Eatonville in Orange County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

St. Lawrence African Methodist Episcopal Church

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, April 24, 2022

1. St. Lawrence African Methodist Episcopal Church Marker

Inscription.
The St. Lawrence African Methodist Church was Founded in 1881. St. Lawrence Church is older than the historic town itself, and it is one of the oldest African American Church’s in the Central Florida area. It was named in honor of Lewis Lawrence of Maitland who donated the land for the church. Since it’s original construction, the church has been rebuilt or renovated at least three times.

The church’s interior currently houses eight, one-of-a-kind paintings portraying Eatonville residents acknowledging the 23rd Psalm. These murals were painted and donated (circa 1936) by Andre’ Smith, founder of the Maitland Research Studio.

Erected by The Town of Eatonville Community Redevelopment Agency.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Notable Buildings • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 28° 37.118′ N, 81° 22.546′ W. Marker is in Eatonville, Florida, in Orange County. It is at the intersection of East Kennedy Boulevard and East Street, on the right on East Kennedy Boulevard. Marker is attached to the base of a column. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 558 E Kennedy Blvd, Maitland FL 32751, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Orlando

and in Central Florida.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within walking distance of this marker: Kennedy Boulevard and Sewell’s Place (here, next to this marker); Eatonville Water Tower (a few steps from this marker); Thomas House (a few steps from this marker); St. Lawrence African Methodist Church and the Mosley House (within shouting distance of this marker); Matilda Mosley Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Moseley House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hurston and Joe Clark’s (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eatonville.

Also see . . . Eatonville, Florida (1887– ). (Submitted on April 26, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, April 24, 2022

2. St. Lawrence African Methodist Episcopal Church Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,210 times since then and 120 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.