St Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) needs your help to replace our roof and to expand and revitalize our role in the community. Our whole building has been battered by time, but the roof has taken the brunt of the winter storms. Replacing the roof is the most urgent and pressing matter preventing us from returning to in person worship and fellowship.
Historic Asset: Over the 119-year history of St. Paul AME, thousands of its members have been active contributors to establishing an African American presence in the region and advocating for the rights of African Americans and minorities in the area. St. Paul AME Church is the oldest of the six predominantly African American churches in the city that, individually and collectively, are responsible for the largely uncelebrated contributions of African American culture and spirituality to Santa Barbara, aka the “American Riviera.” The church’s legacy and ongoing presence leave a moral imprint on the surrounding neighborhood of the lower east side. St Paul AME proudly stands on the corner of Olive and Haley streets, not just as another church building but one that plays a major role in improving and expanding the civic, cultural, professional and spiritual life of the Santa Barbara community. In 2020, St. Paul AME was designated a Santa Barbara City Historic Landmark, in recognition of its architectural distinction and significant cultural history.
Can we count on you to donate to this important project by making a tax-deductible donation to our capital campaign? Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Campaign Project: The Roof Replacement and Revitalization Project will be completed in two phases and supported by ongoing fundraising.
Phase 1 Roof Replacement $80,000 (urgent and most pressing need) Meanwhile, $20,000 has been raised to date by the St Paul congregation. We need your help to reach our goal of $80,000.
Phase 2 Revitalization (supported by ongoing fundraising) The second phase is motivated by two goals. One is to stabilize and renovate other portions of this historic building (renovating the fellowship hall and upstairs meeting rooms to increase accessibility) so that we not only can resume our worship and fellowship activities but also expand them and grow our congregation. The second is to resume St. Paul’s reputation as a beacon for justice by expanding our mission and service to the surrounding community, focusing on our youth and seniors. We will continue to conduct historical tours for students, politicians, and visitors in the area while at the same time renewing our cultural contributions to the regional community.
Donations can be made by check to St. Paul AME Church, 502 Olive Street, Santa Barbara 93101 or online via the Givelify APP using: St Paul AME Church Santa Barbara. Click here to go to Givelify
We are under the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church Denomination Group Exemption Number 2632, 00-53-0204696, 501C (3), and a California Non-Profit Corporation Entity No. 0046107
Our Kind Regards,
St Paul AME Capital Campaign Committee
Pastor, Elbert Sherrod Trustees, Julie Carlson, and Wendy Sims-Moten