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James Varick James Varick James Varick James Varick Civil Rights Pioneer Civil Rights Pioneer and First Bishop of the and First Bishop of the AME Zion Church AME Zion Church 1750-1827 1750-1827 Image courtesy of the General Image courtesy of the General Commission on Archives and History Commission on Archives and History orn in Newburgh, NY, Rev. James Varick began attending orn in Newburgh, NY, Rev. James Varick began attending Methodist services at the famed Rigging Loft in New York Methodist services at the famed Rigging Loft in New York BCity as a teenager. In time, he became a licensed local preacher BCity as a teenager. In time, he became a licensed local preacher in John Street Church. However, racist attitudes among New in John Street Church. However, racist attitudes among New York’s Methodists limited Varick’s opportunities to serve and York’s Methodists limited Varick’s opportunities to serve and lead the congregation. lead the congregation. Varick’s frustration with his congregation inspired him to take Varick’s frustration with his congregation inspired him to take bold action. In 1796, after securing Bishop Francis Asbury’s bold action. In 1796, after securing Bishop Francis Asbury’s blessing, Varick organized several of John Street’s African blessing, Varick organized several of John Street’s African American members into the city’s first church for people of American members into the city’s first church for people of col- color. Meeting first in his home, the new congregation moved or. Meeting first in his home, the new congregation moved into into a new building—Zion Church—in 1800. Six years lat- a new building—Zion Church—in 1800. Six years later, Varick er, Varick and two of his colleagues became the first African and two of his colleagues became the first African Americans Americans ordained in New York State. ordained in New York State. An abolitionist, educator, and organizer, Varick worked tire- An abolitionist, educator, and organizer, Varick worked tire- lessly to lift persons up from oppressive social institutions. lessly to lift persons up from oppressive social institutions. (over) (over) (James Varick, cont.) (James Varick, cont.) His efforts produced a connection of congregations that formed His efforts produced a connection of congregations that formed the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in 1822. To no the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in 1822. To no one’s surprise, the Church elected Varick its first bishop. one’s surprise, the Church elected Varick its first bishop. On July 4, 1827 a thanksgiving service for the abolition of slav- On July 4, 1827 a thanksgiving service for the abolition of slav- ery in New York State was held at Zion Church. Varick died just ery in New York State was held at Zion Church. Varick died just 2 weeks later at the age of 77. 2 weeks later at the age of 77. For Discussion For Discussion • James Varick fought against racist attitudes in the Methodist • James Varick fought against racist attitudes in the Methodist Episcopal Church (MEC) and in the wider society. How are rac- Episcopal Church (MEC) and in the wider society. How are rac- ist attitudes still in evidence today, and what do you believe ist attitudes still in evidence today, and what do you believe should be the church’s response? should be the church’s response? • Varick spent forty to fifty years working to give African-Amer- • Varick spent forty to fifty years working to give African-Amer- icans an alternative to the subservient status they had in the icans an alternative to the subservient status they had in the MEC. What characteristics are needed to dedicate oneself to MEC. What characteristics are needed to dedicate oneself to a goal/cause over such a long period of time? a goal/cause over such a long period of time? New York Annual Conference New York Annual Conference Commission on Archives and History Commission on Archives and History C. Wesley Christman Archives C. Wesley Christman Archives [email protected] - 914-615-2241 [email protected] - 914-615-2241 © 2016 NYAC Commission on Archives and History © 2016 NYAC Commission on Archives and History.
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