Did you know that the Saint Paul Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Savannah has roots stretching back to 1857? Right here before us stands a testament to faith resilience and community. It’s a story etched not only in stone but in the very hearts of the people who built it.
The Saint Paul Christian Methodist Episcopal Church wasn’t built overnight. It began humbly under a brush arbor. A group of enslaved people on the Dickson Plantation yearned for organized worship. They received permission from their owner David Dickson and his mother. They began their gatherings in 1857. This is part of the church’s rich oral history. It’s also documented in the family Bible of John Edd Dickson. He joined the church in 1881. He is buried in the church cemetery with his family and descendants.
In 1870 a pivotal moment occurred. The founders purchased land. They moved from their brush arbor to a more permanent location. This land also included space for a cemetery. This allowed for the burial of loved ones. The deeds from 1870 and 1877 show the property was transferred from David Dickson to his former slaves. The original trustees included Julia Francis Lewis Dickson Gilbert Castleberry and John C. Lewis. Their descendants remain active members today. Imagine the generations of families whose lives have intertwined with this church.
The church became affiliated with the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church founded in Jackson Tennessee in 1870. The name later changed to Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 1955. However records don’t specify when Saint Paul adopted its name or joined the denomination. The early deeds mention the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
For decades many members walked or rode horses to services. The roads leading to Saint Paul were full of people on their way to worship. The church has nurtured many young ministers. They went on to lead congregations across Georgia and beyond. Rev Thomas A Clayton Rev Johnny Clyde Reynolds and Rev Joseph Lewis all grew up at Saint Paul. They are all descendants of founding members.
Today Saint Paul Christian Methodist Episcopal Church remains a spiritual anchor. It continues to serve the community. It is a living testament to faith perseverance and the enduring power of community. It is more than just a building. It is the legacy of generations. It is a place where history faith and community come together. It is a place that continues to inspire hope and faith in Savannah.