On 2 February 2016, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Richard Allen, was honored with a United States Postal Service stamp. The unveiling ceremony was held at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, Penn., the church founded by Allen. Attending the ceremony were church and local leaders including Bishop John R. Bryant, senior bishop of the A.M.E. Church, and Philadelphia Mayor James F. Kenney. The stamp’s release coincides with the 200th anniversary of the founding of the A.M.E. Church.
Part of a series honoring Black Heritage, the Richard Allen stamp is number 39 following other notable and influential black leaders in United States history such as Harriett Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, and Ella Fitzgerald.
In a Feb. 4 email from The Christian Recorder (http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/), the official digital publication of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the following was received:
The U.S. Postal Service kicked off the national observance of Black History Month with the dedication of a Forever stamp honoring preacher, activist and civic leader Richard Allen for his inspirational life and profound contribution to American history. The ceremony was held at Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, founded by Allen on Tuesday, February 2, 2016.
Today, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church stands on the site where Allen converted that old blacksmith’s shop more than two centuries ago. The denomination he founded now boasts more than 2.5 million members. His life — a legacy of determination, uplift, charity and faith — remains an inspiration to all Americans.
View special comments and highlights of the video coverage of the Dedication Service of a Forever Stamp honoring Richard Allen
Click Here: http://uspsvideo.com/shop/
video/richard-allen-forver- stamp-unveiling/ TCR Editor’s Comment: We are expecting the release of the full service that was held at Mother Bethel
To read more about the event and about the life of Bishop Richard Allen visit:
http://ame-church.com/bishop-richard-allen-stamp/
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20160203_Richard_Allen_s_church_celebrates_his_postage_stamp.html
http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2016/pr16_003.htm
