Historic Black Church Receives $10 Million Restoration Grant

Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, the oldest AME church property in the nation, has received a $10 million federal grant for historic preservation and restoration.\n\nFounded by Richard Allen in 1794, Mother Bethel has served as a station on the Underground Railroad, a meeting place for abolitionists, and a cornerstone of African American religious life for over two centuries.\n\n"This church is not just a building—it's a living monument to the resilience and faith of Black Americans," said Senior Pastor Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler. "The restoration will ensure that future generations can connect with this sacred history."\n\nThe project will restore the sanctuary, upgrade accessibility features, and create a new museum documenting the church's role in African American history.