ICYMI: First Allen Unveils Historical Marker

On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, congregants of the First Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church and members of the community at-large joined to celebrate the unveiling of a historical marker in honor of the church’s significant contributions to the community during its 132-year history.

The church, located at 827 Susie B. Ruffin Avenue in Laurel, was first established in 1892 as part of the larger African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E) Church movement.

The African Methodist Episcopal denomination was established in 1816 by Methodist minister Richard Allen to provide congregants with a place to worship free from discrimination. The first AME churches were located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The denomination grew and became especially popular in the South.

For many years, AME preachers would stop in Laurel to minister to local residents. Eventually, First Allen Chapel A.M.E. was built to establish a permanent home for the congregants.

Today, the church is led by Rev. Tracye Jasper-Monagan who has established several outreach ministries for the community.

During the ceremony to celebrate the historical marker, Sister Barbara Wallace served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Pastor Shelia Giddens of Avery Chapel AME in Brookhaven provided the opening prayer. Brother Charles Johnson provided the Bible reading. Rev. Evelyn Murphy of Wesley Chapel AME Church in Heidelberg sang followed by Sister Morgan Rogers.

Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee provided welcoming remarks. He thanked those in attendance and stated that he was proud to be a part of the historic event. “Laurel, Mississippi needs First Allen today, as much as it did in 1892. Thank you for all those who made this happen,” he said citing the persistence and dedication of church leaders who petitioned for the historical marker.

Other speakers included: Presiding Elder George W. Tyler, Ret. (Eight Episcopal District); Presiding Elder Michele Goodloe (Southeast District); State Representative Omeria Scott (District 80), and Pastor Tracye Jasper-Monagan.

Representative Scott read the city’s proclamation presented by Mayor Magee.

The proclamation read as follows:

WHEREAS, First Allen Chapel AME Church, established in 1892, has a proud heritage of being recognized as the oldest Black spiritual institution in the City of Laurel; and

WHEREAS, First Allen Chapel AME Church, during its rich history has made great contributions to the cultural and civic life of the City of Laurel as well as enriching the spiritual and moral well-being of this community; and

WHEREAS, First Allen Chapel AME Church provided the first kindergarten program and established the first Boy Scout troop in the Black community; and

WHEREAS, First Allen Chapel AME Church was a leader in the Civil Rights movement, hosting NAACP meetings and offering an arena in which Civil Rights activists spoke to our community; and

WHEREAS, First Allen Chapel AME Church continues to build upon its storied past and remains a leader in the spiritual, social, and civic life of our community; and

WHEREAS, First Allen Chapel AME Church has received the honor of being recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and today celebrates the dedication of its historical sign marking 132 years of lifting up the name of Jesus

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Johnny Magee, Mayor of the City of Laurel, do hereby declare Wednesday, July 3, 2024 as First Allen Chapel AME Day in the City of Laurel and encourage all citizens to join me in congratulating this great church on the occasion of this historic moment and in praying that God will continue to bless this dynamic congregation as they continue to grow and serve Him.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I HAVE HEREUNTO SET MY HAND AND CAUSED THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI, TO BE AFFIXED THIS THE 3^rd DAY OF JULY, A.D. 2024