St. John A.M.E. Church
Clinton Street • Frankfort, Kentucky
Source Article: "The Colored Churches of Frankfort" by Dr. E. E. Underwood
Publication: The State Journal (Frankfort, KY) • Saturday, October 3, 1936
Transcribed By: Anne Holder Lee
Church History & Organization
St. John African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church was organized in 1839, with its initial house of worship located on Lewis Street. Its first pastor was Rev. George Harlan.
Building & Property Milestones
- 1839: Congregation organized on Lewis Street under Rev. George Harlan.
- 1893: The sanctuary on Clinton Street was erected under the pastorate of Rev. James M. Turner.
- c. 1922: An Annex building was constructed containing a Sunday School room, pastor's study, and functional space for church activities.
- Parsonage: The congregation owned its official parsonage, located on Lewis Street.
Prominent early pastors included Rev. B. F. Lee (who later became a Bishop in the A.M.E. Church), Rev. G. H. Schaffer, Rev. D. F. Bentley, Rev. P. A. Nichols, Rev. G. F. David, and Rev. J. W. Frazier. As of 1936, the church was pastored by Rev. H. H. Brewer.
Ministers & Pastors (1839–1910)
| Minister Name | Service Period / Historical Notes |
|---|---|
| George Harlan | First pastor (1839) |
| Moses Pitman | — |
| Aaron Green | — |
| Reuben Thomas | — |
| Henry Henderson | Served c. 1850 |
| Anderson Bryant | — |
| Jacob Williams | — |
| Henry Hensley | — |
| William Brown | — |
| Henry J. Young | — |
| Ross Lee | — |
| Jillson Francis | — |
| George H. Schaffer | — |
| Washington Hill | — |
| Crafton Graham | — |
| Alfred Newman | — |
| C. J. Waters | — |
| B. F. Lee | Later consecrated as A.M.E. Bishop |
| J. W. Riley | — |
| Charles Herbert | — |
| Jesse Henderson | — |
| George Steamer | — |
| Levi Evans | — |
| D. S. Bentley | — |
| J. W. Asbury | — |
| J. F. Thomas | — |
| G. H. Burk | — |
| George W. Bryant | — |
| Emmanuel Wilson | — |
| J. M. Turner | Pastor during 1893 sanctuary construction |
| J. W. Frazier | — |
| P. A. Nichols | — |
| G. F. David | — |
| J. M. Holt | — |
| J. Allen Viney | Served 1907–1909 |
| T. A. Thompson | Served 1910 |