St Paul is excited to have you connect with us on our Celebration Sunday and Mortgage Burning Service. This momentous celebration will go down in history to the glory of God.
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16 March 2025 To the Beloved Members of Saint Paul AME Church,
Words cannot adequately express the profound gratitude I feel as we celebrate this momentous occasion: the burning of our church mortgage. This achievement is a testament to your unwavering faith, your steadfast dedication, and your generous spirit. You, the members of Saint Paul, have placed your trust in our leadership, and together, through your sacrificial giving and tireless efforts, we have reached this incredible milestone. You have proven that with faith and unity, all things are possible. Your commitment to God and this church has made this dream a reality. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to each and every one of you. Your contributions, large and small, have built this foundation of financial freedom. Thank you for your belief in our vision and your willingness to invest in the future of Saint Paul AME Church. We are also profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and leadership of Presiding Elder Vincent Mitchell, Consultant Mitchell, Bishop Marvin Clyde Zanders II and Supervisor Zanders. Their guidance and encouragement have been invaluable throughout this journey. Bishop Zanders’s presence and message during our mortgage burning service will be a true blessing. Their commitment to the AME Church and to our community is a shining example for us all. Thank you, Saint Paul family, for your love, your dedication, and your faith. This victory is yours, and we celebrate it together! May God continue to bless Saint Paul AME Church and
each of you abundantly. With heartfelt gratitude,
The Reverend Dr. Robert Jackson, III Pastor, Saint Paul AME Church
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18 Seventeen years ago, Saint Paul AME Church in Miami, Florida, was sent a young preacher named Rev. Robert Jackson III. He came with new ideas, but also with an appreciation for those things that were already in place. It was obvious to many that this man of God had a “VISION” for St. Paul. A man with a vision from God… Covid came and churches were shut down. Because of the vision of our pastor, we never missed a beat. We were ready and equipped to bring the word and a full service to God’s people…through the internet. The vision included reaching the masses with God’s Word as we went about learning through
online church school, praising God through singing, dancing, praying and preaching…reaching the masses through the vision given by God. God allowed us to carry on so that the people would not perish. Pastor Jackson received the vision. “Unless the Lord BUILDS the house, they labor in vain who build it;” Psalms 127:1 There came a time to BUILD… God’s message to our Pastor. Building of lives, families, community, and yes, the church continued to grow. People came back to church, others joined, people blessed the church and God blessed us all. Pastor Jackson continued to follow the vision he had received from God. The church was upgraded, in part. The church was still in need, but the people of God continued to follow the vision of Pastor Jackson. Many things were begun, but so much needed to be completed. “…but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.” II Corinthians 8:11 Under the leadership of Pastor Jackson, the debts of the church began to wane. The people gave and they tithed. The opportunity to pay off the mortgage of the church presented itself, and though it seemed a somewhat insurmountable task, the church decided to go with it. Rev. Suzetta Anderson and Ms. Cheree Gulley encouraged and helped the Pastor plan for this undertaking. It was presented to the church, and the members gave a resounding yes! So today, we are here because the vision that God gave to our pastor and servant leader, Rev. Dr. Robert Jackson III, has been completed…FINISHED. We have paid off the mortgage!! The officers and members of this church are grateful to God for the things he has allowed us to accomplish. We are thankful to all for their faith and for believing in the power of God!! As it says in Matthew 18:19…”Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. To God be the glory! Great things He has done.
