Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church being nationally recognized in The Fort

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Fort Wayne’s NBC) - The first and oldest Black church in The Fort is now being recognized nationally.

Located on the corner of East Jefferson Boulevard and Hermar Street, the church has a long history dating back to 1849. The story behind the congregation was born out of racial discrimination within the methodist church.

According to the church’s historical documents, on a Sunday in November 1787, Richard Allen and other Black worshipers who attended St. George’s Methodist Church in Philadelphia were refused a request for a prayer room. They were pulled from their knees while praying. They were asked to leave the church, which they did in body. However, Richard Allen did not lose faith in Christianity. Instead, he began to organize a new congregation, the African Methodist Episcopal church.

Pastor Ken Christmon has preached at the church for 18 years. He says it gives him so much joy that he can keep the tradition going.

“What I think I love the most is we are connected regardless of race and any other thing that would separate us. We are in partnership with every other church and belief system in this town to see Fort Wayne be a better place.”

Inez Rogers has been going to the Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church since she was a little girl.

“There is some work that needs to be done, but I have no doubt that we will get it. It’s coming to frutition as we stand here and speak now.”

Today, after more than 170 years, the church is now called the Historic Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church. A place that is rich in history, faith and love will now never be forgotten.

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