St. Paul AME Church

The congregation which formed St. Paul Church was originally the slave membership of Edenton Street United Methodist Church. The Black members attended services there, but due to rapid growth in their membership, different housing arrangements became necessary. In 1853, White Methodists bought the Old Christ Episcopal Church, where the Blacks had been worshipping since 1846. The congregation worshipped under other names, but it was in 1848 that “St. Paul Church” was formally established. In 1854, the Black membership moved the old church to the corner of Harrington and Edenton Streets, where it remains today. Faced with the harsh realities of slavery and segregation, these former slaves banded together to form their own congregation and build a church that would serve as a symbol of hope and community for generations to come. The church has been a significant presence in the African American community of Raleigh for over 150 years, and its members have been active in promoting social justice and racial equality. In recent years, the church has also become a popular tourist destination, as visitors come to learn about its unique history and see its beautiful architecture.