Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church
Our History
Founded in 1838, Metropolitan was formed by two existing churches: Israel Bethel A.M.E., founded in 1821, and Union Bethel A.M.E., founded in 1838. The parent A.M.E. Church movement grew out of an anti-segregation protest in Philadelphia in 1787. Similarly, both Israel Bethel and Union Bethel began as a result of dissatisfaction among African Americans over racial segregation here in Washington at Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church. On July 6, 1838, Union Bethel received the official sanction of the Baltimore Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Consequently, this date is recognized as the official date of the founding of Metropolitan.
The name Metropolitan was first applied to Union in 1870 and became official in 1872 when the Baltimore Conference authorized construction of a new “Metropolitan Church in Washington, D.C.” The name was officially changed to the “Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church” by that same Baltimore Conference.
In addition to officially designating the church name, the Baltimore Conference made two decisions that noted the national character of Metropolitan even then. The conference gave instructions for the new church to be built “in close proximity” to the Capitol and the White House. In addition, each Annual Conference (in a meeting of the Episcopal districts in the continental USA), was requested to donate at least $100 for the building project. In gratitude, the church recognized this generosity by dedicating a stained-glass window to each contributing Annual Conference. Construction began in 1880, and the cornerstone was laid in 1881.
