St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 500 East Harrison Street

St. Paul's A.M.E. Church on northwest corner of Marion and Harrison Streets. 1943. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

Former St. Paul A.M.E. Church at 500 East Harrison Street 2021 © Chip Weiner

The St Paul’s African Methodist Episcopal Church was built between 1906 and 1913. The Gothic Revival-style building was a gathering place for Tampa’s Black residents, especially during segregation when it was a safe place for members to congregate. It was used for worship, Bible studies, social gatherings, and potluck suppers. It is the oldest church settled by Blacks in Tampa

The building is now a life center for the apartment homes next door.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved

From Burgert Brothers: Look Again, Vol. 1

Speaker at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 500 East Harrison Street. 1948. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

Congregation attending service at St. Paul A.M.E. Church. 1948. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

Nurses at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church. 19484 Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System