Saint James A.M.E. Church
Milford, Ellis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This church was organized by the Rev. Joshua Goins, Sr., in 1883. Services began in the home of Pleasant Zollicoffer and moved to the Odd Fellows' Hall before this church structure was erected in 1907. This building exhibits exceptional craftsmanship and incorporates Gothic Revival style details such as twin towers and gabled facade and Romanesque style rounded windows. Saint James is Milford's oldest African - American church and building.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Organized in 1883 by the Rev. Joshua Goins, Sr., this congregation first gathered in a member's home and then an Odd Fellows' hall before erecting its own church in 1907. The finely crafted building blends Gothic Revival twin towers and a gabled facade with rounded Romanesque windows. It stands as Milford's oldest African-American church and church building.
Why it matters
Independent Black churches like St. James were the cornerstones of African-American community life after emancipation, offering worship, fellowship, and leadership when few other institutions would.
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Related people
- · Joshua Goins, Sr.
- · Pleasant Zollicoffer
Themes & tags
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