The AME Church Kentucky Timeline

The following is a timeline of some of the allies and early African Methodist Episcopal (AME) congregations in Kentucky. A summary of their relevance to the Underground Railroad (UGRR) network and their mission to oppose slavery. It is evident that these churches and allies played a significant role in the fight against slavery and the advancement of African American communities in Kentucky. Here is a summary of the key points:

1812: The First General Conference of the AME Church was held, with Bishop Richard Allen presiding, marking the establishment of the church and its early organization.

1820: Historic St. Paul AME Church in Lexington, Kentucky, was founded, representing one of the earliest AME congregations in the state.

1830: The Ohio Conference was organized under Bishop Morris Brown, and it included the state of Kentucky. This was significant in the context of AME Church history in the region.

1837: The Bierbower House in Maysville, Kentucky, served as a safe house on the Underground Railroad. The family was originally from Pennsylvania and provided their home as a stop on the Underground Railroad for escaped enslaved individuals.

1838: Several AME congregations were established in Kentucky, including

Bethel A.M.E. Nicholasville, which saw early challenges related to property ownership.

St. John AME in Frankfort, Kentucky, emerged as an early congregation with connections to the Underground Railroad.

Bethel House of God in Louisville, later known as Quinn Chapel A.M.E., was established.

1839: St. Peter AME in Harrodsburg was organized, separated from a white methodist church, and is listed in the National Register.

1840: The Indiana Conference was organized, which also included the state of Kentucky, under Bishop Morris Brown.

1848: Versailles African Methodist Episcopal Church changed its name to St. Paul's A.M.E. in Versailles, Kentucky.

Mount Vernon AME in Gamaliel, Kentucky, was added to the National Register.

The AME Church Kentucky Timeline

1853: St. James AME in Cynthiana, Kentucky, was established, and despite being subject to flooding, it remains an active congregation.

1855: the Missouri Annual Conference A.M.E. was organized at Quinn Chapel, Louisville, on September 13, 1855, by Rev. D. A. Payne. The Missouri Annual Conference was inclusive of the following states: Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri.

1856: The Tenth General Conference took place in Cincinnati, Ohio, with Bishop William Paul Quinn preaching from a boat on the Ohio River due to safety concerns in Kentucky.

1860s: St. Andrew AME Church in Lancaster, St. Matthew A.M.E. in Midway, and Bethel A.M.E. in Shelbyville were established, with connections to Underground Railroad activity and the Civil War.

1865: Bishop Daniel Payne assigned Reverend David Smith to work in Kentucky, marking a significant moment in the development of AME churches in the state.

These historical accounts demonstrate the significant role that AME congregations and their members played in the fight against slavery and their contributions to the Underground Railroad network in Kentucky. They also reflect the resilience and determination of African American communities during this challenging period in American history.