St. James AME Church Collection

Collection

Identifier: MG Nwk St. James AME-(Fileroom)

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of event programs, journals, and photographs of St. James’s AME Church, mostly donated by Jimmy Richardson. Of note are historical souvenir journals that highlight some important African American residents of Newark. Much of the other material is from the era of Rev. William D. Watley at St. Jame’s AME and highlights accomplishments during his term. The photographs, most taken by Jimmy Richardson, show the exterior and interior of the church, with a small number of shots of people and congregants. The collection also includes portrait photos of Rev. Watley and his wife.

Dates

1944 - 2011

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers wishing to publish reproduce, or reprint materials from this collection must obtain permission.

Biographical / Historical

St. James AME Church, originally known as Bethel AME, was organized in 1842 by Rev. C. Birch. In 1888 it became known as St. James AME and moved to Union Street where the church remained until 1945. In 1945 the church moved to High (now Martin Luther King) and Court streets where it still exists today. The building was originally High Street Presbyterian Church. The church also runs a school: St. James’s Preparatory.

Extent

2.33 Linear Feet (2 Hollinger boxes, 1 oversized box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of event programs, journals, and photographs of St. James’s AME Chur

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Jimmy Richardson, 2015, except for three journals (marked in container list) that were added from the CFCNJIC collection due to fragility. Material on NJ Historic Preservation Awards, as well as further annual reports, miss papers and photos were transferred from “Newark Churches” collectio

Related Materials

SEE ALSO: Hanging files of photos on St. James’s AME Church [previously donated photos by Jimmy Richardson]

Processing Information

Materials were divided into series by type of material, and in some cases foldered by subject. Further processing is needed on photos. Three journals (marked in container list) that were added from the CFCNJIC collection due to fragility. Second or third copies of several journals are also catalogued as books.