History: In 1902 a few courageous, determined, faithful and God-fearing men undertook the task of building an African Methodist Episcopal Church in the community of Thomastown, Maryland. The church was originally named Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, but as time and things changed, the name was changed to Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church.
These “giant Christian soldiers” William Thomas, his two sons, John and Noncy, Washington Harris, his two sons, Hurley and Lacy began and built the church; that now houses some very proud, appreciative, thankful and humble parishioners. The people of Allen take great pride in our church.
The greatest lesson that we have learned from our ancestors and their work and efforts is that we don’t let numbers interfere with God’s work. Any project the Allen Church family puts their minds to with God as our leader, God’s work never fails. There is much to be remembered about Allen A.M.E. Church, the little church that sits by the road of alternate 404, just 30 minutes across the Chesapeake Bay bridge east. The church underwent a fire in 1977 and rebuilt its sanctuary with a few faithful members.
The sanctuary remains the same size it was in 1902, with several renovations from time to time. The church was at one time a “circuit”, sharing their pastor with several churches. Now to God be the Glory the church is now a “station”. Allen has grown from six or eight members to now more than 60 in our present congregation. On many occasions Allen has had to find accommodations to host visitors. The addition of a fellowship hall and kitchen allows us to entertain up to 135 guests.
The Allen church family can look back and see the hardships our forefathers endured, because they went through so much to pave the way for us. We the members must keep the “vision” alive, to keep believing, praying and working so that their legacy will always be remembered and upheld. Our church structure remains small in size, but the congregation is big in heart, strong in faith, humble in spirit with love and hospitality for all God’s people.
Allen AME Campus
Sanctuary: Built in 1902 our historic 117-year-old church has been in use as a house of worship ever since.
