St. Paul, Houston Celebrates 150 Years: Faithfulness that Only God Can Bless
By Denise Powell, 10thEpiscopal District
From the seven feasts of Israel to the believer’s baptism, future marriage supper of the Lamb, and times of remembrance, celebrations have always been a part of Godly living. When the people of God celebrate, it is worship. Worship and gratitude describe St. Paul AME Church’s 150th anniversary.
The celebration began on Saturday, February 9, 2019, with Harlem Nights: An Evening of Entertainment. Guests donned fashions from the 1920s as they enjoyed comedian Lisa Love’s performance and musical selections from Trumpeter Leslie Drayton and Friends.
The celebration ended with worship services at St. Paul on Sunday, February 17, 2019, which was declared St. Paul Day in the city of Houston. In honor of this special day, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (18th District, TX), dedicated a flag flown over the United States Capitol and issued a proclamation for the historic occasion. The theme for worship was “Building a Legacy on the Most Important Stone” from Ephesians 2:20-22.
The services began with a chant and a call to praise God’s faithfulness to St. Paul. The congregation sang songs reflecting the reverential hearts of the worshipers and continued the spirit of thankfulness to God for all He’s done.
Visiting Pastor Reginald DeVaughn and retired Presiding Elder Johnnie Jennings led sermons entitled, “Let the Church be the Church” and “Becoming a Solid Rock Believer.” The Rev. Jennings was selected to bring the message because of his more than 50-year relationship with St. Paul. Pastor DeVaughn was the ram-in-the-bush as the scheduled speaker, Senior Bishop McKinley Young, became ill and passed away shortly before the celebration. The messages encouraged believers to dwell on the faithfulness of God and give Him the glory He is due.
No record of St. Paul’s 150th anniversary would be incomplete without sharing memories of three very special, senior members—Dorothy Bell, Verdie Criss, and Emma Howard—who were present at St. Paul’s 100th anniversary and some thoughts from Pastor Roderick D. Dawson. He said, “Christianity is based on relationship. As a Christian, I am saved because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. Therefore, a pastor must model that relationship with his congregants… I try to model Christ by being personable and knowing every member’s name…many members have shared their thoughts on how it makes them feel a part of a great family.”
Another reason for St. Paul’s survival is its focus on supporting the community. St. Paul initially served the First Ward community and now the Greenspoint community through job fairs, facilitating monthly homeownership workshops in partnership with Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, providing families with food items and toiletries, and the operation of a daycare center.
St. Paul is returning to their roots of providing education for the church and community and has plans to provide housing. The biggest goal for Pastor Dawson and members is to leave “a legacy that is debt free, with investments and endowments to carry on effective missions and ministry for generations to come.”
St. Paul has come a long way from their first meeting under an arbor tree in 1869. The Mother of African Methodism in Houston, Texas, St. Paul is still standing in a place of awesomeness, amazement, and thankfulness for His rich and relevant blessings. The perseverance of those godly men and women who fought for their right to worship God in peace has borne much fruit. Every pastor that has shepherded St. Paul has contributed to the success of the church as it is today. Pastor Dawson seeks to usher in the next years of service and continue to provide a place for God’s people to worship and reach their highest potential.
Denise Powell is a freelance copy editor and an avid reader. Her other interests include plants and healthy living. She currently lives in Houston, Texas.
