Women played an important role in the church. Under the leadership of Sis. Hattie Backus, Carrie Jackson was appointed chairperson of the Stewardess Board and Sis. Mary Brown served as the first minister of music. The following pastors served Allen Memorial over a period of time. Some periods were short while others were long. However, each Pastor left his “footprints in the sands of time.” Rev. Lowe 1929, Rev. CW Stewart, 1933; Rev. CA Johnson, 1934-1936; Rev G Sims, 1936-1937; Rev Morton, 1937 – 1938; Rev SJ Daniels, 1938-1939; Rev. R Hamilton, 1939 (Feb-May); Rev OB Freeman, 1939-1941; Rev D Hayes, 1941-1942; Rev D Robinson, 1942-1943; Rev John W Moses, 1943-1951. During the administration of Rev. John W. Moses the church was moved from 2608 Tilden Avenue to 944 Rogers Avenue. Rev CP Cole 1951-1952; Rev CB Crawford 1952-1953; Rev MJ Broomes 1953-1955; Rev Isaac Smalls, Sr. 1955-1961; Rev ED Mouchette 1961-1962; Rev E Jemmott 1962-1963; Rev Clifford Stewart 1963-1966, during this period plans were made for the “Burning of the Mortgage.” Rev James J Wiley 1966 -1978, during this administration the mortgage was paid. Rev Larry E Dixon 1978-1982, during this administration the Allen Memorial Church reached its fiftieth milestone. During those fifty years much service was given to the community through its social programs. Rev Dixon also challenged the church family to adopt “Tithing” as a method of supporting the church. Rev John R Kemp 1982-1989, during this administration the “Envelope System” was reactivated. Rev Samuel B Wilson Jr. 1989 to 1995 was then appointed where he recognized that there was much work to be done in this part of Christ’s vineyard. Rev. Woodward was then assigned to Allen Memorial AME Church from Dec 1995 to Sept 1996 and from 1996 to 2014 Rev Benjamin Singleton Jr. served as Pastor.
In 2014, Rev. Vernon H. Peters was appointed to Allen Memorial where he has led the congregation to new heights.
The History
In the fall of 1929, seven men gathered at 2415 Albermarle Road to play Tennis. It was after the game that the idea of a place of worship for black folks in the Flatbush community was born. These seven men who were blessed with this vision were Brothers Willard Backus, Captain Oliver, Smith Green, D. Logan, Eliza Gordon, Benjamin Robinson and Knight. The church was organized and held its first services at the home of Bro Brown. Later a building was rented at Snyder Avenue and Wood Place.
Through the carpeting skills of Bro. Benjamin Robinson, the building was transformed into a beautiful sanctuary to the Glory of God Valuable organizational assistance was given to these “faithful soldiers” by Rev. E.E. Tyler, then pastor of Bridge Street A.W.M.E. Church. The first trustees of the church were Brothers Willard Backus, D. Logan, James Brown and Captain Oliver. Allen Memorial A.M.E. Church was brought into the New York Conference under the administration of Bishop David Henry Simms.
