YOUNGSTOWN — St. Andrewes African Methodist Episcopal Church, 521 W. Earle Ave., which is the oldest black church of African American heritage in the Mahoning Valley, recently celebrated its 155th anniversary.

The church hosted a recent weekend of various events, including a special worship service with guest speakers, an anniversary luncheon and a flea market.

The Rev. Jeannette Hubbard, senior pastor and the first woman pastor of the church, said the celebration brought current and past members together.

Hubbard is the 31st pastor of the church and has served as pastor for the past seven years.

The theme for the celebration was “A Legacy of Faith: How Great is Our God!”

The church’s mission is to spread Christ’s gospel into the hearts, souls and minds of its membership and the Youngstown community at large.

In 1869, after the Civil War, a group of 15 people started a church known as “The Mission.”

The Mission became Oak Hill Avenue African Methodist Episcopal Church, which grew into St. Andrewes AME Church. Hubbard said the church is proud to be the oldest church of African American heritage in Mahoning County.

As the membership grew, the church moved from different locations in the downtown Youngstown area.

In 1870, a lot was purchased on Mill Street (Oak Hill Avenue) and in 1872, the first structure was built. In 1907, the Oak Hill Avenue AME Church was rebuilt.

In 1949, the congregation purchased the Emmanuel Congregation Temple, 117 E. Rayen Ave. With the new location, the name St. Andrewes was adopted by the membership because of the new location.

The church building opened in December 1951 and served the membership until it was sold in 2001. Land was purchased in 2002 from the city and a new edifice was built. Today, the church is located on a 7.5-acre site at 521 W. Earle Ave.

Hubbard said many pastors have served the church over its 155 years, with each making a unique contribution to the church’s long legacy.

Have an interesting story? Email Bob Coupland at bcoupland@tribtoday.com.