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A
SHORT ACCOUNT
of the
RISE AND PROGRESS
of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church
IN AMERICA.
CHAPTER I.
Of the Formation and Establishment of Zion Church.
In the year 1796, when the coloured members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the city of New-York became increased, and feeling a desire for the privilege of holding meetings of their own, where they might have an opportunity to exercise their spiritual gifts among themselves, and thereby be more useful one to the other, a few of the most intelligent of our brethren obtained permission from Bishop Francis Asbury, to hold meetings by them-selves, in the intervals of the regular preaching hours of our white brethren, in the best manner they could. The
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