A new church with
a new name
Steps were taken for the immediate erection of St. Paul A.M.E.,
a new church with a new name.
Metaphorically, the members rolled up their sleeves and went to
work. A notable spirit of consecration
and devotion on the part of the congregation is revealed as someone wrote: “Everybody had a mind to work.” These good people considered labor honorable,
idleness a sin.
In 1905, under the pastorate of Rev. Robert R. Downs, lots
were purchased for $6,000 at the location where the church now stands, 639 E.
Long Street.
Erection of the edifice began immediately was completed at a
cost of $40,000 under the Pastorate of Rev. J.W. Henderson. The original color of the building was grey,
pressed brick with sandstone time, and considered at it’s completion as one of
the imposing churches of the city. It is
artistically arranged throughout, with classrooms, assembly room, and with food
preparation facilities. A pipe organ was
installed in March 1920, at a cost of $7,408.
It was air propelled and had to be pumped by hand. St. Paul A.M.E. was
one of the first churches to install a pipe organ.
Progress has always been the aim of
St.
Paul. From the
beginning the church has taken its place in the religious, civic and education
life of Columbus. It established the first school for the
education of the black youths of the city. The pastor then, Rev. Brown, was its
first teacher. Mother Ellen Belt, age
92, a member of St. Paul for 76
years, was one of its pupils. The first
graduates of the high school of the city were members of the church.
Under the leadership of the former pastor, Rev. Dr. Thomas E.
Liggins, and our present pastor, Rev. Dr. Michael R. Bean, Sr., properties have
been purchased which will make it possible for the St. Paul Church family to
build a multi-complex just west of the present sanctuary. The addition
will be known as the St. Paul Gateway Wellness Center.
See St. Paul's website for a complete history
(www.stpaulcols.org).
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