St. James AME Church
This historic Black church is one of the first buildings constructed in the city of Ashland, aligning with the denomination of African Methodist Episcopal. It was established by Reverend Christopher Seals four years after the founding of Ashland, standing tall still despite wear and time.
St. James AME church today.
Four years after the founding of Ashland, Reverend Christopher Seals established the St. James AME Church and had a church building constructed on the corner of Carter and 11th streets. At the time, this AME congregation was the first to take advantage of the offer from the Kentucky Iron, Coal and Manufacturing Co. to give land away to any group that would construct a church in Ashland.
In 1905, the original frame building was moved to the corner of Carter and 12th. Seven years later, a brick and stone church was built adjacent to the frame. Since then, the latter has been demolished.
Still in operation, the church building is seen as a significant symbol of social accomplishment for the local African-American community.
National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form. National Parks Service. Accessed August 01, 2018. http://focus.nps.gov/pdfhost/docs/NRHP/Text/79003555.pdf.
The National Register of Historic Places nomination form for the St. James AME Church
St. James AME Facebook page
12th Street & Carter Street
Ashland, Kentucky 41101
Created by Mike Emett (Marshall University Libraries) on June 5th 2015, 4:24:12 pm.
Last updated by Emily Brammer on August 1st 2018, 1:45:32 pm.
Ashland Kentucky Historical Walking Tour
A work in progress, this walking tour starts at Ashland's Central Park and winds its way through the historic downtown with stops at historic landmarks, iconic buildings, and cultural institutions such as the Paramount.
This walking tour starts at Ashland's Central Park and winds its way through the historic downtown with stops at historic landmarks, iconic buildings, and cultural institutions such as the Paramount.