A exceptional piece of historical past was revealed within the rafters of a historic church alongside the Jersey Shore.
A just lately found observe relationship again 137 years has supplied new perception into the constructing’s previous and its place in Cape Might’s wealthy African-American heritage.
“I happened to look up and see it in the rafters,” stated Kyle Carter, a contractor working on the former Allen AME Church, which has been a landmark within the city for near 140 years. “I immediately thought, like, , what are we doing to protect it?”
The greater than century outdated handwritten observe was uncovered nailed to a beam. It seemed to be a receipt for plastering work written by Rev. Alexander Herritage Newton.
“We learned more about the pastor who was here at the time, which we didn’t, hadn’t known about before,” stated Bernadette Matthews, of the East Lynne Theater Firm.
This is what the letter said:
“To all whom this may concern, Elwood Rowland, formerly of Media, PA Daniel Galvin, [formerly of] Phila Plastered this church during The month of June for $250 Rev. Dr. Newton, Pastor [unclear]”
Beforehand plastered over within the rafters, the getting old observe was found in August. However not till February did analysis reveal a part of the church’s previous, because the observe was dated June 19, 1891.
“This is extremely and extraordinarily significant,” stated Matthews. “Juneteeth. How about that.”
It seems, Newton served as pastor from about 1889 to 1892. He was a outstanding non secular chief and creator who had served within the Civil Conflict and supported The Underground Railroad.
“This particular neighborhood happened to be a center for the Black community,” stated Hope Gaines, of the Heart for Neighborhood Arts Historical past Committee
When a hearth significantly broken the church on Franklin Avenue in 2018, the observe survived. Gaines stated “the firefighters deserve plenty of credit score” for having the ability to maintain a bit of historical past alive.
Town-owned constructing is ready to grow to be the everlasting dwelling of the East Lynne Theater Firm. Discovering the hyperlink to a previous renovation in the course of the present challenge was seen as an indication.
“This really was an affirmation that we were on the right track,” stated Mark David Boberick, a member of the theater firm.
For now, the observe continues to be within the rafter and underneath new sheet rock. Officers say they’re working to search out one of the best ways to show and protect it. Carter had an thought of the place it ought to proceed to reside.
“I think it should stay with the building,” the contractor stated of the uncommon discover.
The Clemens Theater at Allen AME Church is ready to formally open within the spring. It will likely be the newest a part of Cape Might’s new Cultural District, which incorporates the Harriet Tubman Museum and a brand new 16,000-square-foot library which used to accommodate the Franklin Avenue College, an elementary college for Cape Might’s African American youngsters.