Pamela Clark Johnson, Pro Tem, Steward Board Sylvester Williams, Pro Tem, Trustee Board Lillie Beneby, Pro Tem Emeritus, Steward Board
SAINT PAUL CHURCH HISTORY
Prior to the formalization of establishing what is now known as the Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, a group of men and women not wanting to continue worshiping as Episcopalians decided to gather at each other’s home and have prayer meetings. Out of these meetings came what was called the “A.M.E. Church.” Many of the meetings were held at the home of Edward and Rebecca Johnson. Mr. Johnson served as the lay reader while Mrs. Johnson held prayer meetings every day at 12 noon for everyone who would come. The number in attendance began to grow making it necessary to look for a permanent place of worship. Then, on the first day of December 1914 a group of five men, Thomas P. Dean, Nat Sampson, Jeffery Cravatt, Edward Johnson and John Oliver, who were the trustees of the church, took active participation in the execution of the deed for a house located at 4th Court and 19th Street in Miami. After much discussion over a name for the house that would become the church, Mrs. Johnson suggested that the church be named after Paul in the Bible. The house then became known as Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church. Serving as the first Pastor was Rev. G. A. Roundtree who served the congregation faithfully until 1925. History reveals that the torch was passed on to many who became great leaders in the A.M.E. Church. Previous pastors include: Rev. Andrew J. Newton, Rev. Savage, Rev. J. B. Blacknell, Rev. P. J. Walker, Rev. M.P. Chappel, Rev. J. H. Young, Rev. J. D. Kennedy, Rev. A.P. Postell, Rev. H.L. Pinkney, Rev. J.B. Epperson, Rev. R.A. Jackson, Rev. R. J. Blaine, Rev. F. H. Sneed, Rev. J.D. Washington, Rev. M. J. Fayson, Rev. T. C. Kelly, Jr. Rev. S.L. Gay, Rev. Vincent F. Mitchell and Rev. Michael K. Bouie. For years, the membership of Saint Paul planned and worked towards the day when there would stand somewhere in the City of Miami, a church that would not only be lofty and beautiful, but so designed and constructed to properly and conveniently facilitate the practices of African Methodism. In 1961, the church and property located at 4th Court and 19th Street were purchased by Urban Renewal. Rev. M. J. Fayson, Pastor at that time, and the church lead- ers began to search for a new church site. It was in May of 1962, that the present site was purchased from Lakeview Methodist Church. The Trustees felt this move was worth- while, because of the size of the land and the location of the site. They and the congregation knew from the very beginning that the church already erected on the land was not appropriate for their service, The church was not large enough, nor was it so arranged to accommodate the entry of the choir, pulpit participants or the serving of the celebration of the Holy Communion.
Shortly thereafter, in July, 1962, Rev. Fayson passed. The Bishop appointed Rev. T. C. Kelley, Jr. to serve as spiritual leader. Under his leadership, the Lakeview Methodist Church was demolished. After the foundation was dug and laid and the walls began to go up, along came “Hurricane Cleo” with her destructive winds, almost demolishing that part that had been completed. The power greater then “Cleo” prevailed, and the structure continued after a short delay for repairs. Rev. Kelley served as foreman, designer and builder of the new church. He contributed his manpower, as well as his skills, in order that the dream of the congregation would be realized. In 1977, Rev. S. L. Gay was assigned to Saint Paul to lead the flock. Under his leadership, Saint Paul continued to grow. He guided the congregation spiritually and in making additional improvements to our church. He was instrumental in having the church purchase a lot for parking on N. W. 51st Terrace. At the Episcopal Planning Meeting on November 19, 1988, the Reverend Vincent F. Mitchell was appoint- ed pastor of Saint Paul. Under the guidance of Rev. Mitchell, the Sanctuary, Learning Center, Conference Room, Office Area and Annex were renovated. These areas were completely refurnished with state-of- the art furniture and equipment. Rev. Mitchell served Saint Paul for 16 years. On Saturday, November 20, 2004 the Bishop appointed the Rev. Michael K. Bouie to serve as pastor of Saint Paul AME Church. Under Pastor Bouie’s tenure, the church converted the parsonage into the Saint Paul ADMIN Center, completed and dedicated the Bricks of Faith Monument and purchased the house located at 1871 N.W. 51st Street. On Saturday, November 22, 2008, Rev. Robert Jackson, III, was appointed the new shepherd of our flock. Under Pastor Jackson’s administration, Saint Paul has grown phenomenally in all areas. Because of Pastor Jackson’s gift of administration, Saint Paul’s budget through expenses, like operations, mortgages, utilities and insurance was reduced by more than 20% and revenue through tithe, offering and sacrificial giving has grown by more than 35% and was increased to over $200,000.00 the first year. “Some plant, some water, but God gives the increase.” St. Paul Miami has seen supernatural growth from the ministry of the word through Pastor Jackson. Because of his gifted, creative and anointed preaching, over 500 new families and rededications have occurred from January 2009 to the present. The current church has been renovated with new tile, carpet and pews and is a state-of-the-art worship facility that encompasses web streaming, wireless connectivity, and a progressive contemporary worshipful spirit. The church created a church directed 501(c)(3) called St. Paul Community Development Corporation. Its accomplishments include an annual summer camp, the Futurepreneurs Program and other community development projects. In October 2013, Pastor Jackson, under the leadership of Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, began a second location in Miramar, Florida called St. Paul Miramar. In its first year, the new location grew with approximately 50 people in worship every Sunday. On December 31, 2016, the members of St. Paul Miramar agreed to unite with the members of the main location to combine efforts for renovations at the main site. St. Paul Miami’s classrooms were renovated. Later, in 2018, renovation continued with the replacement of all lighting to LED and the
completion of a new concrete enclosure of the front of the church. These renovations reduced the church’s monthly electrical usage by 20%. In 2020, Pastor Jackson developed an emergency response plan to respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on in-person worship. St. Paul, already equipped with advanced technology, seamlessly transitioned to online worship services. Even in difficult times, St. Paul’s personal connection to its members remained strong. Pastor Jackson and the ministerial staff safely distributed care packages through drive-by visits, providing to the emotional and spiritual needs of sick members of the church. Church growth continued and in June 2021, members returned to in-person worship with appropriate safety measures put in place. In December 2024, after being notified by Grove Bank and Trust that the bank was not renewing any mortgages under $250,000, Pastor Jackson led St. Paul on a faith walk to pay off the mortgage. In just 10 weeks, the members of St. Paul walked in faith and trusted the vision that God had given! In February 2025, St. Paul paid $129,000, beyond tithes and offerings, liquidating the church’s mortgage five years early and the investment property’s mortgage ten years early while also revitalizing the St. Paul church campus. The heritage of St. Paul is rich. A legacy of greatness is ours to enjoy! God has set before us an open door and showered us with strong leadership. From 1914 to 2025, we have had the services of twenty-one (21) pastors. We have rendered one hundred ten (110) years of devoted, dedicated and committed service to humanity and to the building of God’s Kingdom. The best is yet to come!.
