Celebrating 175 Years of Faith And Worship: The Historic Legacy of St. Andrew's, The Oldest AME Congregation on The West Coast

Last weekend, St. Andrew’s African Methodist Episcopal Church celebrated its remarkable 175th anniversary, honoring a history that dates back to 1850 as the oldest continuously operating AME congregation on the West Coast.The church's journey began with a small assembly of early Black settlers at the Sacramento residence of Daniel Blue, a former slave who prospered during the California Gold Rush. Its inaugural pastor was John Fitzgerald. Initially known as Bethel AME Church, this Philadelphia-based congregation provided sanctuary to slaves seeking freedom before evolving into St. Andrew’s AME Church.During the anniversary festivities, youthful congregants embodied pioneering AME figures, presenting the struggles and achievements of these leaders in forming an independent Black religious movement. Sixteen-year-old Elise Young portrayed Richard Allen, discussing his evolution from enslavement to ministry and the AME Church’s role as a haven for Black worshippers. Pastor Jason Thompson expressed his appreciation for the children’s performances, highlighting their connection to history and the enduring mission of social justice within the church's contemporary actions.