The Future of Faith: Historic St. John AME Church in Cleveland embraces change to secure its mission

For nearly two centuries, St. John AME Church has stood as a cornerstone of faith and resilience in Cleveland’s Black community. As the first African-American church in the city, it carries a rich history and a mission that continues to evolve in modern times. In the latest installment of the Future of Faith series, Reverend Henry F. Curtis IV shared how the church honors its past while embracing a dynamic future.
Built in 1908, St. John AME’s sanctuary is an architectural marvel. “This is a building that was built by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1908, the largest building project for African Americans at that time in the city of Cleveland,” said Rev. Curtis. The sanctuary features a rounded balcony, an ornately designed dome, original stained-glass windows, and a historic pipe organ.
The church’s walls have witnessed some of history’s most remarkable figures. “Marian Anderson gave her first public concert in the city of Cleveland here, and from that very pulpit, W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington addressed the congregation,” Rev. Curtis shared.
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.”
Danita Harris reports: www.wkyc.com/a...