St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church

OUR CHURCH HISTORY

St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church is celebrating 133 years of giving service to God. The church was established on April 17, 1866 in the home of Benjamin and Amanda Smith, with Rev. Hiram Revels serving as its first pastor. The charter members included Hiram and Matilda Young, Ben and Amanda Smith, Hartwell and Belga Tucker, Violet Hare, Jane Nelson, Reuben and Fannie Harper, John Douglas, Fenton Douglas, Peggy Lobb, Nancy Hardin, Becky Pitts, and Rachel St. Claire. The first church was located near the intersection of what was formerly known as noland Road and White Oak. A total of six pastors served the congregation at this location. In 1877, the church was moved to its present location. The land was purchased from the late Albert Jones for $50.00. In accordance with the doctrine of the A.M.E. Church, which calls for itinerant leadership, 15 pastors have served this congregation, during these years, including Rev. C.A. Williams, who started the first unit of the second church. The mortgage was burned during the term of Rev. Daniel Hill. The present structure was begun during the administration of Rev. J. Curtis Foster. It was completed under the leadership of Rev. John S. Williams who served at St. Paul for six and one-half years. He was followed by Rev. Elbert H. Cole who led for three and one-half years. It was his guidance and perseverance that resulted in the liquidation of the indebtedness on the present structure. The mortgage was burned September 13, 1970. The church parsonage was also purchased during this time. Over the last 20 years, St. Paul has been served by the following ministers: Reverends Elmer Newton, Cordell Weldon, Loyce Clay, Jack Wills, H. Soloman Hill, James Bridgeford, David Allen, Norman C. Stevenson and E. Teresa Nelson. On October 9, 1999, at the Fifth District Planning Meeting, in St. Louis, Missouri, Presiding Bishop Vernon R. Byrd assigned Rev. Ralph J. Crabbe to lead St. Paul into the new millenium. He is our 64th spiritual leader. This is just a brief glimpse of the history of St. Paul which has been made by courageous men and women, bound together by a deep love of God and an impelling desire to serve and praise him through service rendered to mankind. Touched by the nobility of their purpose, as guided by a steadfast faith, we honor every member and supporter who gave any part of his or her life to the development of this church.