In May of 1880, Rev. Leit Woods organized a church that was located across the creek near the Jim Lowe farm in Warren, Arkansas that was known as Shady Grove African American Episcopal. Later it was moved and relocated on the Teanie Burn's place. The years passed, and it was again moved to 1.75 miles away from Arkansas State Highway #8. At that time, the name was changed to St. Paul AME Church.
It was completely rebuilt in 1942 under the leadership of Rev. S.J. Holley and one of our Stewards, Bro. G.W. Beavers, now deceased, who saw that the building went along smoothly. The membership roll at one time was 85, but with age and time, and some have gone and moved away, bringing our present roll to 38 members.
We cannot give an accurate account of all happenings because our old records were destroyed by fire when the church sceretary's house was burned. The improvements to this church include pulpit furniture; a kitchen; men and women's rest rooms; stucco walls; new windows and doors; air conditioners; a new piano; city water; ladies lounge; gas heating; partial carpet; and new pews. These things were accomplished under the leadership of Rev. G.T. Blackman.
In July 1989, St. Paul AME Church moved to its present location. The Presiding Bishop was Retired Rev. H.A. Belin, Dr. J.D. Jamison was the Presiding Elder and Rev. E.J. Daniels was the first pastor to lead New St. Paul AME Church in the new building.
This historical church has played an important role in shaping the destiny of many of our leaders in former years as well as leaders of our present day society. The church has been pastored by many of our able ministers. Presiding elders have been Rev. S.E. Kolen, Rev. Harris, Rev. Hall, Rev. C.M. Hankins, and Rev. C.C. Aikens. As pastors, we've had Rev. Leit Woods, Rev. Kings, Rev. John A. Wesley, Rev. Hampton, Rev. Thompson, Rev. Hilliard, Rev. E.D. Campbell, Rev. J. Eden, Rev. Crisswell, Rev. J.E. Garrison, Rev. L.R. Williams, Rev. J.D. Jamison, Rev. T. Washington, Rev. Simpson, Rev. C.T. Cross, Rev. H.H. Love, Rev. Simon Perkins, Rev. G.T. Blackman, Rev. E.J. Daniels, Rev. Johnny Lee Simpson, Rev. J.H. Edwards and our present pastor Rev. Johnny O. Johnson. (Some names might be omitted due to lack of information.)
Many outstanding laymen have also made great contributions to this great church. Those we remember today are: Bro. Clayborn Pennington, Bro. J.L. Kolen, Bro. Joe Ragar, Bro. Joe Burns, Bro. G.W. Beavers, Bro. J.L. Scobey, Bro. Sterling Parker, Bro. John Itt Kolen, Sis. Mamie Price, Sis. Teanie Burns, Sis. Ida Beavers, Sis. Emma Smith, Bro. Jessie York, Sis. Ella Scobey, Sis. Martha Pennington, Sis. Mary Todd, and Sis. Helen Alexander. They lived, fought the fight, and kept the faith.
And with God's help, New St. Paul AME Church hopes to continue to make history that will benefit all mankind.