This page describes Malcolm X Boulevard as it appeared in 2001. The tour was developed as part of the Malcolm X Boulevard Streetscape Enhancement Project. These pages are no longer being updated.
53. Mother A.M.E. Zion
Church 140-148 West 137th Street
Mother
A.M.E. Zion is the oldest black church in the U.S., founded
in 1796 by celebrated African-American residents of New York
City. In the mid-1800's, the church was known as a "freedom
church," a safe stop for slaves traveling along the Underground
Railway. The present Neo-Gothic building (1923-25) was designed
by George W. Foster, Jr., one of the first black architects
to be registered in the U.S. Continuing a legacy of liberation
theology, the congregation is committed to caring for the
less fortunate member of the community. Today their members
are politically active, working to ensure awareness of civil
rights for all.