East Dover Hundred in Kent County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church

Photographed by Don Morfe, October 13, 2019

1. Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church Marker

Inscription. Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church-The genesis of the African Methodist Episcopal Church can be traced to Delaware in 1777, when a young slave named Richard Allen experienced a spiritual awakening at a meeting conducted by an itinerant Methodist preacher. After becoming free Allen engaged in a long struggle to secure greater freedom of worship for his people. As a result of his efforts, the AME Church was established in 1816 as an independent denomination. On April 4, 1873, a group of African-American residents of Dover met to formally organize as a congregation. Initially known as Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the first sanctuary as located on Kirkwood Street. In later years the name of the church was changed to Mt. Zion. Under the pastorate of George Donald Ming, property on North Queen Street was purchased in 1958, and construction of the present church was begun. On September 27, 1959, the new building was dedicated by Bishop George Wilbur Baber. Toda, Mount Zion continues to serve the spiritual needs of the community.

Erected 2008 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number KC-107.)

Topics and series.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and the Delaware Public Archives series lists.

Location. 39° 9.726′ N, 75° 31.872′ W. Marker is in Dover, Delaware, in Kent County. It is in East Dover Hundred. It is on North Queen Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 N Queen Street, Dover DE 19904, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Calvary Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Wesley College (approx. ¼ mile away); Former Site of ILC Dover

Photographed by Don Morfe, October 13, 2019

2. Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church Marker

(approx. 0.3 miles away); Annie Jump Cannon (approx. 0.3 miles away); Site of Dover's First Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Woodburn: The Governor's House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Richardson and Robbins Complex (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hall House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dover.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Woodburn: The Governor's House (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Bicentennial Historical Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, October 13, 2019

3. Bicentennial Historical Marker

Located on the side patio of the church.

Photographed by Don Morfe, October 13, 2019

4. Bicentennial Historical Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2019, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 600 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 20, 2019, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.