The overflowing pride, spiritual joy and sense of community was tangible at the oldest African American church in California, St. Andrews African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.). On Nov. 15-16. the congregation celebrated its 175th anniversary with a special church service and a “living museum” event in Sacramento.
Clergy, local elected officials, church auxiliary groups and other well-wishers gathered for the two-day celebration, which honored the founding of the faith community, the ongoing mission of the church, and the legacy it continues to uphold.
The Rev. Dr. Jason D. Thompson, Senior Pastor of St. Andrews, was raised in an A.M.E. church in Durham, North Carolina. He told California Black Media (CBM) that as he has grown older, he is “thankful to support the mission of a free African society.”…