Black History Month: What was Rockford's first Black church?

Chris Green, Rockford Register Star
Updated

How much do you know about Rockford's Black history? In celebration and recognition of Black History Month, the Rockford Register Star has partnered with the Rockford Public Library's Local History Room to bring our readers a local Black history fact of the day.

Visit rrstar.com or the Rockford Register Star newspaper each day throughout the month of February to read about the people, places and events that played significant roles in shaping the rich fabric of Rockford's Black history.

February 3, 2024

In September 1891, Allen Chapel (African Methodist Episcopal Church) was organized by Peter Blakley in his mother-in-law's home in Rockford.
In September 1891, Allen Chapel (African Methodist Episcopal Church) was organized by Peter Blakley in his mother-in-law's home in Rockford.

A Civil War veteran, Peter Blakely and his wife, Hattie, opened Allen Chapel AME Church in the home of Hattie’s mother, Maria Donnelly, in September 1891. This was the first AME (African Methodist Episcopal) church for Blacks in Rockford.

Allen Chapel AME Church was originally located at South Winnebago and Elm streets in Rockford. This was the first church for Blacks in Rockford.
Allen Chapel AME Church was originally located at South Winnebago and Elm streets in Rockford. This was the first church for Blacks in Rockford.

Want to learn more about Allen Chapel AME Church? Visit the Rockford Public Library's Local History Room at rockfordpubliclibrary.org/local-history or in person at the Hart Interim Library, 214 N. Church St.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Allen Chapel AME Church opens in 1891