April 27 , 2015
Harrisburg's historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal church predates the Civil War
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Sunbury Press has released Along the Bethel Trail: The Journey of an African American Faith Community presented by Friends of the Bethel Trail. About the Book: Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Harrisburg, 1835 - 2015 Throughout its history, the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Harrisburg has been a critical link in the chain of places, people, and events that bind and strengthen Pennsylvania's quest for equity, parity, and social justice. Along the Bethel Trail is an anthology of articles by area authors, scholars and humanists that guides readers through the history of this resilient congregation in relationship to the legacy and impact on the community that it serves. Each contributing author writes of a specific historical period and geographic site where the church was located. From that vantage point, the authors explore the social and civic engagement of the congregation and its leadership in time and place, as the church and surrounding communities were continuously uprooted to make room for the expanding state capitol complex. Together their articles frame the impact of the church and congregation on the development of Harrisburg's diverse community. The combined articles also articulate the struggle of Harrisburg's African-American community for economic development, sustainability, and a sense of place over the past 180 years. The anthology of articles supports the eight paneled interpretive signage and self-guided experience along Harrisburg’s Bethel Trail. Discover the location of Bethel’s first church at the current Amtrak station, key 19thcentury sites at Harrisburg’s Forum, Fountain, and Justice buildings along Commonwealth Ave, its 20th century site at 6th and Herr and Bethel’s current 21st century home in midtowns at 1721 N.5th street. Along the Bethel Trail: The Journey of an African American Faith Community Authored by Lenwood O. Sloan, Nancy Mendes, and Michael L. Barton List Price: $29.95 Hardcover: 60 pages Publisher: Sunbury Press, Inc. (April 15, 2015) Language: English ISBN-10: 162006586X ISBN-13: 978-1620065860 Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.3 x 11 inches Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds BISAC: History / African American For more information, please see: http://www.sunburypressstore.com/Along-the-Bethel-Trail-9...