Saint Andrews African Methodist Episcopal Church (Sacramento, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Andrews A.M.E. Church |
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St. Andrews A.M.E. Church, c. 1926
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| Location | 2131 Eighth Street, Sacramento, Sacramento County, California, U.S. |
| Founded | 1850 |
| Designated | May 5, 1994 |
| Reference no. | 1013 |
| Plaque location | 715 Seventh Street, Sacramento, Sacramento County, California, U.S. |
| Founder | Daniel Blue |
The Saint Andrews African Methodist Episcopal Church is a very important church in Sacramento, California. It was started in 1850. This church was the first African American church in California. It was also the first African Methodist Episcopal Church on the West Coast of the United States.
The church was first located at 715 Seventh Street. You can still see a special historical plaque there today. The church is still active and is now at 2131 Eighth Street in Sacramento. It is recognized as a California Historical Landmark (number 1013). This happened on May 5, 1994. The church was once known by other names, like the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church and the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Contents
The Church's Early History
The Saint Andrews African Methodist Episcopal Church started its journey in 1850. Just one year later, it officially joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church group. This made it the very first A.M.E. church on the West Coast. When it first began, it was called the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. After joining the A.M.E. group, its name changed to Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
California in the 1850s
The year 1850 was a big one for California. It officially became a state in the United States. The exciting California Gold Rush had also started two years before. Many African Americans came to California during this time. Some were looking for gold and freedom as miners. Others worked for Southern gold miners.
Who Founded the Church?
Daniel Blue (1796–1884) was the person who founded this important church. Daniel Blue had been enslaved in Kentucky. He later found success by mining for gold in California. He held the very first church service in his own basement. Some of the first people to join the church were Mary Robinson Thames and Ethel Guinn.
Early Church Leaders
The first pastor of the church was Barney Fletcher. However, he was not officially ordained at that time. Other early pastors included Rev. James Fitzgerald (1851–1852), Rev. A. Giles (1852–1854), Rev. George Fletcher (1853–1854), and Rev. Darius Stokes (1854–1856). Thomas Marcus Decatur Ward also helped the church. He was briefly the first Sunday School teacher and also served as a pastor.
Helping the Community
The Saint Andrews African Methodist Episcopal Church was more than just a place of worship. It was also a very important meeting place for the community. In 1854, Elizabeth Thorn Scott Flood started an early school for African American children in her home. The church helped her with this important project.
In November 1855, the church hosted the first California State Convention of Colored Citizens. This was a big meeting where African American leaders discussed important issues. The church also hosted these conventions again in 1856 and 1865.
See also
