St. John AMEC - Niagara Falls

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"We Have Come This Far by Faith”
The First Black Church in Niagara Falls, New York

Early in 1906, a small group of A.M.E. believers began holding services in a home on Eleventh Street in Niagara Falls. Later that year, Rev. Joseph Styles, Presiding Elder of the Manhattan District, came at the request of the members and formally organized the church. Rev. A. L. Wilson was appointed as the first pastor.

The congregation soon moved to 306 Niagara Street, continuing its search for a permanent home. Upon securing property at 477 Main Street, the church was incorporated as Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church, establishing itself as the first Black church in Niagara Falls and securing its place in the city’s history.

Following the pastorates of Rev. Joseph Gomes and Rev. L. B. Langford, Rev. J. Leo Pottinger was appointed on May 27, 1923. During his tenure, land was purchased at 155 Thirteenth Street in the presence of Joe Plato, Royal Palmer, James Steward, John Malloy, and Frederick Ford.

The cornerstone was laid on November 9, 1924, marking the congregation’s first permanent place of worship. The structure included a sanctuary seating 120 persons, a basement with kitchen and dining facilities, and a second-floor parsonage. At that time, Rev. D. B. Barton was serving as pastor.

Under Rev. Barton’s leadership, a “One Hundred Dollar Club” was established to retire the church’s mortgage. Within two years, a successful campaign raised $4,900, eliminating the church’s debt and strengthening its financial foundation.

Rev. Barton and members of Saint John played a vital role in the broader Black community. In 1929, they were instrumental in establishing the Niagara Community Center Association. Members including Ben Bolden, Samuel W. Dett, William Hollomon, Jr., Anna L. Johnson, Bessie Palmer, Royal Palmer, and Jerry Plato served on its board, extending the church’s influence into civic life.

Subsequent pastors included Rev. Henry L. Gault, Rev. T. H. Tyson, Rev. Norman Brown, Rev. H. L. Gumbs, Rev. A. A. Amos, and Rev. G. C. Hall.

On September 28, 1951, Rev. Edgar L. Huff was appointed pastor. Under his leadership, Saint John experienced remarkable growth. The existing sanctuary could no longer accommodate the congregation, prompting the launch of a bold initiative known as the “Venture of Faith.”

Rev. Huff led a relocation and building campaign that resulted in the acquisition of four lots bounded by Center Avenue, 9th Street, and Garden Avenue. Groundbreaking took place on March 15, 1961, and the cornerstone was laid by Electric Lodge No. 49, P.H.A. The new sanctuary was formally dedicated on May 26, 1962, by Bishop George W. Barber.

The site itself carried deep historical significance, having once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Beneath the original house was a cave where freedom seekers found refuge before crossing into Canada. A monument now commemorates this sacred history.

The new facility included a sanctuary with a large choir loft, a fellowship hall with commercial kitchen, dining space, classrooms, offices, a library, and space for the Federal Credit Union.

Rev. Huff’s impact extended far beyond the church. He became a central figure in the life of Niagara Falls, serving on the Urban Renewal Agency and as President of the NAACP. His legacy was honored through the naming of the Highland Avenue Bridge and the dedication of the Niagara Community Center and Girls’ Club fellowship hall in his memory.

Rev. Huff served for twenty-nine years before his passing in 1980, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, growth, and community transformation.

Rev. Carlton Woodward succeeded Rev. Huff and oversaw the purchase of a new parsonage at 1228 Calumet Avenue in 1981, along with renovations to the sanctuary.

In 1984, the youth and young adult choir recorded an album under the direction of Rev. Robert Lowe and Bro. Roger Walker, Jr., featuring Vanessa Bell Armstrong. That year’s anniversary celebration was dedicated to the memory of Benita Waters, a former choir president.

Rev. Fred Tennie followed Rev. Woodward, and Rev. Joseph Robinson, Sr. was subsequently appointed. During Rev. Robinson’s tenure, both the Rev. Huff Bridge and the church’s fellowship hall were rededicated in honor of Rev. Huff.

Rev. Treyon Gross, one of the youngest pastors to serve, advanced efforts to establish a high-tech community center focused on tutoring, computer training, job placement, and support for single Black women.

Rev. Micah Chandler continued this trajectory, introducing a computer program and initiating new traditions such as the “We Remember Momma” celebration and the Family and Friends Homecoming at Whirlpool Park.

Rev. Jocelyn K. Hart became the first female pastor of Saint John A.M.E. Church. A dynamic and compassionate leader, she emphasized children’s ministries and regularly entrusted the pulpit to the youth on second Sundays. She was transferred to Philadelphia in February 2006.

Later that same month, Rev. Stanley Gordon Smith was appointed pastor. While completing his Master of Divinity degree, he commuted between New York and Pennsylvania until his graduation in May 2006. Among his early goals was the revitalization of the church’s music ministry.

In November 2006, Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church celebrated one hundred years of service to God and community. The anniversary theme—“We Have Come This Far by Faith”—captured both the journey and the enduring testimony of the congregation.