Pastor Ricky Wiggs’ path in life has a humble beginning as he is a product of Polk County Schools, having attended Lake Gibson Senior High School. After graduation he began matriculation at the University of South Florida earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, Finance. He also attended Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (I.T.C) in Atlanta, Georgia. There he earned a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Psychology of Pastoral Care. Having a desire to be
involved in the community, Pastor Ricky began to visit and volunteer in local schools in the areas that he resided, which led to substitute and certified teaching. After working in the school system, he decided to transition out of the classroom into administration requiring him to obtain a Master of Educational Leadership from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. Pastor Ricky’s Christian Ministry began when he was licensed to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in 1990 at the age of twenty years old. To be better equipped and prepared for ministry, he matriculated at The Interdenominational Theological Center (I.T.C). During his time in seminary, he received his first leadership experience by serving as student body president for Turner Seminary. After preparing himself, Pastor Ricky received his first pastoral appointment to serve the people of God at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Havana, Florida. His itinerant ministry then took him to Greater Hurst Chapel (GHC) in Sarasota, Florida for 10 years. It was at this church that he grew personally as a pastor and leader. He led GHC in purchasing adjacent property to the church, renovating condemned houses for outreach ministry, and a total church renovation in less than fifty days. Before planting a new church, Pastor Ricky served one year at Mt. Olive AMEC in Tampa, Florida where he settled a lawsuit with the Department of Transportation for over $500,000.00. This made way for them to construct their current church building. Feeling led by God, Pastor Ricky established Redeemed Ministries (RM), Incorporated in Sarasota, Florida. Again, being led by the Spirit he transitioned the church to Lakeland, Florida. It is here in his hometown that Pastor Ricky has been leading the sheep God has blessed him with. RM has experienced great spiritual growth in the lives of those who attend weekly Bible Study and Sunday
morning Worship. RM is a church that has a heart for supporting the community and doing its part to help make lives better. God has allowed Redeemed Ministries to purchase a building and land paying cash and completing almost $100,000.00 renovations debt free. This was accomplished with less than one hundred adult members. Pastor Ricky also works full-time as a District Administrator in the Polk County School District. When not at church, school, or a community service event with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Pastor Ricky can be found at home enjoying spending time with his college-sweetheart, now wife, Carla. They have been extremely blessed to parent two wonderful children Michael, a student studying to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Mariah, News Anchor and TV Personality with WHNT in Huntsville, Alabama.
