St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church (Norfolk, Virginia) facts for kids
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St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church
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St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church, September 2013
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 539-545 E. Bute St., Norfolk, Virginia |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1888 |
| Architect | Cassell, Charles M. |
| Architectural style | Romanesque, Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 86003441 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 4, 1986 |
St. John's AME Church is a very old and important church in Norfolk, Virginia. It was started in 1840. This church was the first African American Episcopal Church in the entire state of Virginia.
The church moved to its current spot on East Bute Street in Downtown Norfolk in 1848. The building you see today was built later, in 1888.
Contents
The Church Building
The main church building is made of red brick. It was designed in a style called Richardsonian Romanesque. This style often uses heavy stone and round arches.
Unique Design Features
The roof of St. John's AME Church is very large and steep. It is covered with slate. The church has two tall towers on either side of the main entrance.
Main Entrance
The front entrance of the church is made of light grey stone. It has two big openings with rounded arches. This part of the church looks a bit like the hallways found in old Romanesque churches.
Inside the Church
Inside, the church has a very large main worship area, called a sanctuary. There is also a balcony shaped like a horseshoe. The church can hold up to 1,500 people.
The Parsonage
Next to the church is another important building called the parsonage. This is where the church's minister or pastor lives. It is a brick house with two and a half stories. It was built in a simpler version of the Second French Empire style.
Historical Recognition
St. John's AME Church is recognized for its history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This means it is a special place that is important to the history of the United States. It was also listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register in 1986.
