Abstract
Although Peter Spencer figured prominently in the rise of African Methodism in America, he has been virtually ignored by both black and
white church historians. The unfortunate result of this is that we have very few reliable data on his life and work. Even more disturbing is the fact that Spencer has been overlooked in almost all of the sources which focus on the history of African Methodist movements. Such sources have traditionally focused on pivotal figures like Richard Allen, Morris Brown, Daniel Coker and James Varick, thereby creating the impression that Spencer was only secondary in importance to these men.1 The lack of attention given Spencer attests more to the abysmal ignorance of church historians concerning him than to his lack of importance as a church founder and leader. Spencer played a far more important role in furthering the cause of black ecclesiastical independence, particularly as it found expression in African Methodism, than is usually known or imagined. The complete story of African Methodism in America will not be known until he is considered on an equal level with Allen, Brown, Coker and Varick.2