Founded in 1875, just five years after the city was incorporated, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wichita will be celebrating its 150th anniversary with a powerful message of faith, resilience, and community. The church’s three-day “Jubilee” celebration will run Aug. 22-24 and the community is invited to join in.
The weekend of activities will include a Jubilee Musical featuring some of the City’s best Gospel performers, a brunch with more great music and recognition of some of the church’s members and a weekend-closing Sunday service, featuring the daughter of one the church’s historic former bishops.
St. Paul’s Legacy of Faith and Justice
Like many historic Black churches, St. Paul A.M.E. began with worship services held in a home before moving to its first church building in downtown Wichita. In 1956 the members moved to their current location at 17th and Piatt in 1956.
The build and move happened under the leadership of Bishop Hamel H. Brookins, one of two former St. Paul pastors who went on to become bishops in the AME church. The other was Rev. Vinton Anderson. Both proved part of an enduring legacy of St. Paul developing leaders in both faith and community.
“The church has left a visible footprint on this city,” said Rev. Dr. Pamela Myrtis Hughes, the church’s current pastor. “From social justice marches to community engagement, we have always responded to the call.”
Resilience in the Face of Change
Affectionately known as Pastor Pam, she is the church’s first female pastor, and at seven years, the church’s longest-serving clergy in its history. A California native and retired special agent, Pastor Pam served 21 years with the California Department of Corrections before accepting her call to ministry 35 years ago.
During the pandemic, Pastor Pam and the church adapted quickly.
“We did drive-up services, distributed food and books, hosted virtual worship and started a prayer line that’s still going five days a week nearly six years later,” said Pastor Pam.
The media ministry, led by Joseph Shepard, was birthed in that season, bringing their worship to the digital space.
Active in Justice and Ministry
Pastor Pam and members are upholding the church’s historic involvement in the community. Pastor Pam is a member, and acting president of the Greater Wichita Ministerial League and she’s a familiar face at community meetings, marches and events. The church’s Social Action Ministry, chaired by Sandra Rankin, ensures members remain informed and involved through coordination with the NAACP and other civic partners.
Other current community standouts in the church include Wichita Councilmember Brandon Johnson, current Wichita city council candidate Joseph Shepard and Carla Eckels, Director of Organizational Culture at KMUW Public Radio.
Home to Community Leaders
The church has a history of being the church home to some of Wichita’s African-American leaders, including businessman Genie Jackson, principal Julius McLaurian, former NFL football players Curtis McClinton and Jeff Smith, State Civil Rights Investigator Marvin Stone, Kansas Sports Hall of Famer Linwood Sexton and Eric Sexton, former WSU Athletic Director.
Harold Miller and Karen Cayce, the only remaining members of the church who made the transition from the old church to the new, are also standouts. Miller was the the first Black air traffic controller in Wichita and Karen Cayce remains an advocate for Civil rights.
The Jubilee Weekend
Planning for the Jubilee weekend has been a group effort with approximately 15 church members participating in the planning.
“What we’re doing is miraculous,” said Evangelist Theresa Canidy, co-chair of the 150th Committee. “We’ve been celebrating since our first gathering months ago.”
The weekend kicks off with the “Tak’n You Back In Time” Gospel Concert on Fri., Aug. 22 at 7p.m. with the musical lineup curated by Eugene Canidy.
A partial list of the participating performers includes:
A.R.I.S.E. Ensemble,
Clifton Fisher,
Cameo Profit,
Pastor Rod Houston,
Eugene Canidy & Heather Kilat.
And many more
On Sat., Aug. 23, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., the church will host a Jubilee Brunch themed “Here They Come, Y’all,” at WSU’s Marcus Welcome Center. Tickets for the brunch are $40 and are available in advance or at the door; cash and check only.
The brunch will feature live music and include recognition St. Paul’s heritage and long-standing members and St. Paul’s heritage through musical tributes and storytelling.
Among the honorees will be Deaconess Jewel McLaurin, at 101, the church’s oldest living member.
The celebration will culminate in a historic worship service on Sun., Aug. 24, with a sermon from Bishop Francine A. Brookins Esq,, daughter of former church Bishop Brookins.
Now the presiding prelate of the AME Church’s 5th Episcopal District, she oversees 14 states and will return to preach in the building her father built.
Looking Forward
“My prayer,” said Pastor Pam, “is that we be intentional about sharing the vision and training our children. That we pivot when necessary and stay open to God’s plan. Because we are not just maintaining history—we are making it.
“We’ve come this far by faith and with faith, we’re going even further.”
Contact the church at 316-265-5881 for tickets or for additional information on the celebration.
