- The Washington Times - Thursday, June 18, 2015

The shooting rampage that left nine dead Wednesday night took place at one of America’s oldest and most historically significant black churches.

The Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in South Carolina is one of the most famous churches in the Charleston area, a symbol of the centuries-long fight to overcome slavery.

“It’s one of the most historic churches in the country,” said Rep. Seth Whipper of North Charleston. “The church has a history of serving freed men and serving slaves.”

The AME Church dates back to the late 18th century, with deep roots in the struggle to abolish slavery.

It was founded in 1816 after a group of free blacks and slaves led by Morris Brown started their own congregation. Its leaders were accused of using the church to organize a massive slave rebellion, leading to hundreds of arrests and dozens of executions, according to AME’s website.

The church was burned down following the slave rebellion controversy, but after it was rebuilt, its members continued holding services in secret until 1865.

One of the church’s leading pastors was South Carolina State. Sen. Clementa Pinckney, who was among the victims. Mr. Pinckney was an influential figure in the black community. In April, he held a prayer vigil to honor the life of Walter Scott, an unarmed black man who was shot dead by a North Charleston police officer.

The Charleston shooting came on the eve of the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth, which celebrates the day Union soldiers stormed Galveston, Texas, to inform slaves of their freedom and the end of the Civil War.

• Brennan Weiss can be reached at bweiss@washingtontimes.com.

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