The African Methodist Episcopal Church
The African Methodist Episcopal Church has a unique and glorious history. It was unique in that it is the first major religious denomination in the Western World that had its origin over sociological and theological beliefs and differences. It rejected the negative theological interpretations which rendered persons of African descent second class citizens. Theirs was a theological declaration that God is God all the time and for every body. The church was born in protest against slavery - against dehumanization of African people, brought to the American continent as labor.
The Mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ's liberating gospel through word and deed. At every level of the Connection and in every local church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church shall engage in carrying out the spirit of the original Free African Society, out of which the AME Church evolved: that is, to seek out and save the lost, and serve the needy.
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. The chief executive and administrative officers of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination are the Bishops of the church.
The Saint Paul African Methodist Church
Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church was a vision from God given to Reverends Joshua Goin, W.R. Love, and Rev. and Mrs. E.J. Davis. The church had its humble beginning in the summer of 1883. 
This devout group of believers met in the home of Rev. and Mrs. Davis.
The mission of the new church was to develop Christ-like character in the members; a continuing Christian Education program; a mode of ethical behavior; and a fellowship, not only with God, but also with God’s people.
The first services were held at a home on Romine Street. Later locations were Holmes Street, Metropolitan at Central Avenue, Cooper and Atlanta, and finally, our present site: 2420 Metropolitan Avenue.
Throughout the years, there have been twenty-six elders to uniquely serve this church as Senior Pastor. The membership has flourished and witnessed many momentous events serving the needs of our members and the community we surround.
Saint Paul AMEC Church Pastoral History
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Rev. Joshua G. Goin
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Rev. B.T. Alexander
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Rev. Haywood
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Rev. W.M. Palmer
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Rev. W.H Durden
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Rev. F.W. Grant
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Rev. W.P. Crockett
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Rev. I.C. Oliphant
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Rev. H. Williams
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Rev. W.E. Carter
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Rev. E.D. Bonner
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Rev. B. L. McCormick
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Rev. A.J. Smith
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Rev. David F. Harris
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Rev. P.E. Womack
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Rev. W.M. Jamerson, Jr.
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Rev. J.L. Johnson
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Rev. Drinkard Timms, Jr.
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Rev. C.L. Morgan
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Rev. E.L. Wright, II
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Rev. L.J. Sanders
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Rev. Dr. W. Raymond Bryant
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Rev. L. Reese
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Rev. Michael E. Bell, Sr.
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The current pastor, Rev. Dr. Juan N. Tolliver continues in the tradition by ministering to the needs of the total person through our commitment to Christ, our commitment to excellence, and our commitment to ministry.
Today’s mission is to be a church that is a growing, covenant community of believers liberating and empowering each person to become agents of change. A community where each person can discover and use their spiritual gifts by sharing Jesus Christ with all people through Worship, Praise, Study, Development, Witnessing, and Serving others thereby strengthening the Body of Christ.
