By: Madison Rosenberg
According to Salem County’s historical records, the congregation that became Mount Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church in Salem, New Jersey, was established in 1800, marking 226 years of history in 2026. The congregation later became affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal denomination, which was formally organized in 1816. Recognized as the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the state, Mount Pisgah represents an important chapter in the history of Black religious independence in New Jersey.
This church is a symbol of valuable Black history, and its origins outline a struggle with prejudice and overcoming discrimination. Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination, started practicing the Methodist faith when he was enslaved. After purchasing his freedom and moving to Philadelphia, he came to St. George’s Methodist Church, where he was allowed to preach to a segregated audience, according to the National Archives.
The population of Black churchgoers at St. George’s had increased, but racial discrimination continued. In 1787, Allen and the Rev. Absalom Jones established the Free African Society, a mutual-aid organization that assisted members of Philadelphia’s Black community. According to the National Archives, the organization helped people find employment and housing, provided educational assistance and supported community projects.
Conflict continued to grow at St. George’s. According to the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s official history, Black worshippers were forcibly interrupted while praying, an incident that reflected the racial discrimination they faced within the congregation.
Following continued discrimination against Black Methodists, Allen established an independent Methodist congregation in Philadelphia. Its church, Mother Bethel, was dedicated in 1794, more than two decades before the African Methodist Episcopal denomination was formally organized in 1816. According to the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s official history, white Methodist authorities subsequently attempted to interfere with the congregation’s independence. Allen successfully sued in Pennsylvania courts in 1807 and 1815 for the right of his congregation to exist as an independent institution.
Reuben Cuff played a central role in establishing the congregation that later became Mount Pisgah AME Church. Other members of Salem’s Black community also contributed to its establishment, including Chauncey Moore and Cuffie Miller, whom a National Park Service historical study identifies among those involved in acquiring land for the congregation. Originally called the United Society for Religious Worship, the congregation was established in 1800, according to historical research by Janet L. Sheridan. Salem County’s historical records indicate that church services began in 1802.
In 1816, Richard Allen called upon Methodist congregations in states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware to come together to formally establish the African Methodist Episcopal denomination. Cuff was the only representative from New Jersey to attend the meeting, according to Sheridan. Following the denomination’s establishment, the congregation became known as Mount Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church, recognized as the first AME church in New Jersey.
After a fire destroyed the earlier church building in 1839, Salem County’s historical records state that the present building was constructed in 1878. According to the New Jersey Historic Trust, the church received a $10,875 grant in 2002 to help develop a preservation plan addressing repairs, restoration, accessibility and future community use. The historic building remains standing in Salem County.
Through the leadership of Reuben Cuff and the contributions of other members of Salem’s Black religious community, Mount Pisgah became an important part of New Jersey’s history. The church’s story reflects more than two centuries of efforts to establish and preserve religious independence amid racial discrimination.
- Historic Black Church Celebrates Over Two Centuries of Resilience
- Beyond Columbus Day: The Organizations Preserving Italian-American Heritage in South Jersey
- Taste of Vineland to Celebrate Local Cuisine and Recognize Volunteers
This article was produced as part of Follow South Jersey’s student journalism program, which provides aspiring journalists with practical experience in professional news reporting and writing.
