À propos de notre église

 

 

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.