A simple wooden structure. That’s how it began. Saint Stephens African Methodist Episcopal Church. This very spot. Can you imagine it? A small chapel nestled amongst the bustling city.
Saint Stephens African Methodist Episcopal Church holds a powerful history. It started long ago. It began after the Civil War. Hundreds of former members of Wilmington’s Front Street Methodist Church joined together. They formed a new congregation. They were seeking a space to worship freely. They were formerly enslaved people. Now they were free to practice their faith.
Reverend W H Hunter a black chaplain with the Union troops led the effort. He was appointed as the agent for the new church. The first chapel was built quickly. It was a simple wooden structure on Red Cross Street. It stood between Fifth and Sixth Streets. This first building was quite small. It couldn’t accommodate the growing membership. By 1879 Saint Stephens had approximately 1500 members. Hundreds more joined each year. Their faith grew stronger. Their numbers swelled.
The original church couldn’t handle the immense congregation. The members decided to build a new church. A larger one made of brick. They used the same site. They demolished the old wooden structure. The first service in the new brick building was in 1881. It was held in the basement. Even the basement was too small. The congregation sometimes used City Hall for services. The sanctuary wasn’t finished until 1886.
Saint Stephens African Methodist Episcopal Church quickly became an important part of the community. It was a powerful force. It influenced Wilmington and the entire state. Even President William H Taft spoke at Saint Stephens in 1909. The land the church was built on was originally donated for a burial ground. It was a gift from William Campbell not George Peabody. This land was a sacred space for the community. The church stands on land where people had been buried for generations.
The story of Saint Stephens African Methodist Episcopal Church is a testament to faith. It’s a story of resilience. It’s a story of community. It is a story of the enduring power of hope. It stands as a symbol of freedom and spiritual growth. Look around you. Feel the weight of history. Feel the strength of this community. This church is a landmark. It is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a living monument to the perseverance of faith and the spirit of the people who built it.