ALLEN CHAPEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

While enslaved in 1864, Henry Call unsuccessfully attempted to organize the first Florida African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church within Florida. After receiving his freedom, he continued his efforts, establishing Allen Chapel AME Church of Pensacola on May 16, 1866. Two years later, the AME Church officially recognized Allen Chapel as a Mission Church. The congregation was named in honor of Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the Free African Society, precursor of the AME Church. Worshippers gathered in rental halls and private homes until 1872, when Allen Chapel constructed its first sanctuary. Amanda Brantly was the first female licensed evangelist of Allen Chapel and the state of Florida. After building at three other locations, Allen Chapel began construction at its current site where the cornerstone was placed on April 13, 1902. For more than a century, Allen Chapel has been a source of spiritual, intellectual, and civic leadership. Following overwhelming damage from Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis, the church was extensively renovated, leading to a celebratory rededication and mortgage-burning ceremony in 2006.