Note Dated 1891 Found in Historic Church Rafters
A handwritten Note by Rev. Dr. Alexander Herritage Newton, dated 1891, was found in the rafters of the Allen AME Church, future home of East Lynne Theater Company
A handwritten Note by Rev. Dr. Alexander Herritage Newton, dated 1891, was found in the rafters of the Allen AME Church, future home of East Lynne Theater Company
February 2025
Rare Historical Discovery: Handwritten Note by Rev. Dr. Alexander Herritage Newton, Dated 1891,
Found in Historic Cape May Church Rafters
– Note considered a ‘sign’ as East Lynne Theater Co. readies to make church permanent home –
Rare Historical Discovery: Handwritten Note by Rev. Dr. Alexander Herritage Newton, Dated 1891,
Found in Historic Cape May Church Rafters
– Note considered a ‘sign’ as East Lynne Theater Co. readies to make church permanent home –
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.
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 – our 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.
“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.
Historical Significance:
“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,” said Mark David Boberick, co-board president of East Lynne Theater Co. “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.”
About Rev. Dr. Alexander Herritage Newton (1837-1921):
Rev. Dr. Newton was born in North Carolina, the son of a freed black woman and an enslaved father. He worked as a servant until he and his parents relocated New York in the 1850s. Newton became educated and eventually enlisted in the Union army in 1863 as part of the 29th Connecticut Volunteers, a regiment in the U.S. Colored Troops, and was promoted to sargeant. Newton went on to become a minister in the AME church, a supporter of the Underground Railroad, and an abolitionist. His memoir, “Out of the Briars: An Autobiography and Sketch of the Twenty-Ninth Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers,” details his wartime experience. As for his work within the church, Newton ultimately became one of the most influential officials in the AME Church. He spent the last years of his life working in churches throughout New Jersey and is buried in Mount Peace Cemetery in Lawnside, Camden County, New Jersey.
About the Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church:
Founded circa 1870, the Allen AME Church of Cape May once served as a cornerstone of the town’s African American community, playing an integral role in the spiritual development of generations of families. In 2018, a fire caused by downed electrical wires nearly devastated the historic building. Cape May residents Christina Clemans and her late- husband Dave, a longtime member of the Historic Preservation Committee, successfully lobbied for the building’s preservation. Under a plan agreed with the City of Cape May, East Lynne Theater Co., founded in 1980, will lease the building for 25 years, with a further 25-year option to renew. The building, located at the corners of Franklin and Osborne streets in Cape May, is now called the Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church. It will be the first permanent home in the 45-year history of East Lynne Theater Company.
Naming rights for the lobby, the addition and other aspects of the renovation are still available, as well as Founding Benefactor contributions. Those wishing to contribute to East Lynne’s New Beginnings Capital Campaign may contact Co-Board President Susan Tischler at 609-408-1744 or at [email protected]
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 – our 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.
“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.
Historical Significance:
“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,” said Mark David Boberick, co-board president of East Lynne Theater Co. “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.”
About Rev. Dr. Alexander Herritage Newton (1837-1921):
Rev. Dr. Newton was born in North Carolina, the son of a freed black woman and an enslaved father. He worked as a servant until he and his parents relocated New York in the 1850s. Newton became educated and eventually enlisted in the Union army in 1863 as part of the 29th Connecticut Volunteers, a regiment in the U.S. Colored Troops, and was promoted to sargeant. Newton went on to become a minister in the AME church, a supporter of the Underground Railroad, and an abolitionist. His memoir, “Out of the Briars: An Autobiography and Sketch of the Twenty-Ninth Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers,” details his wartime experience. As for his work within the church, Newton ultimately became one of the most influential officials in the AME Church. He spent the last years of his life working in churches throughout New Jersey and is buried in Mount Peace Cemetery in Lawnside, Camden County, New Jersey.
About the Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church:
Founded circa 1870, the Allen AME Church of Cape May once served as a cornerstone of the town’s African American community, playing an integral role in the spiritual development of generations of families. In 2018, a fire caused by downed electrical wires nearly devastated the historic building. Cape May residents Christina Clemans and her late- husband Dave, a longtime member of the Historic Preservation Committee, successfully lobbied for the building’s preservation. Under a plan agreed with the City of Cape May, East Lynne Theater Co., founded in 1980, will lease the building for 25 years, with a further 25-year option to renew. The building, located at the corners of Franklin and Osborne streets in Cape May, is now called the Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church. It will be the first permanent home in the 45-year history of East Lynne Theater Company.
Naming rights for the lobby, the addition and other aspects of the renovation are still available, as well as Founding Benefactor contributions. Those wishing to contribute to East Lynne’s New Beginnings Capital Campaign may contact Co-Board President Susan Tischler at 609-408-1744 or at [email protected]
    ELTC's programs are made possible in part through funding from The NJ State Council on the Arts / Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners through the Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage. Also The NJ Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism, the generosity of our Season Partners / Show Sponsors, and the generosity of many patrons.
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Thank you to our 2025 Season Partners:
La Mer Beachfront Resort and Hoffman Agency Real Estate Thank you to our Show Sponsors: Cape May Star & Wave, Just for Laughs and Petals Floral Design & Gifts Thank you to our Advertising Sponsors: Exit Zero, 98.7 The Coast Radio and Cape May Radio WCFA 101.5 FM ELTC is a proud member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, the South Jersey Cultural Alliance and ArtPride, 3 Chambers of Commerce, and www.njsouthernshore.com Find out more things to do in Cape May at www.capemay.com       |
