WESTTOWN TWP, PA — After more than a century of silence, a long-overlooked chapter of Chester County history will finally be brought back into the light as the community gathers to honor Black Civil War veterans and one of the nation’s earliest African Methodist Episcopal churches.
On Saturday, April 11, residents, descendants, and local leaders will come together for a powerful dedication ceremony recognizing the historic Westtown Shiloh AME Church and the men laid to rest in its once-forgotten cemetery.
The event marks the installation of a new historic marker commemorating the church, which dates back to 1817. Originally established as a racially integrated Methodist Episcopal congregation, the church later became part of the AME tradition—an important institution in early Black American religious life.
Over time, the original church building disappeared, and the adjoining cemetery—home to more than 100 individuals, including Black Civil War veterans—fell into disrepair and was largely forgotten. Now, that history is being reclaimed and preserved for future generations.
The dedication is part of broader America 250 commemorations, offering a moment not only to reflect on the past but to recognize stories that were left out of it for far too long.
A Ceremony Rooted in Remembrance and Community
The event will feature a lineup of speakers that includes leaders from the African Methodist Episcopal Church, local pastors, and community dignitaries. Descendants of those buried at Westtown Shiloh Cemetery are also expected to attend, adding a deeply personal connection to the ceremony.
Attendees will experience a program filled with meaningful tributes, including a choir and musicians, as well as a color guard presentation by Civil War United States Colored Troops reenactors—bringing history to life in a powerful and visual way.
Guests will also receive a souvenir booklet detailing the history of the church and the individuals buried at the site, offering families a chance to explore potential ancestral connections.
Event Details
- What: Historic Marker Dedication Honoring Westtown Shiloh AME Church and Black Civil War Veterans
- When: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Where: St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 1 Hagerty Boulevard, West Chester, PA
- Cost/Tickets: Free and open to the public
- More Info: Contact friendsofshilohame@gmail.com
With free refreshments, ample parking, and an open invitation to the public, organizers encourage families and community members to attend and be part of this long-overdue recognition.
For many, the dedication represents more than a ceremony—it’s a restoration of memory, a tribute to service, and a commitment to ensuring that these stories are never forgotten again.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.