The Sourland Conservancy and the Stoutburg Cemetery Association are joining together for a Gospel Brunch fundraiser to raise support for New Jersey’s first African American Museum at the historic Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church on Hollow Road in Skillman, New Jersey, Saturday February 27, 2016 from 11am-1pm at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church at 80 W Broad Street in Hopewell.
The charming one-room AME Church is one of the most historic buildings in the Sourlands. Constructed some time before 1850 on Zion Road near the Province Line on Sourland Mountain, the Church served the black population of the East Mountain area. When the peach blight, at the turn of the century, took away their livelihoods, members of the church moved to Skillman, at the base of the Mountain. They brought their church with them, disassembling the structure and rebuilding it where it stands today.
A few years ago, the Sourland Conservancy conducted a special fundraising drive to repair and paint the church, and completed the work in March, 2012. The Montgomery Township Landmarks Commission provided a grant to pay for the materials needed for the project.
The event will feature renowned gospel musicians, Brother Eric Gambrell and Sister Delia Diggs and the combined Gospel Choir. Enjoy inspiring music and delicious food while learning about plans to create an African American History Museum to highlight the history of African Americans in the Sourlands and Hopewell Valley.
Tickets are available online by clicking this link. Donations are gladly accepted: Stoutsburg Cemetery Association c/o John Buck at 79 Columbia Avenue, Hopewell, NJ 08525 (Please indicate the donation is for the African American Museum)