THE RIGHT REVEREND Marvin C. Zanders, II The Right Rev. Marvin Clyde Zanders, II is the 140th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. After his election and consecration on July 10, 2021 in Orlando, Florida he was assigned to the 16th Episcopal District. The 16 th Episcopal District is made up of seven annual conferences representing fourteen countries in the Caribbean, South America, and Europe. During his tenure, churches were dedicated, communities impacted, and students received their Master’s Degree to fulfill ordination requirements. Bishop Zanders served as the Chair of the Commission on Seminaries, Universities, Colleges, and Schools. He also Co-Chaired the Commission of The Department of Retirement Services. This School-Orlando, Florida. Bishop Zanders holds a B.A. Degree from Morehouse College, a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Arts in Christian Education from Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center all in Atlanta , Georgia. He was awarded the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Edward Waters University, Jacksonville, Florida. Prior to his election as Bishop, he served the following congregations. St. Paul AMEC in Mascotte, Florida, Greater Payne Chapel AMEC in Jacksonville and Mount Olive AMEC in Orlando, Florida. These churches experienced growth in membership, social and political action, youth and young adult involvement in addition to supporting women in ministry. His last pastoral assignment was the prestigious St. Paul AMEC in Jacksonville, Florida. As the 35th and youngest pastor in the church’s storied 150 year history, he led members into new and innovative ministries, expanded facilities, and had strong community outreach. A committed prayer ministry resulted in many souls being won for the kingdom, strong leadership development, overflowing generosity and the burning of a $2,500,000 mortgage, three (3) years ahead of schedule. He served as advisor to the Chairman and 1 st Vice- Chairman of the AMEC Episcopal Committee for 5 Quadrennials. He was District Orlando, Florida native was born to the late Marvin C. Zanders and Mrs. Jacquelyn Johnson Bain. He is a graduate of Edgewater High
Treasurer for the 11th Episcopal District for 30 years and has served on the General Board of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. On August 28, 2024 at 52 nd Quadrennial Session of the General Conference in Columbus, Ohio, he was assigned to serve the 11 th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This appointment gives him the leadership oversight for at least 396 congregations, 356 pastors, and 70,758 members across the State of Florida and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The Bishop serves in various other capacities, among them are Chairman of the Board of Trustees Edward Waters University and Chairman of the Commission of the Department of Retirement Services of the AMEC. He is also engaged in social and civic organizations such as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Theta Phi Chapter), a 32nd Degree Prince Hall Mason-Champion Lodge #2 and Tillman Valentine Consistory #22. To support the Prelate in ministry is his wife, Supervisor Winifred Houston Zanders, their sons, David Christopher (B.A. Middle Tennessee State University) Marvin Frank Curtis (B.A. University of Missouri, M.S. North Carolina Central University, J.D. FAMU College of Law, L.L.M New York University Law School) and Micah Van (A.A. Hinds Community College, B.S. North Carolina Central University, M.S. North Carolina Central University).
CELEBRATION SERVICE 9:25 AM
THE PRAISE AND WORSHIP THE DOXOLOGY THE CALL TO WORSHIP Leader:
We gather today to celebrate God’s goodness
People:
AMEN
Leader: People: Leader: ALL:
We gather today to celebrate God’s grace
AMEN
We gather today to celebrate paying off our mortgage
AMEN, AMEN, AMEN
THE INVOCATION THE RESPONSE TO PRAYER THE WORSHIP THROUGH MUSIC THE SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 117; 118:1-4
THE WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS THE WORSHIP THROUGH SONG THE PREACHED WORD
Pastor Ricky Wiggs Redeemed Ministries Lakeland, FL
THE INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP THE WORSHIP THROUGH GIVING THE REMARKS THE BENEDICTION
Mortgage Burning Service Worship Leader Presiding Elder Willie Cook 4 PM
THE PRAISE AND WORSHIP THE DOXOLOGY THE CALL TO WORSHIP Leader:
“Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”
We gather today to celebrate God’s goodness
People:
AMEN
Leader: People: Leader: ALL:
We gather today to celebrate God’s grace
AMEN
We gather today to celebrate paying off our mortgage
AMEN, AMEN, AMEN
THE OPENING HYMN “Oh Victory In Jesus” I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me. I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood's atoning Then I repented of my sins, and won the victory REFRAIN: Oh, victory in Jesus, my Savior forever He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood He loved me 'ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood I heard about His healing, of His cleansing power revealing How He made the lame to walk again and 'caused the blind to see And then I cried, "Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit" And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory THE INVOCATION Presiding Elder Henry Green Jr. THE RESPONSE TO PRAYER THE WORSHIP THROUGH MUSIC THE SCRIPTURE READING (NIV) (Standing) Reverend Suzetta Anderson Philippians 4:17-20 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable
sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. THE LITANY Leader:
