St. Paul AME Church, Cambridge, MA, Celebrates 145 Years
By Jondelle DeVeaux, 1stEpiscopal District
St. Paul AME Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts recently concluded a month-long celebration for their 145thAnniversary. The theme for this momentous anniversary celebration was “Blessed, Broken, Shared.” The theme was based on Matthew 14:19, Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.”
Under the leadership of the Rev. Ellis I. Washington, the pastor of St. Paul AME Church, the 145thAnniversary Committee planned and organized the entire month of October as a celebration of the church’s many milestones and accomplishments. In the Cambridge, Massachusetts community, St. Paul is recognized as the community’s oldest Black church.
The month included sermons from a mix of guest preachers who are former pastors as well as sons and daughters of St. Paul. The church’s choirs, musicians, and liturgical dancers also ministered. Guest preachers included the Rev. Ray Hammond and the Rev. Dr. LeRoy Attles, Bishop John Bryant, the Rev. Jay Broadnax, Elder Brenda Payne, and the Rev. Grainger Browning.
The celebration highlight was on October 27 with a concert by gospel recording artist, Byron Cage that was held at the Strand Theatre in Boston. The church rocked in praise as Elder Cage led praise and worship and a choral selection on October 28 during the morning service. Events can also be viewed on the St. Paul AME Church website at www.st-paul-ame.org
Photo credits: KC Bailey
