St. James AME Church - Columbus, Georgia
N 32° 27.923 W 084° 59.080
16S E 689407 N 3593810
The Historic St. James AME Church is located at 1002 10th Street in Columbus, Georgia
Waymark Code: WM4XK9
Location: Georgia, United States
Date Posted: 10/10/2008
Views: 13
St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1863. The present church is built on land granted by act of the Georgia Legislature in 1873. It was erected in 1876 under the pastorate of Rev. Wesley J. Gaines, at a cost of $20,000. Rev. Gaines was the first pastor in record of the church. The graceful central tower and flanking turrets were added in 1886 during the ministry of Rev. L. L. Thomas. These structures, the most interesting features of the building, are the center spire and twin turrets on each side of the tower. The twin turrets are stone trimmed and have brick details on the exterior. The interior spiral stairs lead from the narthex to the balcony. St. James AME Church ranks as the second oldest church of the denomination in Georgia.
St. James AME is one of several historic churches and buildings related to the African American Community's history and rich cultural heritage in Columbus, Georgia. A walking tour of the city blocks to the south and west of this church will bring you to one historic site after another.
Much of this information was derived from a historic marker that stands in front of the church and the church's website. Please visit the website at the following URL: (
visit link)