We are filled with gratitude for God's grace. GOD has helped us pay off our mortgage, and today, we gather in joy to celebrate the transformation of our burden of debt into a spirit of freedom. The Lord is great and greatly to be praised. Thank you, Lord, for giving us the resources and instilling in us the unwavering faith and commitment that have allowed us to finish what was started. Let us acknowledge those who came before us and the foundation they laid. One of dedication, sacrifice, and faithfulness. They ensured that the doors of the church remained open, providing a place for worship, community, and spiritual growth. They are part of the great cloud of witnesses, encouraging us to trust God, and pass the torch to the next generation. Their legacy calls for us to honor their efforts by remaining steadfast, immovable, and abiding in the word of God, Thank you, Lord, for giving us the resources and instilling the unwavering faith and commitment that have allowed us to finish what was started. God, we could not have accomplished this overwhelming task without Your divine guidance and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We thank our leaders and all those who had the heart to put their hands to the plow, not looking back but choosing in unity and hope to pay off the mortgage on all properties belonging to Saint Paul AME Church, Miami. To God we give all the Glory! Thank you for allowing us to finish what we started. Let our ministry within this holy sanctuary and throughout our communities, reaching beyond our borders, serve as a powerful beacon that draws others to Jesus Christ, our Savior. Together, we can create a transformative experience that changes lives, one person at a time. Join us in this celebration, as we honor this remarkable achievement and look forward to a future filled with hope and purpose! To God we give all the Glory! Thank you for allowing us to finish what we started. We will leave a legacy for the people of God, enabling them to continue coming to Saint Paul to worship, marry, bury loved ones, share laughter and tears, build friendships, praise, and learn the word of God in this sacred place. We thank God for allowing us to complete what we started. To God be all the Glory! WRITTEN BY: REVEREND SUZETTA ANDERSON EXECUTIVE MINISTER 3/11/2025
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
THE PRESENTATION OF THE BISHOP
Presiding Elder Vincent Mitchell
THE WORSHIP IN SONG THE PREACHED WORD
BISHOP MARVIN C. ZANDERS PRESIDING PRELATE OF THE ELEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
THE INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP
Reverend Mark Crutcher
THE WORSHIP IN GIVING
Reverend Henry Green, III
THE MORTGAGE BURNING SERVICE (Trustees and Stewards Assemble at the Altar)
Trustee: The membership of this church and its friends have, through the years, shown an abiding and deep interest in the house of worship by contributing of their money for the liquidation of this debt. The last dollar of indebtedness has now been paid. The mortgage has been canceled and lifted. We, therefore, present it to you for burning with appropriate ceremony. This is truly a day of victory and achievement, and we rejoice in it. Bishop Zanders: For as long as can be recalled, the children of God have found it desirable
to build houses of worship, at whatever cost, as humble places where God may meet with humankind and man with God and where the faithful may meet in Christian love and fellowship. This is truly a day of rejoicing and we rejoice with you that through your devotion to the Saint Paul AME church and through your hard work, sacrifice and liberality and by the help of Almighty God, the death of this church has been paid. We believe your faithfulness, loyalty and generosity are well pleasing to our heavenly father. We believe this church is a simple expression of your love for God and for the African Methodist Episcopal Church. With gratitude and Thanksgiving in our heart, we give God the praise. Let not this accomplishment, however, be the end of all your strivings, but let it mark the beginning of greater service for this church and the kingdom of Almighty God. THE BURNING Jesus is the light of the world, and in His light we see light.
The Minister: The People:
AMEN
THE REMARKS THE BLESSING AND BENEDICTION
LEGACY CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION
Pastor Robert Jackson, III and Family Pamela Johnson and Aly Johnson
Reverend Suzetta Anderson Reverend Dr. Brandi Ancrum Reverend Stephanie Bevill Cheree Gulley Hector Gray
Josie Small Regina Rule Tony Jordan Brian & Nishante Bethel Dorothy Blake Doris Gabe Julian Rambo Lelawonder K. Jones Sylvester Williams Vince Williams Jeanine and Juanita Brunson Zeb Thompkins Clifton and Deandra Jean Jacques and Annie Laurie Campbell Shamona McFadden
Ruby Holmes Jimmie Riley Malcom Rambo Lucille Rambo
Fannie Gulley Tiffani Eason Lillie Beneby Aubrey and Monique Brunson Roland Watson Renee Baine Ophelia Brown Lawson Leonard and Lois Posey
Mary Bannerman In-Memoria & Severnia Herring In-Memoria Floria Sheffield In-Memoria & Jesselyn Brown In-Memoria Vernon Chipman Theowander Lewis Joseph Gay Barbara Miles
Mary Wright Marva Butler Devona Johnson Henry Jones Ruby Williams Eddie Covington Mercedia Purtee Joseph Gay, Jr. Willie Kinlock Joan Samunda Sharon Saunders Benetia Jackson Vivian Clakley
Julia Smith Mercedes Cobb Eugene Nottage Angela Yalledy Shaneika Harvey Michael Wiggs Willis Saunders Stewardess Brd #3 Caroline Nelson Leila Robinson Carter Thompkins Labrina Oliver Joshua Williams
Ruthie Williams Robin Morrison Marjarie Fayson Marcia Dupree Dwayne Broomfield Tim Straughn Gus Graham Delbra Lewis Pamela Jackson James
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