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"A HISTORY OF
ST PAUL A.M.E. CHURCH"

Completion in 1906

The New church was completed in 1906, under the administration of Rev. J. M. Henderson and has withstood the test of time. It stands today, a structure of celestial beauty, the fifth in a succession of buildings which began with the little log cabin. Memorial windows of stained glass, in memory of those who had served, were installed, giving the interior of the church a decorative treatment of light.

The Usher Boards

In 1910, under the pastorate of the late Rev. R. A. Collins, Mr. scippo organized a Men's Senior Usher Board. In 1928, Mr. E. L. Rockhold organized the Women's Senior Usher Board to assist the men in the ushering duties. It was under his leadership that the practice of wearing uniforms was initiated. Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. J.D. Howell, the two usher boards combined in 1954 forming what is presently known as the Senior Usher Board. Under Rev. Jackson, in 1917, the first Junior User Board was formed.

Stewardesses

There were only two Stewardesses Boards then, Number One and Two, which alternated Sundays duties. Communion was served quarterly in the morning and evening. Mrs. Dollie Whittaker furnished both the wine and made unleavened bread. Women had to have their heads covered before taking communion. On the Wednesday before Communion the Love Feast was conducted. Bread and water were served. This service was held to prepare members spiritually for the upcoming Communion Service. Stewardesses also visited the sick and shut-ins.

The Music Department

Anyone who wished to join an adult choir had to audition. If they didn't attend rehearsal, they didn't sing on Sunday. The Senior Choir was the first Black Choir to do the Messiah in Columbus at St Paul. Mrs. Helen Moses Carter, the organist, would bring in guest soloists at various times.

In the early 1920s, St Paul had a Church Orchestra, directed by Willard Bailey, Sr., which played in the Sunday School room during the Sunday School hour.

It consisted of a clarinist, trumbonist, and a bass violinist as stated by Mr. Bailey's daughter, Hester Bailey Williams, a member over 70 years.

Historical Tidbits

The Allen Christian Endeavor (ACE) met at 6 p.m. on Sundays in the early 1900s.
In 1922, it was recorded that the Sunday School attendance was 600 with over 70 teachers and officers.
Church envelopes for the year were picked up in the overflow room in December.
Pews were almost assigned. Dollie Whittaker's seat remained vacant even if she did not attend church. No one sat in her seat. Mrs. Ridgeway had a special seat also.
The Women's Chorale was formed in 1949. Some of the original members were Helen Jackson, Grace Stewart, Laura Bell Anchrum and Naomi Johnson (pianist). For many years they sang only at the evening services.
St. Paul was a neighborhood church. Most folks did not have cars.
Next door to the church was a funeral home (which was a house) where St. Paul had many events.

The Church's deeds state that in August 1933, Trustees William A. Method, Raymond R. Davis, Dollie A. Whittaker, Rebecca Johnstone, A.F. Hayes, W. A. Miller, David Crismon, E. L. Rockhold and Robert W.McCann and Rev. J. F. Williams, pastor in charge of the membership of St. Paul A.M.E. Church filed a petition in the Common Pleas Court of Franklin County Ohio. The petition was for the authority to mortgage use and benefit of said church for securing the payment of their certain promissory note or other written obligation for the sum of $2,000.00 to procure the installation of a heating system in the church's meeting house. This loan was made the the Lincoln National Bank.