Located in the middle of the Birmingham Civil Rights District, St. Paul United Methodist Church is held as one of the city’s cherished historic places. We join 20 other historic sites that have been recognized as part of the Alabama African American Civil Rights Heritage Sites Consortium.
Currently, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Richard Lane Stryker III, St. Paul is building a community of faith that nurtures its membership, develops a connection to the community, and encourages all to answer the call of discipleship to Jesus Christ. St. Paul is a place of passionate worship and inspirational singing. We are committed to helping children and youth grow in their faith and in love of God.
Experience history for yourself!
Although our physical doors are closed due to the pandemic, our virtual doors are open to all who want to experience St. Paul’s history! Register for a virtual tour today.
St. Paul was founded in 1869 and is one of the oldest African-American churches in Birmingham.
In 1956, St. Paul was the site of one of the earliest meetings in Birmingham during the direct action campaign to integrate the city’s buses.
The church was led by Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery during the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Lowery was a founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference along with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
During the demonstrations in 1963, St. Paul hosted mass meetings and held training sessions in nonviolent civil disobedience for the young demonstrators who participated in the Children’s Crusade marches.
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