Capturing Somerville’s (NJ) African American, One Correction At a Time
This part 3 in a series, seeks to correct and rebuild the historical context by which to view the experiences of early African Americans residents of Somerville, New Jersey.
The Publication:
History at Home: Stories About Somerville (2000) by Jessie Havens is an updated, expanded, and illustrated booklet of short articles based on Havens’ original newspaper columns. The booklet, written for children, parents, and teachers includes articles about St. Thomas AME Zion Church, the Lottery Field African American neighborhood, Samuel Davenport, and Paul Robeson. The booklet recounts the relationship between the African American Lottery Field Community and Mr. Samuel Davenport. It notes, “Mr. Davenport tried to help those very poor people by giving money to help them build a church and land on which to build the school.”
The Clarification:
The account accurately records the mutual respect between the African American community and Samuel Davenport. St. Thomas AME Church congregation constructed a building in 1863 on the donated land. Initial enthusiasm and commitment to the new church home was dampened by absence of land ownership and led to the congregation’s displacement.
The Omission:
The account omits Samuel Davenport’s decision to retain the deed to the donated land within his estate. Consequently, without ownership the St. Thomas AME Zion congregation held no rights, and were vulnerable to decisions outside of their control.
A More Complete Account
By 1845, the AA congregation, which would become St. Thomas AME Zion Church, called the Lottery Field section home. Church services were held in the “colored” school building in between 1858-1863. In 1863 ,the efforts of the Somerville Board of Commissioners to redevelop the area was impeded by the church’s location. Mr Samuel Davenport offered land and funding for a new building. While generous in nature, Mr. Davenport’s offer did not include the deed to land. In good faith, the congregation erected a building, financed by both Davenport and the African American community, on the corner of Cliff and Davenport Streets (formerly Washington Street).
Over the next twenty-five years the congregation navigated through their precarious position. A series of ministers served the congregation, making small improvements. In 1888, the congregation’s precarious situation was revealed. The land beneath the church, now a holding within Samuel Davenport’s (1822-1884) estate, was sold without notice by the town commissioners. Then minister, Reverend J. A. Roberts learned of the sale when he observed the church pews and altar being dismantled by a builder. Without the funds to relocate the church building, the congregation lost its church home.
Battered, but not beaten the congregants regrouped under the leadership of Reverend Benjamin Franklin Wheeler (1854-1909). Fundraising efforts resulted in the purchase of two lots; one on Davenport Street and the other on Cliff Street.
In November 1889, a year after displacement, the cornerstone at the second lot, and the church's present location, was laid on Davenport Street. On May 31, 1891, The St. Thomas AME Zion Church sanctuary was dedicated. The congregation would grow to over 100 members including a Sabbath school requiring 10 teachers.
St. Thomas AME Zion Church’s presence serves as a legacy of the African American community’s activism, advocacy, determination and perseverance. Acknowledging and documenting these resident's experiences-broadens our understanding of Somerville history.
Learn more about Somerville History On Medium
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