Allegany County Maryland--History

This photograph depicts the September 10, 1892 cornerstone laying ceremony upon the completion of the second floor of the Cumberland A.M.E. Church, corner of Frederick and Decatur Streets.

The following narrative was produced as part of a history project partnership among the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places, the Department of Community Development of the City of Cumberland, Maryland, and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers:

The 1873 Cumberland City Directory lists two African-American churches at the end of its church listing. They are identified as follows:

McKENDREE CHAPEL (colored) - North Centre street. Rev. Wm. A. Waters, Pastor. Sunday Services: Preaching at half-past 10 a.m., and half-past 7 p.m. Sabbath School at 2 p.m. Prayer Meeting, Thursday night.

BETHEL CHURCH (colored) Frederick Street extended. Rev. C. Sampson, Pastor. Sunday Services: Preaching, Morning, Afternoon and Evening. Sabbath School, 2 P.M.