DURHAM, N.C. -- The St. Joseph African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded 144 years ago in what was then known as Durham Station, North Carolina, in 1869, by the former slave Edian D. Markham. Reverend Markham was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina on April 23, 1824. History records that Reverend Markham had no memory of his father, but he saw his mother "driven through the streets bearing chains around her ankles to be sold to the highest bidder at the auction block, and he was bound and taken to Ohio." Reverend Markham ran away from Ohio by taking the underground railroad into Canada. From Canada he traveled to New York, obtained a Webster spelling book and learned to read and write. He studied the catechism, and because of his studies he believed that he was called to do missionary work.
St. Joseph A.M.E. Church's humble beginnings were nothing more than bushes being supported by long poles, which was known at that time as a simple "brush arbor". The dirt and grass ground were the church's "marble floor". The first cornerstone of St. Joseph's was laid at 804 Fayetteville Street in 1892. The original St. Joseph remains, serving the community as the renown Hayti Heritage Center with its ornate stainglass windows, including the one that bears the image of Washington Duke, the tobacco baron and philanthropist of Durham.
It was not until 1976 that the St. Joseph's congregation relocated to its current home at 2521 Fayetteville Street, just over one mile from its former location. Although the Hayti Heritage Center occupies the former church building, on Sunday, November 17, 2013, the entire congregation of St. Joseph's will return 'home' to worship there, for both 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. Senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens will preach both services, celebrating the 144 year history of the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in Durham.
The congregation will also participate in special fellowship activities prior to anniversary Sunday. On Friday, November 15, they will attend the movie 12 Years A Slave at the AMC Theater at the Streets at Southpoint Mall. There will be a movie discussion dinner afterwards at the Cheese Cake Factory restaurant. Saturday, November 16 the church will host a bowling tournament at the AMF Bowling Lanes in Durham.
"We are excited about our church anniversary, and proud of our rich heritage. We believe that our latter will be greater than our past, and that the best is yet to come!", stated Pastor Owens.
To learn more about the St. Joseph A.M.E. Church anniversary services and activities, call the church at (919) 683-1379.
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