St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church (Topeka, Kansas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church
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 Location in Kansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | 701 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, Kansas |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1908 |
| Architect | Wood, Louis M.H.; Hawkins, S.P. |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 08000987 |
| Added to NRHP | October 16, 2008 |
The St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church is a beautiful and historic church located in Topeka, Kansas. You can find it at 701 SW Topeka Boulevard. This special building was constructed over several years, starting in 1908 and finishing in 1926. Because of its important history and unique design, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. This means it's recognized as a significant place in American history.
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Building a Historic Church
The St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church is built from a strong, natural material called limestone. This stone was cut into square blocks and came from the local area. The church wasn't built all at once. Different parts of the building were completed in stages. Major construction steps happened in 1918, 1920, and finally in 1926. This long building process shows how much care and effort went into creating this important place of worship.
What is Limestone?
Limestone is a type of rock that forms over millions of years, often from the shells and skeletons of tiny sea creatures. It's a very common building material because it's strong and can be cut into different shapes. Using native limestone for the St. John AME Church connects the building directly to the land around it.
A Place of Importance
The St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church is more than just an old building. It's a significant landmark for the African American community in Topeka. The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church has a long history of supporting civil rights and providing a place for community gathering and spiritual growth. Being listed on the National Register of Historic Places means the church is protected and its story can be shared for many years to come.
Other AME Churches in Kansas
- Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (Coffeyville, Kansas): This is another important AME church located in Coffeyville, Kansas. It also has a rich history within the state.
