VA SJR242

Third Street Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Richmond's Jackson Ward neighborhood celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2025, recognized as the oldest church in the neighborhood and second oldest AME church in Virginia

Founded in 1850 by formerly enslaved individuals who left Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church due to segregation and discrimination, with the main church structure built in 1856 by skilled Black artisans

Served as the site of the first organizing session of the Virginia Annual Conference of the AME Church on May 10, 1867, earning designation as the "mother church" of the AME denomination in Virginia

Maggie L. Walker delivered her famous "Unity Speech" at the church in 1901, outlining her vision for a Black-owned bank, newspaper, and emporium

Listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and National Register of Historic Places in 1975, and currently led by its 46th pastor, Reverend Reuben J. Boyd, Jr.