St. Paul A.M.E. Church raised the steeple of their sanctuary in 1868 at the corner of Cochran Avenue and K Street in a store.  Among the founders were faithful followers who chose as their minister the Reverend Brooks.  Together they diligently and prayerfully set upon the organizing of a well-rounded and stimulating church program for the people of Brunswick.

 

When the store in which the church was originally located was destroyed by a storm, the faithful little group moved to a new location in a building which served as a shoe factory at Union and H Street, but this structure too, was destroyed by a storm.

 

With spirits undaunted by loss of their first two houses of worship, the members continued their trust in God which served as a common bond of strength that led to the purchase of property and the building of another home on a permanent site 1520 Wolfe, near F Street, here it stands today.  In 1892 the church received its official and distinguishing name, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church.

 

In 1922, under the ministry of the Reverend Calvin Johnson, the interior was renovated and the appearance of the exterior enhanced with brick veneer.  The bricks used were made by St. Paul’s own Brother W.H. Johnson, who was engaged in brickmaking trade at that time.

 

From the “foundation years” and on from 1922-1948, the church became firmly rooted in its long determined purpose and blossomed under the showers God’s blessings and of the ministries of several pastors from 1923-1951.  

 

Reverend I.J. Johnson steered the ship of St. Paul during the years 1941-47, through a period of fear, frustration, sadness and anxiety for this period included the years of World War II.  Yet they were not year’s void of faith in God and hope of a brighter future.  

 

The community of Brunswick experienced a construction boom, not just in ships, houses and businesses but in churches as well.  Churches not only increased in number, but each one increased in membership.  There was strong sentiment among mankind to seek God and renew the bonds of Christian fellowship.  As a result, St. Paul saw significant growth.  Church organizations multiplied and activities flourished and missionary, revival and evangelical work taking the lead.