Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church
The congregation of Emanuel Church was formed out of the Methodist society by Robert Williams, who erected a meetinghouse on South Street in 1772. Thus, two societies were established, the Black people called their society the African Methodist Society.
Until Nat Turner's insurrection in 1831, we occupied a building on Washington Street. It was then that we were forced to worship with the white Methodist until they built a new church in 1856. That building was destroyed by fire and the congregation, largely slaves and freed Blacks, built this church building and dedicated it in November 1857.
In 1871, the then 99 year old congregation joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church and renamed itself Emanuel meaning "God with us."
Erected by Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1857.
Location. 36° 50.293′ N, 76° 18.297′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads, specifically in Coastal Virginia, and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Tidewater, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lincolnsville (a few steps from this marker); Emanuel A.M.E. Church (a few steps from this marker); Birthplace of Dr. James W. Holley III (within shouting distance of this marker); Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones
Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 533 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 31, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. submitted on February 9, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A photo of the church building • Can you help?
