Sterling in Rice County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The African Methodist Episcopal Church

By William Fischer, Jr., June 11, 2016

1. The African Methodist Episcopal Church Marker

Inscription. Originally built c. 1884 as the United Brethren Church, this clapboard building was purchased for the A.M.E. congregation in 1917. The Sterling College class of 1936 bought the bell that was housed in the elaborate three-tier cupola above the church vestibule. This unique tower was removed when the bell was transferred to Spencer Hall in 1937. The dining and education wing was added in 1962. In 2007, the building was purchased and renovated as the new home for the Sterling Church of Christ.

Erected by Historic Downtown Sterling, Ks.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Communications. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church series list.

Location. 38° 12.331′ N, 98° 12.426′ W. Marker is in Sterling, Kansas, in Rice County. Marker is at the intersection of Broadway (State Highway 14/96) and Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling south on Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 337 South Broadway, Sterling KS 67579, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Santa Fe Depot (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Mincer Building (approx. 0.2 miles

The African Methodist Episcopal Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

By William Fischer, Jr., June 11, 2016

2. The African Methodist Episcopal Church and Marker

away); The Monroe Apartments (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Landis Hollinger Mercantile (approx. ¼ mile away); The Bulletin (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Emporium (approx. 0.3 miles away); Meade Post No 14 G.A.R. Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Cooper Hall (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sterling.

Also see . . .
1. Historical Development of Sterling, Kansas. (Submitted on June 19, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. "A Souvenir of Sterling, Kansas" (1925). (Submitted on June 19, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Sterling Church of Christ on Facebook. (Submitted on June 19, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 129 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 19, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.