Saint James A.M.E. Church Collection (SMC 38)
Organizational Note
St. James A.M.E. Church was organized in 1863. This congregation was originally called
"Old Ashbury", the name given by worshippers shortly after the Emancipation Proclamation.
The present church is built on land granted by act of the Georgia Legislature in 1873.
It was erected in 1876 under the pastorate of Rev. Wesley J. Gaines at a cost of $20,000.
The building is of frame construction with exterior walls of solid masonry and handmade
brick. The graceful central tower and flanking turrets were added in 1886 during the
ministry of Rev. L. L. Thomas. The church has been called the finest example of Victorian
Gothic Revival in Columbus and Saint James A.M.E. ranks as the second oldest church
of the denomination in Georgia.
Scope and Content
This small collection consists of three photographs of church paintings by Gloria
Sampson. The first is of Saint James A.M.E. Church, located at 1002 Sixth Avenue in
Columbus, Georgia. The other two photographs are of St. John A.M.E. Church and the
First African Baptist Church, both in Columbus. There are two photocopied programs,
one for Men's Day June 26, 1983 and the Annual Women's Day Program on September 15,
1985.
1983-1985 1 folder (.1 l.f)
