A construction worker recently found this handwritten note by the Rev. Alexander H. Newton, dated 1891, in the rafters of the former Allen AME Church, now called the Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church, in Cape May. (Photo courtesy of Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church)
The 134-year-old note has turned yellow and is badly frayed in spots, but most of the handwriting is still legible.
At the very top, it is inscribed, “Cape May June 19, 1891,” the date the nation now celebrates as Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
Although the note is unrelated to the end of slavery, its recent discovery in the rafters of the former Allen African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Cape May is being hailed as a historically significant find.
The note’s discovery was announced in a news release by the Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church, which will be the first permanent home in the 45-year history of East Lynne Theater Company later this year.
The note, which may actually be a receipt, was written in 1891 by the Rev. Dr. Alexander Herritage Newton, who served as pastor at the Allen AME Church in the late 1800s, according to the release.
It was discovered in the church rafters by a construction worker during renovations to the building. Written on aged parchment that has since turned yellow, the note was found nailed to a beam.
It says: “To all whom this may concern, Elwood Rowland, formerly of Media, PA Daniel Galvin, [formerly of] Phila Plastered this church during The month of June for $250. Rev. Dr. Newton, Pastor.”
What appear to be a few words following Rev. Newton’s name are unclear.
The Allen AME Church, located at 717 Franklin Street in Cape May, has long been a historic landmark in the seaside town. Its pastor, Rev. Newton, was prominent in his own right, adding to the importance of his handwritten note.
“It’s an exceptional find,” Rachel Dolhanczyk, director of history programs for the Center of Community Arts, a group dedicated to discovering, preserving and presenting the African American history of Cape May, is quoted in the news release.
“We know that Rev. Dr. Newton spent time at the Allen AME Church of Cape May, but we don’t know much about that time. It’s a thrilling coincidence to learn that this important historical figure was instrumental in renovating the church back then as renovations are being done on the church today,” Dolhanczyk continued.
East Lynne Theater Company’s Co-Board President Susan Tischler stands outside of the former Allen AME Church with Cape May Mayor Zachary Mullock and Christina Clemans. (Photo courtesy of Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church)Records indicate that Rev. Newton served as pastor at Allen AME Church from approximately 1889 to 1892. He was a sergeant in the 29th Connecticut Volunteers, a regiment in the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War, a supporter of the Underground Railroad, and a prominent religious leader known for his advocacy for social justice and education.
“The discovery of this note is a remarkable find that enhances what little understanding we have of Rev. Dr. Newton’s leadership during his time in Cape May,” Mark David Boberick, co-board president of East Lynne Theater Co., says in the release. “As the company moves forward with an expanded mission to honor the rich black history of Cape May, it offers us a tangible connection to the past and a deeper appreciation for the contributions that Newton made to our community and to the church’s legacy.”
In his autobiography, “Out of the Briars: An Autobiography and Sketch of the Twenty-Ninth Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers,” Newton briefly mentions his time in Cape May. However, he does state in the book that his church was in need of plastering work, which is what the receipt is for.
“The church building was not plastered or seated, so we decided to borrow money for this purpose,” Newton wrote in his autobiography.
As recently as 2021, the former Allen AME Church was considered one of New Jersey’s 10 Most Endangered Historic Places, according to Preservation New Jersey.
With help from the city of Cape May and East Lynne contributors, the Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church will become a crown jewel and cultural center of the town, the release stated.
“A fire nearly destroyed this building, so there’s a greater purpose to what we are doing,” Boberick said. “The story of this building is meant to continue – signs are everywhere, figuratively and now literally, and we do not want to get this wrong.”
When the Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church officially opens this spring, it will be a cornerstone of the new Cultural District in Cape May, which also includes the Harriet Tubman Museum and a brand new 16,000-square-foot library, which used to house the Franklin Street School, an elementary school for Cape May’s African American children, according to the release.
The former Allen AME Church is a landmark on Franklin Street in Cape May. (Photo courtesy of the Center for Community Arts)East Lynne, which has been staging its shows in the First Presbyterian Church on Hughes Street in Cape May, is still in the process of raising money in its Capital Campaign for the continuation of renovations at the former Allen AME Church.
Once opened, the new space will offer the theater company the ability to provide year-round programming for the first time, including plays, jazz, art exhibits and more.
“To be able to return this building to the community as a place to gather once again is honoring the legacy of the church,” Boberick said. “We are creating a versatile and dynamic arts space by programming events that can bring everyone together, making it a place for all to celebrate.”
For more information on East Lynne Theater Co.’s Capital Campaign, go to EastLynneTheater.org.
