St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church is the first African-American church established during the antebellum period.
St. John AME Church in Cleveland has been a pillar of strength and faith in the Black community for almost 200 years. Being the first African-American church in the city, it holds a significant history and a mission that adapts to the present era. Reverend Henry F. Curtis IV, in the recent Future of Faith segment, talked about how the church respects its heritage while looking ahead to a vibrant future.
The impressive sanctuary of St. John AME was constructed in 1908 and is a remarkable piece of architecture. Rev. Curtis described it as “a building erected by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1908, the most extensive construction project undertaken by African Americans in Cleveland at that time.” The sanctuary boasts a curved balcony, an intricately designed dome, original stained-glass windows, and a historic pipe organ.
Throughout the years, numerous significant figures have graced the walls of this church. Rev. Curtis mentioned, “Marian Anderson held her inaugural public performance in Cleveland right here, and iconic leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington have delivered speeches from this very pulpit.”
Like many congregations, St. John AME faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the crisis became an opportunity for transformation. “We took a 190-year-old church and moved it at warp speed into the 21st century,” Rev. Curtis said. The shift to online streaming expanded the church’s reach, connecting with worshippers as far away as France. “It’s hard to go into all the world when you’re cornered here at East 40th and Central Avenue in Cleveland. With the internet, we’ve been able to do just that.”
The church’s commitment to youth is also a priority. “We’ve been intentional here about cultivating new leadership,” Rev. Curtis said, noting the role of young adults as junior stewards. “It’s important for young people to come to a church and see people who look like them, who are in their demographic in areas of leadership. That sends a powerful message: If they’re here, I can be here too.”
St. John’s AME is uniquely positioned to connect with its diverse community, with views from its doors capturing the full spectrum of Cleveland. “If you look out due west, you can see the lights of Progressive Field. To the south are housing projects. To the north, new housing developments. Very different demographics, but they all converge here,” Rev. Curtis explained. “It’s important for us to relate to every door of this church.”
When asked about the future of faith, Rev. Curtis was optimistic. “The future of faith is positive. But it’s not going to be tied to bricks and mortar,” he said. “Our faith is larger than the plot of land we’ve been on. Unless we understand that we are called to go out into the world, many of our institutions will continue to dissipate over time.”
As St. John AME Church continues its nearly 200-year mission, it remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of faith. Through innovation and community engagement, it exemplifies the evolving role of churches in today’s society.
Join us for our 1-hour Future of Faith special, airing on WKYC on December 25th at 6 p.m. and December 29th at noon.
