OUR HISTORY
The pioneering efforts of Richard Allen established the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in 1816 and undoubtedly influenced the establishment of the Pine Tree Mission here in Franktown, Virginia on April 20, 1869. Pine Tree Mission was the actual result of a combination of determination, sacrifice, cooperation and hard work by a few pioneering individuals. Inspired by an increased membership, an abundance of faith, and economic growth, the decision to renovate the church was made. Thus, the beautiful white painted Allen Chapel was born.
The first ten years (1869 - 1879) of church was a period of accelerated growth for organized religion in this community. Many individuals seeing spiritual affiliation and involvement were drawn to Franktown from distant areas. The second decade (1880 - 1890) continued with increased development of the church to include a land purchase for the construction of a parsonage on Route 606 along Nassawadox Road. Allen Chapel continued to grow and the need for a larger edifice was continually revealed. Plans for remodeling the church were discussed, but it was concluded that the construction of a parsonage was the immediate goal to pursue. The turn of the 20th century (early 1900s) found the administration of Allen Chapel still faced with the need for a larger church. Finally, the church was remodeled and renamed Allen Memorial AME Church.
This group of Christians harbored no suspicion that this latest building effort was nothing more than a temporary solution to their problem. In 1918, the pastor and the trustees purchased land across the road from Allen Memorial for the construction of a new church. This was a milestone to this Christian Congregation, for they had tolerated chairs in the aisle and standing parishioners for a long time.
On April 24, 1924 the church property was sold at a public auction in front of the Bank of Northampton at Nassawadox, Virginia. This was a demoralizing experience for the church family. Through dedication and determination, many members advanced their personal giving to assist the church in its. As a result, a portion of the property was reclaimed. Soon after, a local builder designed a new church building and construction began in 1925. The new bricked structure, New Allen Memorial AME Church (commonly referred to as New Allen) was completed in 1928.
Many social and spiritual activities were devised and sponsored to enhance the development of spiritual brotherhood. During the years of 1931 - 1932, much advancement was realized toward the alleviation of the church construction debts. In 1945, the remainder of the property lost in 1924 was reclaimed and additional land was purchased for a total of $3,000. This included land for the parsonage.
New Allen was blessed with a succession of dedicated ministers beginning in 1948. Church membership increased by 1971 and members were inspired to increase their weekly pledges.
In 2018, the members and leadership of New Allen Memorial AME Church have exceptional pride in the rich heritage of their church. Born out of the need for a place and atmosphere to praise the Lord and associate with the good people and community. The people persevered and the church thrived living on this premise, “If we are to succeed, it will be together. If we fail, it will be together. So let us erase the word failure from the dictionaries of our lives and rejoice in the Lord’s work – a success which together we will lay at God’s feet as a testament to His grace.”
