“An abbreviated history of St. Paul A.M.E. Church”

 In 1814 the first Methodist Church in Columbus was erected.  Built of hewn logs, it cost the members – black and white worshiping together the modest sum of $157.53.1/2.  Located on a lot donated by the city, it was named the Town Street Methodist Episcopal Church.

 Moses Freeman

In 1823, Moses Freeman (the fifth charter member) separated from the Town Street Church. With 12 followers he organized an independent society.  At the beginning, they held their meetings from house to house, then in rented rooms until 1839 or 1840 when they erected their present church on East Long Street.

The small group, founded by Mr. Freeman, their roots deep in Methodism, gradually began to increase.  Finally, in 1824 for the first time, they were able to worship in a building of their own.

It was just a little log cabin (whether rented or purchased is not known) located on the east side of Straight Alley (Lazelle St.) just north of Spring Street. This, their first church, was named Bethel.

 Eventually, the congregation outgrew the little log cabin.  In 1830, seven years after organization, a site was selected on the south side of Long Street (No. 71) between Third and High Streets.

 In 1841, a brick church was built replacing the old frame building at the same location.  The work on it was completed in 1844.

 In 1870, construction began under the administration of Rev. J.P. Underwood.  At a cost of $14,000, the church was completed in l871 and became St. Paul A.M.E. Church.

 In 1890, the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was entertained here.