A historic AME church in New Jersey recently made an astonishing discovery that unearthed a 137-year-old note, shedding light on its rich African-American heritage. The former Allen AME Church, a longstanding landmark in Cape May, found the handwritten note hidden in its rafters, sparking curiosity and excitement among those involved in the restoration project.
The remarkable find was made by Kyle Carter, a contractor working on the church, who stumbled upon the note while inspecting the rafters. The note, dated June 19, 1891, appeared to be a receipt for plastering work completed by Rev. Alexander Herritage Newton. The discovery not only provided insight into the church's past but also revealed details about the pastor who served during that time.
Bernadette Matthews, a member of the East Lynne Theater Company, expressed her amazement at the significance of the find, noting that it was a valuable piece of history that connected the church to its roots. The note survived a devastating fire that occurred in 2018, a testament to its resilience and the efforts made to preserve it.
Newton, who served as pastor from 1889 to 1892, was a notable religious leader and author who had a rich history of supporting causes such as the Civil War and The Underground Railroad. Hope Gaines, from the Center for Community Arts History Committee, highlighted the significance of the church's location as a center for the Black community, emphasizing the importance of preserving its heritage.
The church, now owned by the city, is slated to become the permanent home of the East Lynne Theater Company. The discovery of the note during ongoing renovations was seen as a positive omen by Mark David Boberick, a member of the theater company, who believed it signaled a step in the right direction for the project.
Despite the significance of the find, the note remains hidden in the rafters, protected by new sheet rock. Plans are underway to find the best way to display and preserve it for future generations. Carter, the contractor who made the discovery, voiced his opinion that the note should remain with the building, serving as a tangible link to its past.
The Clemens Theater at Allen AME Church is expected to open officially in the spring, adding to Cape May's new Cultural District. The district already boasts attractions such as the Harriet Tubman Museum and a new 16,000-square-foot library housed in the former Franklin Street School, which once served as an elementary school for African American children in Cape May. The church's connection to this rich history further solidifies its place as a vital part of the community's heritage and identity.