Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church

A silver loving cup. That’s how Mary Ann Barnes was rewarded for her fundraising efforts for Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the community spirit that built this church. Saint Paul AME Church stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of a people determined to build a place of worship and community. The church’s story begins in 1856. A group of freed men, led by the remarkable Anthony Bowen, founded Saint Paul. Bowen, a leader in civic, educational, and religious life, envisioned a space where faith and community could flourish. He, along with Carol Bailey, Moses Briscoe, Caleb Delaney, George Newman, Benjamin Lanham, and the Ward brothers (Henry, Cato, and George), established what was first known as the “E” Street Mission. Then it became The Saint Paul Society, and later, The Saint Paul Chapel. By 1859, the congregation, following what they saw as God’s command to “arise and build”, purchased land on Eighth Street, Southwest. There they built their first sanctuary, thanks in no small part to Mary Ann Barnes and her silver loving cup. Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church quickly became more than just a place of worship. It served as an educational institution, a refuge on the Underground Railroad for escaping slaves, and a vital gathering place for the newly freed Black community in post-Civil War Washington D.C. Imagine the church buzzing with activity, offering solace and support during a time of immense change. The church also hosted prominent speakers, including the celebrated poet Phyllis Wheatley. In 1874, a grand banquet was held in the church’s honor at the Richmond House on Pennsylvania Avenue, a testament to its growing influence. The church building itself has undergone transformations over the years. It was remodeled in 1890, with towers and a lecture room added thanks to a “Buy a Brick Rally.” Further renovations continued, culminating in a complete overhaul in 1954, including a new electric organ. Due to urban redevelopment, Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church moved to its current location in 1958 under the leadership of Reverend George R. Reid. From its humble beginnings as a mission to its current standing as a vibrant community hub, Saint Paul AME Church has always been more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and unwavering faith, echoing the spirit of those who first gathered to “arise and build.”