First African Methodist Episcopal Church: Seattle

The First African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 1522 14th Avenue, is the oldest black church in Seattle. Established in 1886 it was designated a Seattle landmark in 1984. The African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1816 in Philadelphia by Richard Allen.

I. Genesis

The Seattle church began in 1886 with the formation of a Sunday School held in various homes under the leadership of Seaborn J. Collins. Four years later it was transformed into a church with charter members I. I. Walker, John T. Gayton (1868-1954), Mr. and Mrs. Milton Roy, Fred Lawrence, and Charles H. Harvey. Reverend Thomas was the first pastor.

On August 13, 1891, the church was incorporated with Reverend L. S. Blakeney as the first pastor after the incorporation. Located in a large house which sat on the present site of the church, it was known as the Jones Street Church as at that time 14th Street was known as Jones Street. Later known as Lee's Chapel, the building was remodeled in 1899 and served the congregation until a new church was built.

In 1912, the present structure was built with memorial windows imported from Italy and custom-made church pews to perfectly fit the sanctuary. In 1923, two lots next to this property, on the north, were purchased.

In 1942, World War II brought a large influx of African Americans to Seattle and this increased the membership of the church, rendering the facility incapable of accommodating the congregation.

In 1955, under the leadership of Reverend C. D. Toliver, a $100,000 remodeling and construction program was begun. Benjamin F. McAdoo (1920-1981) was the architect for the enlarged sanctuary and a new wing for religious education.

Under the pastorate of Reverend I. H. Hunt, who served from 1960 to 1962, the Zodiac Tea was instituted and has served as a major source of fund raising each year since.

In 1962, Reverend John H. Adams was assigned to the church and his leadership in the community as well as in the church was instrumental in making many changes in civil and human rights in the city.

II. Growth and Change