Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

St. Paul's A.M.E. Zion Church

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 22, 2019

1. St. Paul's A.M.E. Zion Church Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

St. Paul's A.M.E. Zion Church, erected in 1917, is the third church to be used by Gettysburg's oldest African American congregation—founded ca. 1838 in a small frame building on nearby Franklin Street. Members of this congregation have long been active and prominent in the Borough's African American community, and have provided a rich tradition of served to the community and nation.

Prior to the Civil War many members became part of the "abolitionist" movement. In December 1840, a committee headed by Henry O. Chiler met at the first church to form the "Slave Refugee Society." This group appointed a committee composed of James Cameron, Henry Butler, James Jones, Henry O. Chiler and John Jones to draft a constitution and seek a means to help those who sought freedom from "the tyrannical yoke of oppression."

During the Civil War, several members of St. Paul's joined the newly formed "United States Colored Troops" and served during 1864-65. Among them were Lloyd F. Watts and Samuel Stanton. Watts went on to become an important community leader and one of the first African American teachers in the public school system.

Stanton

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had a diverse Civil War military career. He joined the U.S. Navy early in 1863 and served a year as a "landsman" before being discharged and re-enlisting in the army's Third Regt. U.S. Colored Infantry.

This commitment to public service, despite racial prejudice, has been a hallmark of many others from this church who have sacrificed on behalf of their countrymen.

Erected by Main Street Gettysburg, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Churches & Religion • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AME Zion) Church series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1840.

Location. 39° 49.617′ N, 77° 14.006′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is at the intersection of South Washington Street and Breckenridge Street, on the right when traveling south on South Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 269 South Washington Street, Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mary Virginia Wade Lived in This House (within shouting distance of this marker); The "Jack" Hopkins House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Goodwill Cemetery (about 500 feet away);

St. Paul's A.M.E. Zion Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 22, 2019

2. St. Paul's A.M.E. Zion Church

"…run home as quickly as you can." (about 600 feet away); First Home of Seminary and College (about 600 feet away); 267 Baltimore St. (about 600 feet away); “… the battle itself proved a relief.” (about 600 feet away); Lincoln Cemetery (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

Additional keywords. African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Methodism

Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 559 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 24, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.