Richard Allen

Born: 1760 in Philadelphia, PA

Died: 1831

Bought his freedom for $2,000 in 1783; his “Manumission” (slave becoming free) document was first on public record.

He founded “Free African Society,” a non-denominational religious group with Reverend Absalom Jones.

He and other Methodists founded Bethel Church, an African American Episcopal church that met in an old blacksmith’s shop which was a stop along the Underground Railroad.

First African American ordained in the ministry of Methodist Episcopal Church.

Said: “Just learn from your mistakes..and forgive yourself..and better yourself.”