St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church

In 1860, a small group gathered for prayer meetings in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Brown. This humble beginning marked the birth of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest African American congregation in Minnesota. St. James AME Church, known as Minnesota’s “Mother Church,” has a history as rich and complex as the city itself. Officially organized in 1863 in Saint Anthony, the church’s early years were marked by a nomadic existence. Their first dedicated house of worship, purchased in 1869, was a former white church located at 6th Avenue Southeast and 2nd Street. From storefronts to a hall above a feed store, St. James AME Church persevered, eventually crossing the river into Minneapolis. The church continued its journey, occupying various locations, including a storefront at 411 5th Avenue South. A notable event during this period was the establishment of St. Peter’s A.M.E., which originated from a Sunday School class held at St. James. In 1892, under Reverend Butler’s guidance, St. James AME Church constructed a red brick edifice at 4th Street and 8th Avenue. However, the Rock Island Railroad expansion forced them to relocate a decade later. The early 20th century saw the congregation move multiple times within a single year. They occupied spaces at 5th and 4th Avenues, Bloomington and 26th Street, 1306 6th Avenue North, and back to 411 5th Avenue South. This instability impacted the church’s leadership and membership, with many joining St. Peter’s A.M.E. A turning point came in 1918 when, under Reverend J. T. Merritt, St. James AME Church acquired a former synagogue at 314 15th Avenue South. This location served as their home for forty years. Despite a decline in membership during the 1940s, St. James AME Church found new homes at the Pillsbury Settlement House in 1956 and finally, in 1958, at its current location at 3600 Snelling Avenue. This structure, designed by Irwin H. Kilstofte under Reverend Cleveland Duke Smalls, stands as a testament to the church’s enduring spirit. In 2018, this building, the only one constructed by and longest used by the congregation, was designated a historic landmark. St. James AME Church stands today not only as a place of worship, but also as a symbol of resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of the African American community in Minneapolis.