ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Members of Allen Chapel AME Church gathered Saturday to celebrate Founder’s Day and honor the legacy of Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The annual event comes during Black History Month; a time church leaders say is meaningful for reflecting on both the church’s history and its role in the community.
Church leaders say Allen established the AME Church in 1794, creating the first independent Black denomination in the United States. His mission focused on the right to worship freely and without discrimination.
“His goal was for everyone to worship freely and that God is for everyone and it doesn’t matter who you are,” said Reverend Dr. John Halbert, pastor at Allen Chapel AME Church. “He created all of us he didn’t intent to make the distinction between us because he loves all of us equally.”…