The first church-owned parsonage (235 St. Clair Ave.) was purchased for $2,000 in 1905, at the same time the lots were purchased for the church edifice.  It was sold in 1920, and an eight room brick at 171 Lexington Avenue was purchased for $6,000.  Rev Payne, Rev. (Bishop) Hubert Robinson lived in the parsonage at 171 Lexington Ave.  The parsonage was later moved to 86 Miami Avenue where it remained until June 1959.  Rev. Sidney King and Rev. A.A. Shaw resided in this parsonage.

Under Rev. Alvia A. Shaw, a new parsonage - at 1794 Franklin Avenue - was purchased for the sum of $18,500.

Special gifts to St. Paul

In recounting the history of St. Paul, acknowledgement must be made of the many gifts, personal and through organizations.  It would be impossible to list each; however, one of the largest was the home (254 St. Clair Avenue) willed by Mrs. Rebecca Johnstone to the church, at her death in 1945.  Mr. Willis Whaley, Sr., Trustee, was in charge of overseeing the upkeep of the Johnstone property which was rented out in the 1950s.  As rental property, it was a source of income for the church for many years (Mrs. Katherine Roberts willed her condominium to St. Paul in early 1990s.)

It is with gratitude and respect that special mention is made here to those, now deceased who have served St. Paul faithfully over the years.  These devoted Christians, with no compensation beyond the satisfaction the work itself brought, are lovingly remembered as:

•  Dollie Whittaker,

• Anna Spencer,

• Phillippi C. Taylor,

• P. C. Taylor,

• Belle Gilmore,

• Job B. Johnstone,

• W. McGinnis,

• Dr. W.D. Method,

• Carrie Scott,

• Marcellus Gus,

• Nannie Goode,

• J.W. Stokes,

• Mayme Lewis,

• Bertha Seward,

• Richard Steward,

• Carolyn King,

• W.T. Johnson,

• William Chandler,

• Hazel Jordan Vire,

• Lillian Wilbur Mason

• Edith McCann Harrison

On September 11, 1949, a Women's Day Rally was held and from that occasion grew the Unity Circle.  Dr, A.S. King, pastor, organized the Unity Circle on January 15, 1950 to provide an opportunity for Christian fellowship and to promote spiritual, social and educational growth and to give financial aid and assistance to our Church and Pastor.  Their notable fund raisers are the annual sale of pecans and the "Salad Buffet."

50 years or more

One of the most fitting and rewarding programs ever given by St. Paul was held Sept. 23, 1953.  Recognition was given those members who had served the church for a period of 50 or more consecutive years.  Gold pins, inscribed "For 50 years of Service to St. Paul A.M.E Church" were given the following:

• Alpha T. Hayes,

• Isabelle Ridgeway,

• Ada Method Finch,

• Nettle Bray, 

• Minnie Taylor,

• Mary Dean,

• Amanda Oldham,

• Mayme Chrismon,

• Anna B.Cole,

• Forest F. Whittaker,

• Dennis Redmond,

• Robert Goode,

• Clara Brown,

• Daisy Perkins,

• Lula Locklear,

• Dorothy Strider,

• Geneva Bailey,

• Bessie M. Smith.

•  Louise Unley.

(In 1987, another 50 years or more recognition was conducted.  In 1998, still another tribute is paid to those faithful members with service of 50, 60, 70, 80 plus years of service.  This recognition was conducted on Sunday, November 29, 1998 and sponsored by the Historical Committee (Peggy Ann Cross, Juanita Whaley Cartier and Nancy Winfrey Thomas).  (Over 50 members were identified.)

Auxiliaries

Auxiliaries have played a very important part in the life of the church.  A volume could be written on the work done by them.  This work has been of tremendous value to St. Paul.

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