Vicksburg in Warren County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Strong in Faith
— Vicksburg Heritage Walking Trail —
Bethel AME Church
The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church was founded in 1864 when purchased from the First Presbyterian congregation. The original building, built in 1828, was replaced by the current Romanesque Revival structure in 1912. The church became known as "The Mother Congregation of African Methodism in the State of Mississippi."
Campbell College was built next to the church and became the first African-American college in Mississippi established without the help of whites. In 1897, the college moved to Jackson, Mississippi and was absorbed into Jackson State University.
Vicksburg Proud
One of the early pastors of Bethel, Hiram Revels, was the first African American senator in the United States and president of Alcorn University from 1876 to 1882.
"She (Bethel) has done untold good in bringing about amicable relations between the two races, which is evidenced by the good feelings that exists toward her by a white neighborhood that surrounds her."
Quoted from the book: The Leading Afro-Americans of Vicksburg, Miss, Published in 1908.
Erected 2017 by the City of Vicksburg. (Marker Number 6.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion . In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Mississippi, Vicksburg Heritage Walking Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.
Location. 32° 21.285′ N, 90° 52.724′ W. Marker is in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in Warren County. Marker is at the intersection of First East Street and Monroe Street, on the right when traveling east on First East Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 805 Monroe Street, Vicksburg MS 39183, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Governor "Turkey Runner" (here, next to this marker); Bethel A.M.E. Church (here, next to this marker); Prince Hall Masonry Founded in Mississippi (a few steps from this marker); Vicksburg's First Bank (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Planters' Hall (about 400 feet away); Happy Home (about 400 feet away); Dr. David D. Foote (about 500 feet away); Main and Cherry (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vicksburg.
Also see . . . Wikipedia article on the Bethel AME Church. (Submitted on March 26, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2018. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 26, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.