Brown Hill A.M.E. Zion Church · Our Denominational Heritage
The Freedom Church
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Roots in New York City
Faith, dignity, and freedom
A heritage shaped by courage.
James Varick, Abraham Thompson, William Miller, and fellow believers sought worship free from racial discrimination. Their movement established roots for a church committed to faith and equality.
A lasting witness
Freedom.
Dignity. Opportunity.
The denomination’s legacy includes Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth. Its ministry embraces spiritual freedom, civil rights, education, and human dignity.
Understanding our identity
The meaning behind our name
African
Honors African ancestry and founding leadership while affirming every person’s equal worth.
Methodist
Expresses Wesleyan commitments to holiness, spiritual discipline, and growth in faith.
Episcopal
Describes leadership through elected bishops who guide and unite the denomination.
Zion
Adopted in 1848, this biblical name evokes God’s presence, people, and spiritual freedom.
Faith opening doors
A commitment to education.
Educational connections include Livingstone College, Clinton College, Lomax-Hannon Junior College, Dinwiddie Institute, and A.M.E. Zion Junior College in Liberia.