WEST CHESTER, PA — The Westtown Township Board of Supervisors (BoS) has approved the installation of a historic marker to honor the Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and Cemetery, a site of deep historical and cultural significance for Chester County’s Black community. Established in 1817, the church served as a vital hub for its congregation for more than a century before falling into disrepair and being demolished in the 1960s.
The adjoining half-acre cemetery, which holds the graves of an estimated 140 individuals, including 14 Black Civil War veterans, has suffered decades of neglect. Gravestones were stolen, leaving only one monument remaining, and the area is now overgrown and inaccessible to descendants. The historic marker, to be placed along Little Shiloh Road, will serve as a lasting tribute to the site’s importance in the community and beyond.
This approval marks a milestone in Westtown Township’s 330-year history, as it will be the first African American historic marker within the municipality. The initiative to install the marker was spearheaded by the Friends of Shiloh AME Church and Cemetery (FoS), an independent group committed to preserving the legacy of this site. The Brandywine Valley Civil War Round Table, a nonprofit organization, will manage the funds for the project, with an estimated cost of $4,000 funded by donations.
Stephen Lyons, chair of FoS, highlighted the contributions of the Shiloh AME community during a January presentation to the township supervisors, emphasizing the century-long history of the church and its members. Lyons also noted the cemetery’s historical significance, particularly as the resting place for members of the United States Colored Troops who served during the Civil War.
The community effort behind this historic marker has included support from the descendants of those buried at the site and organizations such as Pennsylvania Hallowed Grounds, Westtown Monthly Meeting, and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. The FoS plans to begin fundraising soon, inviting local residents to contribute to this meaningful project.
The installation of the Shiloh AME Church and Cemetery marker stands as a critical step in recognizing the rich, often overlooked history of African Americans in Chester County. Once completed, the marker will honor those who contributed to the area’s legacy while fostering greater community awareness and engagement with local history.
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