They were doing some construction work at the Allen AME Church in Cape May, New Jersey in 2024 when they discovered a 134-year-old note nailed to a beam in the rafters.
“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. Newtown,” the note reads.
The handwritten note was written by Rev. Dr. Alexander Herritage Newton in 1891, writes David Chang and Ted Greenberg for NBC 10 Philadelphia.
The note writer, Rev. Dr. Newton, was pastor at the Allen AME Church from 1889 until 1892.
He’s known for his advocacy for social justice and education, and for his support of the Underground Railroad. He was a sergeant in the Union’s Colored Troops in the Civil War.
Sadly, no more information was available on Elwood Rowland, formerly of Media.
The note is still in the rafters under new sheet rock. Officials are looking for a way to better display and preserve it.
The historic church and city-owned building has been turned into the Clemans Theater at Allen AME Church, permanent home to the East Lynne Theater Company.
Find out more about the note and note writer’s history at NBC 10 Philadelphia.
