Union American Methodist Episcopal Church, Inc.
The Union American Methodist Episcopal Church (UAME) is a historic, connectional, Christ-centered denomination rooted in the courageous vision of Rev. Peter Spencer, founder of the Union Church of Africans in 1813—the first independent Black denomination in the United States.
Born from the pursuit of spiritual freedom, dignity, and self-governance in worship, the UAME Church stands as a testament to the resilience and leadership of African-descended believers who sought a place to serve God without discrimination.
Our Origins
The UAME Church began in Wilmington, Delaware, where Peter Spencer and approximately forty Black worshipers separated from the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church in 1805. They worshipped in houses and groves until 1812. At that time, they built a church at Ninth and French Streets in Wilmington (now Ezion United Methodist Church) with no intention to form a new denomination. They wished to be law-abiding Methodist Episcopal, but reserved the right to reject as their preachers those proposed by the Church and Conference. At this point, Reverend Peter Spencer and his followers were told that they had no choice but to obey; they therefore refused and decided to sever all relations with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their bold step toward autonomy led to the organization of the Union Church of Africans in September 1813.
They purchased a lot and built a church at 8th and French Streets, where they organized the first Methodist denomination for people of color in the United States of America. In 1813, they incorporated this church under the laws of the State of Delaware. The name of this denomination was the Union Church of Africans. The incorporators were Rev. Peter Spencer, Bro. Scotland Hill, Bro. David Smith, Bro. Jacob March, Bro. Benjamin Webb, Bro. John Kelly, and Bro. John Simmons, all trustees.
In 1865, the original body was divided, resulting in two denominations:
– AUMP Church (African Union Methodist Protestant)
– UAME Church (Union American Methodist Episcopal)
An important part of our shared heritage is the Mother African Union Church (MAUC). Historically aligned with the AUMP Church, Mother African Union later separated from the AUMP body and continues today as an independent congregation rooted in Spencer’s original mission.
Mother African Union Church heads up the annual August Quarterly Festival, also known as the Big Quarterly—founded by Peter Spencer in 1814. This event remains one of the oldest continuous African-American religious and cultural festivals in the United States, bringing people together in a celebration of faith, freedom, and community.
A Legacy of Faith & Freedom
From the beginning, the UAME Church has been committed to:
– Raising Black leadership in ministry and public life
– Establishing churches and schools that uplift both the spirit and the mind
– Promoting holiness, justice, and community empowerment
– Sustaining traditions of worship, fellowship, and liberation
Who We Are Today
The UAME Church is a connectional body with:
– Five (5) Episcopal Districts
– Fifty-three (53) congregations
Serving communities in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Liberia, West Africa.
We remain deeply committed to worship, discipleship, evangelism, leadership development, community impact, and the continued advancement of the Gospel.
Our Mission
To glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ, strengthening families and communities, cultivating leaders, and carrying forward the liberating Wesleyan–Methodist tradition entrusted to us since 1813.
Our Calling
Rooted in Scripture, shaped by history, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the UAME Church presses forward honoring our heritage, advancing the Gospel, and building a greater church for generations to come.