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ST PAUL A.M.E. CHURCH" |
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Allen Brown, a local deacon, was the agent through whom the lot was purchased. Brother Brown was a servant of Lyman Sterling, owner of the property. Because of his friendship for his servant, Mr. Sterling sold the lot to the church for the sum of $100. On it stood a frame building 25 X 50 feet. This building was used as a place of worship by the members.
The First Annual Conference The first Annual Conference ‑ of what was then known as the Western or Ohio Annual Conference of the AME Church ‑ was held in this building Aug. 26, 1837. Bishop Moses Brown, who organized the Conference in 1833, presided. The frame building was too small for the occasion, and an attempt was made to extend it. Poles were cut and brought from the nearby woods and placed in position, cross poles were then laid and covered with bushes, thus a temporary covering was provided for the extension. The members and delegates used rough oak boards for seats, with tallow candles for lights.
Some background facts included in the history of Columbus at this era: Columbus became a city by act of Legislature in 1834. Slowly, but triumphantly, Columbus was battling the situation of ponds, springs and gullies. Spring Street was so named because of the numerous springs it boarded. At Broad and 10th Street was Crooked pond. Hoskins' pond was at Fourth and State Streets. The chief menace to the city was the spread of disease, bred by large swamps. After experiencing several severe fever and cholera epidemics, the swamps were drained and the capital resumed it steady growth. All the churches were weak at this time, some without pastors. As the capital grew, there was noted a general expansion in business, industry and religion. Churches began to be organized for the black Baptist of the city. The Master tells us, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold, them also I must bring and they shall hear My voice." (John 10:16).
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Columbus, in 1835 was
the center of a circuit, composed of Urbana, Springfield, Troy, Piqua,
Mercer, Muddy Creek, Logan, Circleville and Lancaster. Rev. Henry
Oderisson was the minister in charge. Rev. Lafayette Davis,
Presiding Elder. As was customary in those days, the circuit was ridden, that is, the minister usually owned a horse and a pair of large saddle bags. In these he stored his scant wardrobe and such books as he possessed. Thus he traveled from pillar to post taking little thought to how he was to fare, but it seemed that a door was always ajar and the faithful minister would find shelter for himself and beast. Baptist Churches in Columbus Second Baptist Church was separated from the First Church in 1836, though it did not become organized until October 18, 1839, worshiping in a building on Gay St., between Third and Fourth. Shiloh Baptist Church was organized in 1869. The members worshiped in a building on East Long Street, there they remained until they bought the old Christie Chapel on Cleveland Ave. Union Grove Baptist Church began as a Sunday school, organized under a tree near the corner of Hughes and Baker Streets. Services were held later in a log cabin on Mt. Vernon Avenue. An organization was effected in 1888 with 20 members from Second Baptist. Working Together The members of Bethel AME Church continued to work together to solve their common problems. Having surmounted the sacrifices and struggles which confronted them during their first 21 years of organization, they were now prepared to meet the challenge ahead. The sacrifices and struggles were not in vain for God crowned their efforts with success, and the church grew rapidly.
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