John Emery, then elder of the Academy, published a circular letter in which the Bethel people were disowned by the Methodists. A house was also fixed up, not far from Bethel, and an invitation given to all who desired to be Methodists to resort thither. Being disappointed in this plan, Robert R. Roberts, the resident elder of St. George, came to Bethel and insisted on preaching to them, and taking the spiritual charge, for they were Methodists. He was told that he should come on some terms with the trustees. His answer was that he did not come to consult with Richard Allen nor the trustees, but to inform the congregation that on next Sabbath Day he would come and take charge. They told him he could not preach for them under existing circumstances. However, at the appointed time he came, but having taken previous advice, the congregation had their preacher in the pulpit when the elder arrived and the house was so fixed that he could not get more than half way to the pulpit. Finding himself disappointed, he appealed to those who came with him as witnesses that, that man (meaning the preacher) had taken his appointment. Several respectable white citizens who knew the colored people had been ill-used were present and told them not to fear, for they would see them righted and that they would not suffer Roberts to preach in a forcible manner, after which Roberts went away.

The next elder stationed in Philadelphia was Robert Birch who, following the example of his predecessor, came and published a meeting for himself, but the aforementioned method was adopted and he had to go away disappointed. In consequence of this, he applied to the Supreme Court for a Writ of Mandamus to know why the pulpit was denied him, being an elder. This brought on a law suit which ended in favor of Bethel. Thus, by the providence of God, they were delivered from a long, distressing and expensive suit which could not be resumed, having been determined by the Supreme Court. For this mercy they were unfeignedly thankful.

About this time, the colored people at Baltimore and other places were treated in a similar manner as those in Philadelphia, and they were compelled to seek places of worship for themselves, rather than go to law. This induced the people to call a General Conference in April, 1816, to form a Connection. Delegates appointed to represent different churches met those of Philadelphia and taking into consideration their grievances, and in order to secure their privilege and promote union among themselves, it was: