The First District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is one of nineteen districts throughout the world. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, the District extends from Delaware to Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, Western New York, New England and to the Island of Bermuda. Bishop Richard Franklin Norris is the Presiding Prelate and Mrs. Mary Ann Norris serves as Episcopal Supervisor.

The First District is steeped in history as the birthplace of African Methodist Episcopalism in 1787, and is blessed to be home to some of the most historic church buildings in the entire AME family. Since its inception, the district has grown to include 300 individual congregations.

One of these, the Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, was built in 1797 by AME founder Richard Allen on what remains the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by blacks in the nation. This building continues to serve as a landmark to all members of our faith, which spans three continents and has over 2.5 million members.

The First District has seen significant changes recently, including a relocation of its headquarters to 3801 Market Street. Today, the First District has extended its ministry to encompass the entire community, with programs specifically geared to women, men, young adults as well as educational initiatives aligned with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other scholarships.