Singing Praises
EXPLORING THE RICH HISTORY OF CAPE MAY’S BLACK CHURCHES
We Invite You to Explore the Historical Presentation of the Black Churches in Cape May New Jersey
The Historic Macedonia Baptist Church of Cape May is the last active African American church in Cape May NJ. This is a 60 minute talk presentation with historic pictures and videos focused on the three African American churches, the Negro Spirituals and the civic, social and cultural richness they brought to the Cape Island.
Learn about the architectural interior and exterior of each local church as well as the historic church members who were associated with the Underground Railroad in the 1800’s for freedom seeking travelers to the North.
Find out those churches who stood for justice and equality through the Civil Rights era, a voice during urban renewal and continued the legacy of communication during social unrest.
Gain knowledge of the current status of the three church congregations that once were the epicenter of a vibrant and thriving African American community that lived in Cape May, NJ.
Lafayette and Franklin Street | Cape May, New Jersey
Fondly known as “the Yellow Church”, this edifice was purchased in 1914 by the Mount Zion Methodist Episcopal African American congregants who were formerly located on Shunpike road in Lower Township. It was originally built in 1879 for white Baptists congregants who later moved their church to east of Cape May on Gurney street.
Franklin Street United Methodist Church
ALLEN AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL (AME) CHURCH
717 Franklin Street | Cape May, New Jersey
Fondly known in the community as “the Blue Church”, the Allen AME church was first black church built in 1888 by Cape May congregants, who were originally Methodists, that applied and were admitted to African Methodist Episcopal Conference in 1845. During early years, they worshipped in the formerly white Methodist Church on Franklin street until they built their own church on Franklin and Osborne Street.
630 Lafayette Street | Cape May, New Jersey
Macedonia is the only remaining mostly black church congregation in Cape May today. The small religious group began in 1892 to establish a colored Baptist Church in Cape May New Jersey and gained certification from the West New Jersey Association in 1895 to become officially recognized as Macedonia Baptist Church. The church property includes the Historic Howell House that has been restored to become the Harriet Tubman Museum of Cape May NJ.
HISTORIC MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH
“Singing the Praises of the Black Churches and the Negro Spiritual in Cape May, New Jersey”
Location: 630 Lafayette Street Cape May, New Jersey
Saturdays 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
MAY - NOVEMBER
Suggested Donation:
ADULTS - $10.00
SENIORS - $8.00
CHILD (12 and Under) FREE
