[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 63 (Thursday, May 19, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
     A BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. PAUL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 19, 1994

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Record a history of St. 
Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church of Philadelphia, PA.

       The origin of the Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal 
     Church, Inc. goes back to an incident which took place in 
     November, 1787 in Saint George Methodist Episcopal Church in 
     Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On this occasion a number of 
     people of African decent, feeling they had been mistreated by 
     white Christians who, during worship service attempted to 
     segregate them to the gallery of the church, withdrew in a 
     body from that church. With Richard Allen as leader, the 
     group at once set out to form an independent church. Thus, 
     the African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded by Bishop 
     Richard Allen. It rejects a policy of exclusiveness. Indeed 
     it was founded by black people and its integrated membership 
     indicates this policy today. It boldly proclaims and 
     practices the ideals as set forth in its motto: ``God our 
     Father, Christ our Redeemer, Man our Brother.''
       Later in 1853 Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, was sent from 
     South Carolina by Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne to organize 
     the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Georgia the first 
     being in Savannah, others later in Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, 
     Waycross and yes--Brunswick. Thus we come to brief life story 
     of this Historic Church and Congregation.
       The Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church of 
     Brunswick as it was named was established in 1869. Among the 
     founders were faithful followers who chose as their minister 
     the Reverend Brooks. Together they diligently and prayerfully 
     set upon the organizing of a well rounded and stimulating 
     church program for the people in Brunswick.
       When the store in which the church was originally located 
     was destroyed by a storm the faithful little group moved to a 
     new location in a building which once served as a shoe 
     factory at Union and ``H'' Street, but this structure too, 
     was destroyed by a storm. With spirits undaunted by the loss 
     of their first two houses of worship, the members continued 
     their trust in God which served as a common bond of strength 
     that led to the building of the present church home on a 
     permanent site at 1520 Wolfe Street near ``F'' Street, in 
     1899, where it stands today.;
       The destiny of Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal 
     Church was determined in early years by the ministries of 
     pastors who were committed to the principles of Christ and 
     the A.M.E. Church.
       The 36th and present pastor The Reverend Richard Quinn 
     Ward, Sr. was assigned June 7, 1988 by Bishop Frederick 
     Hilborn Talbot. This pastor has distinguished himself from 
     his contemporaries and peers in the development and 
     administration of ``Project Restoration.'' A preservation 
     plan of the historic rehabilitation of St. Paul A.M.E. 
     Church. This will be important not only to its congregation 
     and the city of Brunswick; it will be important to Georgia 
     and Georgia's history. Larry Evans, a historic preservation 
     architect and developed, John Tuten, a local architect and 
     preservationist have agreed to guide the church's historic 
     rehabilitation process.
       It is evident that the ministers serving Saint Paul were 
     then and still are great leaders. Therefore, it is our aim to 
     continue to explore new horizons, in both spiritual and 
     secular concerns for the general growth and well being of our 
     city, county, state and our nation, as we continue to serve 
     with 4 churches in Brunswick--Glynn County, 495 churches in 
     Georgia and more than 12,000 churches world-wide.

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