Presenting Chaplain Allen Allensworth

120 Fort Douglas Boulevard,Salt Lake City UT 84113

16 February, 2023

Description

In a dramatic portrayal of Chaplain Allen Allensworth, Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army, he will deliver one of Chaplain Allensworth’s most notable and frequently delivered speeches: “The Battle of Life and How to Win It”. Chaplain Allensworth is an esteemed man and respected orator who once was stationed at Utah’s Fort Douglas with the 24th Infantry in the U.S. Army, a historically famous Buffalo Soldier regiment. Step back in time and enjoy an evening of entertainment listening to this long-forgotten historic speech in the historic location of the Fort Douglas Post Chapel where many of his speeches and sermons were delivered during his time in Utah. Chaplain Allensworth will be joined by his two daughters – Nella and Eva – who will share their musical talents: Nella singing and Eva playing violin. Chaplain Allen Allensworth - portrayed by Everett Spencer Nella Allensworth - portrayed by Azia Rowley Eva Allensworth - portrayed by Yemma Evans THE EVENT IS FREE. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. WE RECOMMEND PRE-REGISTRATION TO SAVE TIME AT THE DOOR THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT. Organized by: Sema Hadithi African American Heritage & Culture Foundation J. Willard Marriott Library at the University of Utah The Veteran Support Center of the University of Utah Black Cultural Center at the University of Utah *Photograph of Chaplain Allen Allensworth taken 15 January 1889 HISTORIC FORT DOUGLAS LOCATED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH Camp Douglas, later re-named Fort Douglas, was established in 1862 to protect the Overland Mail Route. The consolidation of military posts 20 years later resulted in the expansion of Fort Douglas to quarter 10 companies of infantry. Post Commander Col. Alexander McDowell McCook, a devout Presbyterian, ordered the soldiers to build a chapel to serve the enlarged encampment. The Post Chapel was completed in 1884 at a cost of $4,500. The Post Chapel became part of the University of Utah in 1992. The building was in such bad condition that destruction was considered. Thanks to the local community and a few foundations who provided the needed funds, the substantial renovation to save it was accomplished. USAGE OF THE HISTORIC POST CHAPEL From the time the Post Chapel was built in 1862 to 1991, the Salt Lake City community and Fort Douglas military and their families used the Post Chapel to hold Sunday service and other meetings. While stationed at the Fort, Chaplain Allensworth held meetings here. Meetings of the Christian Benevolent Society as well as meetings of the Frederick Douglas Literary Society were also held in the Post Chapel. Both Nella and Eva Allensworth attended these meetings as well as participated by giving speeches, singing, and playing musical instruments.