St. Philip's African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was founded in 1859 by John W. Towt, an American philanthropist…More and abolitionist.</p> <p>Towt came to Nyack in 1859 with the goal of creating a Sunday school and place of worship for African Americans. In 1886, Towt's Sunday School -- by then a thriving A.M.E. Church -- moved to its current location. In recognition of Towt's tenacity and goodwill, the third Sunday of each November is known as "John W. Towt Memorial Day." The church's current pastor is Rev. Isidoa Branch, Jr., a native of Mount Vernon, New York.</p>