Our History
The AMEC grew out of the Free African Society (FAS) which Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, and others established in Philadelphia in 1787. When officials at St. George’s MEC pulled blacks off their knees while praying, FAS members discovered just how far American Methodists would go to enforce racial discrimination against African Americans. Hence, these members of St. George’s made plans to transform their mutual aid society into an African congregation. Although most wanted to affiliate with the Protestant Episcopal Church, Allen led a small group who resolved to remain Methodist.
In 1794, Bethel AME was dedicated with Allen as pastor. To establish Bethel’s independence from interfering white Methodists, Allen, a former Delaware slave, successfully sued in the Pennsylvania courts in 1807 and 1815 for the right of his congregation to exist as an independent institution. Because black Methodists in other middle Atlantic communities encountered racism and desired religious autonomy, Allen called them to meet in Philadelphia to form a new Wesleyan denomination, the AME.
A Committed Congregation
In 1913, the Rev. W. Jordan was appointed by the late Bishop John Hurst to establish a second connectional African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in Orlando, Florida. Construction began in an undeveloped area of South Orlando, where the congregation faced many challenges during its early years. Through tireless dedication, unwavering faith, and steadfast leadership, Rev. Jordan led the congregation to hold its first worship service at Saint Mark AME Church on Easter Sunday in April 1915.
Over the years, Saint Mark AME Church experienced steady growth through Spirit-filled revivals, faithful leadership, and a committed congregation. As its membership increased, the church expanded its facilities, laying a strong foundation for generations of ministry and service to the community.
The Story Of The East Campus
More than a century later, that same spirit of faith, vision, and commitment to expanding God’s Kingdom inspired a new chapter in the church’s history. On Sunday, September 7, 2014, Saint Mark AME Church launched its East Campus. The inaugural worship service was held at Lawton Chiles Elementary School, where the Rev. Jeff Beason was commissioned by Rev. Terence Gray to establish an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) presence on the east side of Orlando, an area where no AME church previously existed.
The story of the East Campus continues to unfold. As God has faithfully blessed the ministry, the congregation relocated to Waterford Lakes Elementary School to continuing its mission to proclaim the Gospel, serve the surrounding community, and extend the legacy of Saint Mark AME Church to a new generation. Guided by the same unwavering faith that marked its founding in 1913, the East Campus remains committed to spiritual growth, community outreach, and transforming lives through the love of Jesus Christ.