St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church (Omaha, Nebraska) facts for kids
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St. John A.M.E. Church
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The east entrance to St. John A.M.E. Church.
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 Location in Nebraska
Location in the United States
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| Location | Omaha, Nebraska |
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| Built | 1921 |
| Architect | Frederick S. Stott |
| Architectural style | Prairie School |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002449 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 29, 1980 |
St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church is a very important church for African Americans in Nebraska. It was the first church of its kind in the state, started way back in 1867. You can find it in the Near North Side part of North Omaha, at 2402 North 22nd Street.
This special building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1921 in a unique style called Prairie School architecture. This style is quite rare, especially for a church built in the 1920s, after the style had become less popular.
The Church's Beginning
St. John A.M.E. Church began in the fall of 1865. Its first minister was Rev. W. T. Osborne. He was also the first African American minister in Nebraska. The church's first meetings were held in a private home in downtown Omaha.
After meeting in a few different places, the church bought land in 1865. They built their first church building for $1,000. One of the church's most dedicated members was Mrs. Eliza Turner. She attended St. John's for seventy years until she passed away in 1938! Today, St. John A.M.E. Church is still active. It helps the community in many ways.
The Building's Design
St. John's congregation has had three different church buildings over the years. The second church building was located at North 25th and Grant Streets. It was designed by Clarence W. Wigington, who was Omaha's first African American architect.
When the church needed more space, they built the current building in 1921. This church, at 2402 North 22nd Street, was designed by local architect Frederick S. Stott. It features the Prairie School style, which was a modern design choice for a church at that time. The building is recognized as an important example of this architectural style. Because of its unique design and history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in May 1980.
Famous Church Members
Many important people in local and national history have been members of St. John's. These include:
- Ophelia Clenlans: A leader in the civil rights movement in Omaha.
- Harrison J. Pinkett: Nebraska's first university-trained lawyer and a civil rights leader.
- W. H. C. Stephenson: A doctor and civil rights leader in Omaha.
See Also
- History of North Omaha, Nebraska
- Architecture of North Omaha, Nebraska
- Black church
- List of churches in Omaha, Nebraska
