Mission & Vision
Our Mission
We serve God by demonstrating love, grace, and compassion to the community.
Our Vision
St. Paul A.M.E., Dickerson is a spirit-led church enriching our community through evangelistic ministry, intentional generosity, and selfless advocacy.
Church History
Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church originated in the Black communities in Della and Greenfield Mills, located in southeastern Frederick County, Maryland. Before 1898, members of the community attended the Methodist Church in Point of Rocks or the Catholic Church in Buckeystown, but these churches were too far from their homes. Oral history states that they petitioned the Catholic Church to establish a new Catholic church, but their request was denied. For a time, around 1898, services were held in the homes of various members of each community, and the church was then organized as The Della Mission. At one point, they were granted use of a privately-owned hall in Greenfield, where Reverend Edwards served as pastor. It is speculated that the affiliation with the African Methodist Episcopal Conference began at this time.
In 1908, the Della Mission African Methodist Episcopal Church purchased a half-acre of land in Della for $25.00. The deed was recorded on July 27, 1908. Church Trustees were Nathan Bell (Beall), Frank Chase, Charles Naylor (Nailor), William Simms, and Hacklus Williams.
The foundation of the Church was laid shortly after the purchase of the land, but there was difficulty in raising funds to complete the Church. The final campaign began early in 1916 under the direction of Pastor J.H. Dutton and Trustees Ernest Ambush, John Bell, Augustus Harris, Richard Harris, Sr., Richard Naylor, William Simms, and Seaton Williams.
Building materials were purchased, but Church Trustees were forced to put up their homes as collateral against the credit extension. The Church was constructed, and members converged on the Church to paint, clean, and prepare for the opening ceremony. Most of the finishing touches were completed in one day.
The Church was officially dedicated, and the first service was held on September 10, 1916. The name of the Church was changed to Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church and was added to the Mount Pleasant Circuit with Wayman AME Church and Saint James AME Church. One Pastor served all three Churches on the Circuit, and through mutual agreement, Sunday services were usually held at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Paul, 1:00 p.m. at Wayman, and 4:00 p.m. at Saint James.
Della, Maryland, September 10th, 1916
This is to certify that on the tenth day of September 1916, the cornerstone of St. Paul AME Church was laid, Reverend J.G. Bryant officiating. Rev. J.H. Dutton, the pastor, the trustees, and a large congregation were present. The offering at the dedication was $81.00.
This is the first A.M.E. Church in the section of the county.
The officials of the church are:
Reverend J.H. Dutton, Pastor
Trustees
Ernest Ambush
William Simms
Richard Naylor
Augustus Harris
Seaton Williams
John Bell
Reverend John W. Norris, Presiding Elder
The Right Reverend J. Albert Johnson, Presiding Bishop of the Baltimore Conference
The church was finished and preaching in the edifice on the above date for the first time.
Adjacent land was acquired one year after the Church opened to be used as a burial ground with the first interment in May 1918.
In the early 1980s, Saint James AME separated from the Mount Pleasant Circuit, and on Sunday, April 25, 1999, the 49th Session of the Washington Annual Conference dissolved the Mount Pleasant Circuit.
Church property increased in 2000 when land was gifted to Saint Paul. Another parcel of land was acquired in 2006. This property was purchased in 1883 by Frederick and Sarah Ellen Ambush [both were previously enslaved in Montgomery County, MD], and parents of Trustee Charles Ernest Ambush.
We are thankful for the dedicated work and spiritual leadership of our Pastors
Rev. Edwards*
Rev. Valentine*
Rev. Dutton*
Rev. Stevenson*
Rev. Dutton*
Rev. J. S. Scribner*
Rev. B.F. Turner*
Rev. T. E. Butler*
Rev. Martin Simmons*
Rev. Leon Penn*
Rev. Smith*
Rev. Charles Mack*
Rev. William Stewart*
Rev. Emmanuel Terrell*
Rev. Fulton Paulding*
Rev. Noah Melvin*
Rev. Mack Bell*
Rev. Don P. Leak*
Rev. Roland Howard*
Rev. Thomas Odellas*
Rev. Barbara Barbour*
Rev. Wayland Davis*
Rev. E. Compton Jonas*
Rev. Christine A. Moore*
Rev. Sterlin A. Powell
Rev. H. Reginald Crump
Rev. Derrick Brown
Rev. Anthony Young
Rev. Ronald Simmons
Rev. Peter G. Taylor
Rev. Joseph Brown
Rev. Richard Brown
Rev. Roslyn Riley
Rev. Justin W. Nick
Saint Paul has endured and prospered through the Word of God. We have experienced many changes and have grown physically, financially, and most importantly, spiritually. We thank God for where we have come from and praise Him for the blessings of the present and ask for His continued mercy and grace.