Takeaways from AP's report on the past and present of two historic Philadelphia churches

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is located on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by Black Americans. Christ Church congregation included foes and supporters of independence Christ Church was founded in 1695 by a group of Philadelphia colonists as the first parish of the Church of England in Pennsylvania. The church's complex history in regard to slavery Congregants remain proud of Christ Church’s crucial role in America’s freedom. After white leaders at a Methodist church segregated Allen, Jones and other Black worshippers to the upstairs galleries for a prayer service, the group left the church and formed what would eventually become Mother Bethel AME.