TERRE HAUTE —
Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church sits quietly and unpretentiously at Third and Crawford streets in Terre Haute.
Thousands drive by each day, many of them unaware of its rich history.
But if it could talk, the 175-year-old church would tell dramatic stories of its role in helping black slaves escape to freedom as part of the Underground Railroad.
Its location near the Wabash River, nestled among the houses of blacks living and working in the city, made it an easy point for fugitive slaves to find food and shelter before blending into the community or moving farther north.
If it could tell its story, Allen Chapel might recall the lives it helped shape when it opened Terre Haute’s first private school for black children around 1845, during an era where there were few educational opportunities for them.
The church could boast of the accomplishments of those who passed through its doors, including the first black person elected to the Indiana Legislature, James Hinton, and the first black to serve in the U.S. Senate, the Rev. Hiram Revels (he took the seat once held by Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy).
Allen Chapel’s reputation was such that Frederick Douglass, former slave and leader in the abolitionist movement, visited Terre Haute twice in 1868 to raise funds to build a new church structure.
Started in 1837, Allen Chapel AME was the first black church in Terre Haute and today is the oldest surviving black church in western Indiana, according to those familiar with its story.
“It’s a historical landmark,” said Marlene Lu, who researched its role in the Underground Railroad. “It’s a major part of Terre Haute history and needs to be preserved.”
She is a member of the Friends of Allen Chapel, a group formed in 1997 that raises funds to preserve the church.
When urban redevelopment took away the surrounding neighborhood, the congregation dwindled in size. The building fell into disrepair and was on the brink of demolition when Friends of Allen Chapel decided the landmark was too important to lose.
For Vigo County historian Mike McCormick, Allen Chapel “symbolizes the early African American heritage” of the community and is an important part of the history of the black community in Terre Haute.
Joy Sacopulos understood the importance of the church and was instrumental in forming the Friends group. She was especially moved by the church’s role in the Underground Railroad and in educating black children.
“There were black families who moved here because they wanted their children to have a chance for an education” at a time when those opportunities for black children were rare, she said.
Church services were first conducted in a small frame structure at First and Sheets (now Crawford) streets for more than 30 years as members saved to build a church for the growing congregation.
During these years, the small subscription school was established.
The cornerstone of the second Allen Chapel was laid in 1870, and the church was a major cultural center for the black community in Vigo County for many years.
During a storm accompanying a tornado in 1913, the church was struck by lightning and burned. Church members rescued pews and some altar pieces, and the lower level survived. Services were conducted in a tent while the church was being rebuilt on its original foundation. Members of the congregation physically built the third church.
Allen Chapel continued for another half-century as the leading black church in Terre Haute.
During the years since a redevelopment project cleared the surrounding neighborhood, the congregation has grown smaller. “The members remain proud of their heritage and proud of their church,” Sacopulos wrote in a short history.
During Allen Chapel’s 105th anniversary year in 1975, the church was named to the National Register of Historic Places.
This weekend, the church is celebrating its 175th anniversary. “Today, Allen Chapel is a treasured Terre Haute landmark,” Sacopulos wrote.
In 2012, longtime members Cynthia and Leonard Handley and Shirley Perez help oversee day-to-day operations. The three were recognized Saturday for their many years of service to the church, which now has about 30 members.
Leonard Handley and Perez are church trustees, and Cynthia Handley is a church steward.
Cynthia’s fondest memories are singing in the junior choir as a teenager, back when the church pews were filled with people. She remembers how Mrs. Shackelford, who would accompany them on piano, would give choir members angry looks (using a mirror on the piano) if they messed up.
The Handleys, who lived in the same neighborhood growing up, got to know each other through the church, and their children were baptized there.
Cynthia Handley’s mother and grandmother both attended Allen Chapel.
Cynthia and Perez serve as assistants to the Rev. Tonya Burris-Mallory, the church pastor, and they are the chief cooks for meals served there.
Leonard Handley remembers attending Boy Scout meetings in the church basement, where the scouts played dodge ball, volleyball and other games. “I didn’t realize how small it was until I got older,” he said.
Initially, he attended St. Paul’s nearby, but later joined Allen Chapel.
The Handleys and Perez are active in the Friends of Allen Chapel and credit it with the church’s continued existence. They recall the time that someone had wanted to buy the church, demolish it and use the property for a parking lot.
The next phase of work at the church will involve ceilings and walls, Leonard Handley said.
Looking to the future, the three have their hopes and dreams for the future of Allen Chapel.
Cynthia Handley’s dream is to have a choir and someone to play the piano.
Perez hopes that one day, “This church will be filled with lots of children” and their families.
Leonard Handley wants the facility improvements completed and “I hope to see the church filled” with new members.
Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.
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Related Photos
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis 175: Allen Chapel is celebrating its 175th anniversary as a congregation this weekend.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Celebrating: Cynthia Handley, her husband Leonard and Shirley Perez are three long time members of the Allen Chapel congregation. The church celebrates its 175th anniversary this weekend.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Member: Shirley Perez is a longtime member of Allen Chapel�s congregation.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Restored: Cynthia Hadley and Shirley Perez chat in front of the stained glass windows in Allen Chapel. The congregation celebrates its 175th anniversary this weekend.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis From heaven to earth: The Anniversary Ensemble sang during the Saturday services of the 175th anniversary celebration at Allen Chapel. The celebration continues today with services at 11:00a.m. and 4:00p.m.
Discussion
Allen Chapel AME Church Celebrates Milestone of 175 years
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