The New Haven Church Founded by Slaves

Varick Memorial American Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church was founded by thirty-five enslaved Black methodists 1818. The church they were fleeing was segregated. They were denied even the simplest act of communion and were forced to worship in a space separated from the whites. and risked severe punishment to break away from an oppressive system.

Under the guidance of James Varick and his emissaries, they founded a church—a sacred space born of defiance and determination, standing as a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding quest for dignity.
This was no ordinary founding. It was a bold declaration that even in the face of brutal segregation, hope could be forged into a sanctuary for truth and justice.

James Varick was one of the the founders of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of New York City in 1796. That church was a pioneering abolitionist church that included both Harriet Tubman and Fredrick Douglass as members.

The current home of Varick AME Zion, at the corner of Dixwell Avenue and Charles Street, was built in 1908. On October 25 1915, Dr. Booker T. Washington, founder and President of the Tuskegee Institute delivered his last public speech from the pulpit of Varick Church. He died only a month later.

Now, more than ever, we must heed the lessons of history. The determination that built this church is a blueprint for today’s fight against any form of authoritarianism—a fight that demands collective action, solidarity, and unwavering commitment to human rights. As citizens, we are tasked with carrying this legacy forward, ensuring that the sacrifices made in New Haven serve as a beacon for all those battling for freedom and equality in our time.

The photos below are from yesterdays service held on February 23, 2024.