THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM
The Christian Recorder
SEPTEMBER 2022
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Restoration and Re-Dedication of Mount Calvary Cemetery Rev. Dr. Aliston Thomas, Ph.D., MBA, PMP, M. Div.
Shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, the Rev. Aliston Thomas, pastor, and Cliff Wise, a trustee of Allen African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Oxford, Pennsylvania, met with Mr. James Salve and his son, Mason Salve, to begin planning the restoration of Mount Calvary Century as part of Mason’s Eagle Scout project. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But thanks to God’s strength, grace, and mercy, a little over two years later, lots of hard work, teamwork, and support, Mount Calvary Century has been fully restored. It was recently re-dedicated on Sunday, July 24, 2022. The re-dedication involved prayers, singing of hymns, including Negro spirituals, and words of thanks, encouragement, and affirmation. Mount Calvary AME Church was erected on Bethel Road in 1852 and is one of the oldest churches in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Like most churches at the time, particularly those where the dominant population was African American, a cemetery (Mount Calvary Cemetery) was built adjacent to the building. The Reverend Henry Jones donated the land on which Mount Calvary AME Church and cemetery were established. The only remaining evidence of Mount Calvary AME Church today is the cemetery, where members still visit their loved ones. An article in the Oxford Press commemorating the church’s 151st anniversary stated that Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne dedicated the church and appointed Presiding Elder Rev. Herbert of the Baltimore District its first pastor. At that time, the membership consisted of 23 members. The congregation relocated from lower Oxford to East Market Street, where the cornerstone was laid on August 8, 1884. Mount Calvary AME Church then became Allen AME Church in honor of the first bishop of the AME Church, Bishop Richard Allen. On May 23, 1935, tragedy struck a blow to all members as the second building was destroyed by fire. A new edifice was erected at Eighth and Market Streets (788 Market Street, Oxford, Pennsylvania) and dedicated by Bishop Henry Sims in the fall of 1935. Buried at Mount Calvary Cemetery are Civil War, World War I, and World War II colored troops and veterans. Dale Hardy from Shiloh Presbyterian Church (Oxford, Pennsylvania) also remembered his ancestors on his father’s and mother’s side. He remembered the Wolse and the Jones families. “When I was a teenager, I remember coming with my mom and dad and Shiloh Church members to clean up the cemetery and visit the graves of my ancestors,” he said. “I am overwhelmed to see what was done here today. It seemed like people were slowly forgetting. I appreciate the work Mason Salve
Mount Calvary Cemetery is truly a treasure in Oxford, Chester County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the United States of America. We thank newly minted Eagle Scout Mason Salve, his father, Mr. James Salve, the Boy Scouts of America (Troop 13), Shiloh Presbyterian
Rev. Aliston Thomas serves as God’s servant as pastor at Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Oxford, Pennsylvania.
in [our] hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.” Isolation is not good for our mental or physical health, but it can be disastrous for people who are accustomed to being socially active. We also know Artificial Intelligence (AI), including social media, texting, and any computer-based communications, do not always satisfy the need to be in person with others. Absolutely, there are risks lurking everywhere, even in our homes. Still, we must continue to meet our Connectional church family’s communication and spiritual needs using the best available communications technology. Along with setting up an effective communication
plan at your church, think about adding motivational and inspirational messages of encouragement. We must let our family and friends know through all these worldly challenges, we can give difficult issues to the Lord. John 14:27 comforts us with these words, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” Let’s admit it; we have all been in a “Sick & Shutin” mode at some point since early 2020 due to the pandemic. Knowing we are a Connectional church family, historically, we are also known to be “socially needy.” As the bad news continues to escalate, let’s
take special care to encourage ourselves and go out of our way to inspire someone else. My virtual Sunday school class and family members expect to get encouraging text messages from me. The intent is to let them know that they are not alone and that I am thinking about them. As children of God, we are the best ones equipped to shine the light on someone’s moment or day, or maybe we can help make someone’s life better during these challenging times, even if it has to be on a virtual platform.
...From Encourage p10
put in here. I’ll be back and bring my family. My mom’s family dates back to the 1700s. They would be pleased to see this.”
Church, and many others who contributed to the restoration of this treasure. The next step is to partner with a local educational institution to pursue a National Historic Landmark Designation for Mount Calvary Cemetery. To God be the glory!
Connect with Zoom Host Judy Rose Weaver at Jefferson Chapel AME Church Circuit in Natchez, Mississippi 39120.