Aryana Noroozi
The St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church of San Bernardino celebrated 120 years of worship on July 14. Speakers at the celebration included former Pastor Rev. Alvin L. Smith, current Pastor Rev. Steven Shepard Sr., and Senior Pastor of First A.M.E. Church in Pasadena, Rev. Dr. Larry E. Campbell.
San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran and Sixth Ward Councilwoman Kimberly Calvin were also present and spoke at the celebration.
“This is not just a testament to the passage of time but the enduring spirit, faith and resilience of this incredible congregation,” said Mayor Tran. “From its humble beginnings this church has been a sanctuary where countless individuals have found solace, inspiration and a sense of belonging.”
The story of the San Bernardino church begins with history of its parent body, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, organized as the Free African Society in 1787. San Bernardino’s St. Paul A.M.E. Church was founded on Easter Sunday in 1904.
According to the church’s history, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Inghram wrote to Rev. J. H. Wilson, the presiding elder of the California Conference, and asked him to come to San Bernardino to help organize an A.M.E. Church. He came and met with the Inghram family and they became the first charter members of the church.
The St. Paul A.M.E. Church has a legacy of service and inclusion. Black Voice News previously traced some of the congregation’s history, and found that its members have a long history of contributing to the community. Several congregants have fostered worship across racial lines, supported community leaders running for office and participated in community engagement through music.
“I am here to tell you there is a new ‘[Inland] Empire,’” said Rev. Campbell about the region and the past worship leaders who laid the foundation for the church to grow alongside the community. “There are churches filled with the Holy Spirit…you planted the seed and now the ‘Empire’ strikes back.”