Old Ship African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church


Front view of Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church

“I can’t imagine worshipping anywhere else. There is so much history, so much strength built into this church.”- Maria Thomas, Head Secretary of Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church

Old Ship African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is the oldest African-American church in the city of Montgomery. The church’s beginning dates way back to 1852. The church was built using a donated building frame from the all- white congregation of the Court Street Methodist Church.

Close-up of the sanctuary

Old Ship to New Beginnings

Old Ship African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was designed for traditional revival worship for black worshipers. The church underwent renovations in the early 1900s, but retained its original design. The most notable decorations are its stained glass windows.

Close-up of the stained-glass front banner of the church.

Since its beginning, Old Ship has been a historical trademark for the city of Montgomery. Old Ship is notable for being the first host of the State Normal School and University for the Education of Colored Teachers and Students (now known as the Alabama State University) in 1888.

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-Jayla Coleman

More About This Article

This article was written as a creative project assignment for a journalism course, Media Writing II, at Auburn University at Montgomery in Spring 2018. More information and amazing articles can be found here!

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