Penguins in collaboration with Pittsburgh's oldest Black church to reclaim land in Lower Hill District development
As the oldest Black church in the city, Bethel A.M.E (African Methodist Episcopal) was the beacon of hope for people escaping slavery in the south and a force for social justice.
As the oldest Black church in the city, Bethel A.M.E (African Methodist Episcopal) was the beacon of hope for people escaping slavery in the south and a force for social justice.
As the oldest Black church in the city, Bethel A.M.E (African Methodist Episcopal) was the beacon of hope for people escaping slavery in the south and a force for social justice.
Bethel A.M.E. Church has a storied history in Pittsburgh that includes historic periods of human rights and socio-economic despair.
A letter from the Pittsburgh Penguins organization to the church signifies an attempt to correct the latter. Click here to read the letter.
As the oldest Black church in the city, Bethel A.M.E (African Methodist Episcopal) was the beacon of hope for people escaping slavery in the south and a force for social justice.
This was its mission since its inception, in the early 1800s.
"We came here in 1808 and organized, was part of the Underground Railroad, opened the first schools to educate Blacks to read, fought for the right for men to vote, women to vote," the Rev. Dale Snyder said.
However, the church was torn down in the late 1950s, yielding to Eminent Domaine for the construction of the Civic Arena.
In an attempt to correct what is called an injustice to the church, the Penguins organization is collaborating with Bethel A.ME. to rededicate a portion of land in the new Lower Hill development to something connected with the church.
"We recognize the tremendously negative impact incurred by the Bethel A.M.E. Church demolition and relocation, and the pain caused to the church’s religious mission," Penguins General Council Kevin Acklin said in the letter. "We seek collaboration with Bethel A.M.E. Church with respect to the future redevelopment of Parcel F."
Snyder says that collaboration can lead to a variety of structures being erected on the property.
"We would love to have a building that is multi-purpose that we could utilize for college classrooms, community events and to have a sacred place to worship on Sundays," Snyder said.
Dedication of the property is scheduled for June 5.