About Our Church

Our Story

St. Paul AME Church is a part of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) which was founded in 1816, more than 200 years ago. A few details are provided below.

Founded in 1816 by Bishop Richard Allen, with a mission to provide spiritual, physical, and social development to all mankind.
More than 7500 locations around the globe with a presence in 22+ countries and more than 2.5 million members worldwide
The organization is episcopal-led, similar to the Catholic Church with more than 20+ active bishops

St. Paul was organized in Winter Garden, Florida, on March 10, 1913, by African American family members from Winter Garden and the surrounding areas who pulled together their finances to purchase a lot on the corners of Center and 11th Streets. After this, a few members were able to build the original facility moving from the home of Reed and Sarah Toney to the original building which accommodated approximately 50-75 people. This facility served as a church, a school, and a true refuge for the broken and lost. With new additions and rebuilding efforts over the years, the current building covers approximately 4,000 sq. ft. and comfortably seated between 250 - 300 congregants.

Familiar Family Names from the Community (many have descendants who are still working in the church today and serving the community): William and Annie Powell, Melvin and Melvina Taylor, West and Sallie Coleman, Felder and Susan Rodgers, Sarah Cohens, Nettie Benson, W.D. Harris and the Reverend T. C. Kelley, Sr. Other familiar names from the community include the Birdsongs, McMillians, Hardens, Toney's and Andersons.

The historic features of the Church such as the cornerstones, with the names of the founders, and church bell serve as a reminder of the beautiful and often sacrificial efforts of the congregants to continue serving God and the community. Over the years since its inception, St. Paul has upheld the African Methodist Episcopal Church's mission,

As mentioned, St. Paul is a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), in the 11th Episcopal District under the leadership and direction of Bishop Frank Madison Reid, III. We are a part of the Central Annual Conference, in the Orlando District, under Presiding Elder Milton Broomfield. The current pastor appointed in October 2023 is the Reverend Rebecca Thompson.

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AME Name

The word African means that the church was organized by people of African descent and heritage. It does not mean that the church was founded in Africa, or that it was for persons of African descent only.

The church’s roots are of the family of Methodist churches. Methodism provides an orderly system of rules and regulations and places emphasis on a plain and simple gospel.

Episcopal refers to the form of government under which the church operates. It means that the church is governed by bishops. The chief executive and administrative officers of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination are the Bishops of the church.

AME History

What does AME stand for? AME stands for African Methodist Episcopal.

Originally a blacksmith shop, the first AME church was established in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Bethel AME church was founded by Richard Allen.

Richard Allen became a pillar in the AME churches. Not only was he a founder of the AME church he was also the first bishop of the AME church.

Our Church

St. Paul AME Church is widely known in the community of Winter Garden. At St. Paul we believe in caring for the community and it's people. Come worship with us. We are a church that cares!

Community

St. Paul has been a pillar to not only the Winter Garden but all of Orlando. We are a church that cares about helping those in need.

Because community is important to us we offer food pantry services. In addition to the food pantry we also do several mission projects befitting nursing homes and homeless shelters.