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Founded in Manhattan in 1796, Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (originally called the John Street Methodist Church) was New York's first African-American church, and one of the country's oldest. The church served as part of the Underground Railroad, earning it the nickname of "Freedom Church." In 1925, the church moved to Harlem, where its tradition of social activism continued under the leadership of Bishop Stephen Gill Spottswood, the longtime chairman of the board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Many individuals associated with the Harlem Renaissance attended mass at Mother Zion, including actor Paul Robeson, whose brother was a pastor, and wealthy businesswoman Madam Walker (mother of Harlem hostess A'Lelia Walker). One of the most memorable events at Mother Zion was the funeral of Florence Mills in 1928.

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Harlem Renaissance

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underground railroad , methodist episcopal , john street methodist church , first africanamericann church in nyc , founded in 1796 , freedom church , social activism , stephen gill spottswood , naacp , mass , mother zion , paul robeson , madam walker , florence mills