James Walker Hood's Sketch of the Early History of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church documents the origin and progress of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (A.M.E.Z.) Church during its first few years of existence. The sources for Hood's history include conference minutes from 1778-1799, Christopher Rush's A Short Account of the Rise and Progress of the African M. E. Church in America, and John J. Moore's History of the A. M. E. Zion Church in America. Hood often copies directly from these sources, however his extended treatment of the earliest years of the denomination amplifies their significance. Hood cites key figures and formative events, putting the Church's history in the context of the history of black race going back to biblical times.

This volume includes a "Jubilee Souvenir" recounting the "The Hood Golden Jubilee" held in the author's honor in order to provide him with a retirement fund. Also appended is Bishop Hood's "Quadrennial Report" for his district in the year 1912.

Maryellen Davis