Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (Mobile, Alabama) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Emanuel AME Church
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Emanuel AME Church in 2009
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 Location in Mobile, Alabama
Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Location | 656 Saint Michael Street Mobile, Alabama, United States |
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| Built | 1869 |
| Architect | James F. Hutchisson |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000853 |
| Added to NRHP | May 29, 1987 |
The Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church is a very important church located in Mobile, Alabama, United States. This church has a long history, especially for African Americans in Mobile. It was started after the American Civil War ended, when African Americans began forming their own churches.
In 1869, the church leaders bought some land to build their church. They finished a wooden building that same year. Later, in 1881, the church was changed. A well-known architect named James F. Hutchisson helped design a new front for the building. The wooden building was covered with bricks, and the front was made to look like the Gothic Revival style. This made Emanuel AME Church look as grand as other churches in the city. Because of its special history and design, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 29, 1987.
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A Church with History
The Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church is part of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) group. This group was founded in the early 1800s by African Americans. It became a very important part of the community, offering spiritual guidance and support. After the American Civil War, many African Americans in places like Mobile, Alabama, were able to start their own churches. This was a big step for them to have their own places of worship and community gathering.
Building the First Church
When the church leaders bought the land in 1869, they quickly built a simple wooden church. This first building was a place for the community to come together. It showed how important faith and community were to the people who had just gained their freedom. Having their own church meant they could worship in their own way and create a strong community center.
A New Look for the Church
In 1881, the church decided to make some big changes to its building. They hired James F. Hutchisson, an architect who was well-known in the Mobile area. He helped them redesign the front of the church. The original wooden building was covered with bricks, making it look much stronger and more impressive. The new design was in the Gothic Revival style, which was popular for churches at that time. This style often includes pointed arches and tall windows, giving buildings a grand and traditional look.
Why the New Design Mattered
The changes made the Emanuel AME Church look very similar to other important churches in Mobile, including those built for white congregations. It also looked much grander than many churches in the countryside, both for African American and white communities. This was important because it showed the strength and pride of the African American community in Mobile. It was a symbol of their progress and their place in the city.
A Recognized Landmark
The Emanuel AME Church is not just a place of worship; it's also a historic landmark. On May 29, 1987, it was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are considered important because of their history, architecture, or what they represent. Being on this list means the church is recognized as a significant part of American history and culture. It helps protect the building and its story for future generations.
