This year marks the 200^th anniversary of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, a congregation located just south of Independence National Park in Philadelphia, Pa. The church’s roots date back to the late 1700s when its founder, Richard Allen, overcame racial persecution to start a movement among African-American church leaders.

Born into slavery, Allen bought his own freedom in 1780 and pursued a career as a Methodist preacher. But even after attaining freedom and growing into a celebrated minister, Allen faced racial discrimination from the leaders of his congregation, who forced him to preach during segregated services. In response, Allen joined forces with several African-American church leaders to form Mother Bethel AME, the world’s first African Methodist Episcopal church. Earlier this year, leaders from Mother Bethel AME held a service to honor Allen and recognize the church’s two centuries of service.

Today, we celebrate our brothers and sisters from Mother Bethel AME as they enter a third century of ministry, and we recognize that it’s through faithful local churches like Mother Bethel AME that God’s Word continues to go forth and transform lives in the U.S. and around the world.

As we celebrate Mother Bethel AME’s 200-year anniversary—and look forward to our own Bicentennial—we invite you join us in praising God for blessing and sustaining this community of Christians by reading Psalm 98.

Psalm 98 (GNTD):

Sing a new song to the Lord;

he has done wonderful things!

By his own power and holy strength

he has won the victory.

The Lord announced his victory;

he made his saving power known to the nations.

He kept his promise to the people of Israel

with loyalty and constant love for them.

All people everywhere have seen the victory of our God.



Sing for joy to the Lord, all the earth;

praise him with songs and shouts of joy!

Sing praises to the Lord!

Play music on the harps!

Blow trumpets and horns,

and shout for joy to the Lord, our king.



Roar, sea, and every creature in you;

sing, earth, and all who live on you!

Clap your hands, you rivers;

you hills, sing together with joy before the Lord,

because he comes to rule the earth.

He will rule the peoples of the world

with justice and fairness.