In 1865, eight determined African Americans started Allen Chapel as a small Sunday school with help from local Quakers.

They first met in Mrs. Tabott’s home, sitting on makeshift benches under candlelight.

By Christmas 1866, they had their own church building on Broadway Street…

Story continues

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS