A nearly packed house came to celebrate Quinn Chapel AME's 164th anniversary Sunday afternoon, reflecting on the church's journey from humble beginnings in a log cabin two decades before the Civil War to its latest move a year ago.
"We are the oldest entity of any kind in Jefferson City to be started by African-Americans," said Rev. Cassandra Gould, the church's pastor.
Last year, the church moved to 415 Lafayette St., just a block down from its old location. The area is one of the original African-American communities in Jefferson City, Gould said.
The church is one of the last black organizations from the area that was once known as "The Foot."
"Back in the '60s and early '70s, there were African-American owned businesses all along Lafayette," she said. "And the Urban Renewal Plan of 1962 came promising pie in the sky, and there were at least 28 businesses that were displaced. So for our congregation, it was important for us to stay in this neighborhood."
About 75 percent of the church's 150 members are affiliated with Lincoln University, whether students, graduates, employees or retirees, Gould said.
Perry Douglas spoke about the church's history during the service. "We have big shoes to fill," he said. "We're standing on tall shoulders."
But he said their African Methodist Episcopal Church's future will be even brighter than its past.
Sunday's anniversary service also included a sermon from the Rev. Clinton Stancil of Wayman AME Church in St. Louis.
Sandi Robinson said she was honored and elated to again be picked to head up the church's anniversary celebration. "We're always glad to have the community worship with us," she said.