On View
Slavery and Freedom Gallery
Exhibition
Slavery and Freedom
Created by
Simms, John J. A., American, ca. 1853 - 1930
Used by
Metropolitan AME Church, American, founded 1838
Date
ca. 1870-1890; refinished ca. 1920-1930
Medium
wood
Dimensions
H x W x D: 38 1/2 × 35 1/2 × 25 in. (97.8 × 90.2 × 63.5 cm)
Description
A pulpit from the Metropolitan AME Church, consisting of a hollow, three-sided structure composed of multiple pieces of wood that show different techniques, ages, and varnishes. The front of the pulpit features two arches separated by a piece of wood and framed by thin columns on either side. The wood is smooth and varnished with a light resin through which the wood grain is still visible. The cornices at the top and bottom of the columns are similar in style, with those on the bottom heavier due to extra supporting wood. There are small juts of wood in the interior suggesting a shelf may have been in place inside the pulpit for holding objects. A small metal placard screwed to the front of the pulpit notes “This podium was built for Metropolitan AME Church formerly Union Bethel AME Church by John Simms 1838.”
Place used
Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Sacred and Ceremonial Objects
Type
pulpits
Topic
African Methodist Episcopal
Communities
Methodist
Religion
The Black Church
Worship services
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Metropolitan AME Church and the Right Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr., Presiding Prelate, Second Episcopal District, 113th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the AME Church
Object number
2016.104.6
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd50a246673-bb54-47db-a9a8-da8776052a04

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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