1924 MONROE HORTENSIUS DAVIS. Bishop African Methodist Episcopal Church - Autographed Photograph.

A very rare photograph of Monroe Hortensius Davis, a prominent 20th-century leader and bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church whose career spanned pastoral leadership, military service, and major denominational governance. A South Carolina native and graduate of Allen University, Davis served as a captain in the U.S. Cavalry during World War I, after which he was appointed Professor of Military Science and Tactics.

Sensing a call to Christian ministry, he left Allen University to pursue ordination with the AME Church and went on to pastor several prominent congregations, including St. John's AME Church in Baltimore. Consecrated as bishop in 1928, Davis oversaw several key regions, including the Second Episcopal District covering Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, as well as conferences in North Carolina.

His most significant and controversial legacy came in 1946 during a high-profile governance crisis within the AME Church. Following an investigation into administrative conflicts among church leadership, the General Conference expelled two bishops and suspended Davis from his duties until February 1947. His subsequent reinstatement to leadership over the North Carolina conferences sparked substantial pushback and formal protests from local ministers and lay members, making his tenure a central flashpoint in mid-century debates over AME denominational authority.

Dating to c.1928 when the Penn Studio was active at this address. 6 x 9 in original Penn Studio folder. Inscribed by Davis to fellow AME minister and educator, Rev. Dr. Charles Harris Wesley (1891-1987), author of the classic life of Richard Allen, etc.