A remarkable historical discovery has been made in the rafters of the former Allen African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Cape May, a centuries-old building soon to become 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. A note or possible receipt, dated 1891, handwritten by the esteemed Rev. Dr. Alexander Herritage Newton, has been uncovered during renovations of the church. Found by Kyle Carter of DKC Contractors as he worked on scaffolding in the rafters, the note, written on aged parchment, was 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
[unclear]”

At the very top, it is inscribed: “Cape May June 19, 1891.” That date, as we celebrate it now, is
Juneteenth.

“It’s an exceptional find,” said 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.

“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.”

The church has long been a landmark of historical significance within the seaside town. Rev. Dr. Newton, who – records indicate – served as pastor there from approximately 1889-1892. He was a sergeant in the 29th Connecticut Volunteers, a regiment in the U.S. Colored Troops; a supporter of the Underground Railroad; and a prominent and revered religious leader known for his advocacy for social justice and education. 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.

When the Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church officially opens this spring, it will be the 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.

East Lynne, which has been staging its shows in the First Presbyterian Church on Hughes Street, is still in the process of raising money in its Capital Campaign for the continuation of renovations – or, “adaptive reuse,” as classified by Historic Preservation standards – at the former 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.

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. This spring, the church, now called the Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church, will be the company’s new home and the cornerstone for arts and culture in Cape May.

“By definition a church is a place to gather and celebrate – a coming together. Religion, yes. But there is an integration – church and community are integral to one another,” said Mark David Boberick, co-board president of East Lynne Theater Co. “To be able to return this building to the community as a place to gather once again is honoring the legacy of the church. 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.”

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. Boberick believes that finding Newton’s historic note is a signal that they are on the right track.

“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.”

The Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church is located at 717 Franklin St. in Cape May. For more
information on East Lynne Theater Co.’s Capital Campaign, go to EastLynneTheater.org.