St. Paul AME Zion Church

In 1911, a beacon of faith was ignited in Detroit. The St. Paul AME Zion Church, known as “the church of the cordial welcome,” began its journey in the home of C.D. Cox on Catherine Street. The Reverend James Terry guided the fledgling congregation. Disaster struck when fire ravaged their Catherine Street home. The resilient congregation found temporary refuge in the Vaudette Theatre on Gratiot Avenue. They worshipped within the former theatre walls, their faith unwavering. The St. Paul AME Zion Church’s story is one of resilience and growth. Under the leadership of Reverend P.R. Flack in 1920, the church purchased a new home on Beaubien and Palmer streets. This marked a significant step forward for the growing congregation. The church continued to thrive at this location, laying the foundation for its future. Then, a unique opportunity arose. In 1959, the congregation of B’nai Moshe, a Hungarian Jewish synagogue, relocated to the suburbs. St. Paul AME Zion Church purchased their former synagogue on Dexter and Lawrence. This beautiful building, originally designed by Kohner & Payne in 1929, became the new home of St. Paul AME Zion Church. The church’s journey from a humble home on Catherine Street to a grand synagogue reflects the spirit of its congregation. It speaks to their unwavering faith and determination. Today, St. Paul AME Zion Church stands as a testament to the power of community. It embraces its rich history, welcoming all who seek spiritual solace and connection.