Saint James African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Columbus, Georgia, was organized in November 1863. It is a beautiful historic structure located at 1002 6th Avenue, and the second oldest church of its denomination in Georgia. Tomorrow, Sunday, November 16, at 10:00 am they will honor that legacy during their worship services.
The property on which Saint James AME Church stands was given to the African Methodist Episcopal Church by an act of the Georgia Legislature in 1873. The present edifice, a cathedral in structure and design, was erected during the pastorate of the Reverend Wesley J. Gaines at a cost of $20,000.00. It was completed in 1876. The front doors, which came from the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, are probably the oldest parts of the church. The heavy, ornately carved front doors were built by slaves at the Dudley Sash and Door Company located at Sixth Avenue and 13th Street. The bell tower was built while the Reverend Larry Thomas was pastor (1886-1887).
The most interesting features of the building are the center spire and twin turrets on each side of the tower, built in 1886. The twin turrets are stone-trimmed and have brick details on the exterior. The current pipe organ was installed during the pastorate of the Reverend Harold I. Bearden (1940-1948), who was later chosen the 83rd Bishop of the AME Church.
Over a century and a half later, Saint James continues to meet the needs of God’s people within the greater Columbus area and to serve the African American community as a center for educational, professional, and civic meetings.
You can join them tomorrow morning for this historic occasion and for their worship service.
