TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Reverend Larry Ross seated in a pew on a recent Sunday morning, with congregation members gathered in the background.
St. James African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church ESTABLISHED 1873
S t. James AME Church in Texarkana, Arkansas, shares a rich history that began with the city’s founding. Established in August 1873, just months after Texarkana’s incorporation, it has been a lasting part of the community, offering faith and fellowship for generations. Historical records suggest that St. James AME Church is likely
On June 18, 1978, another devastating fire gutted the church building. Despite this setback, the congregation remained committed to their faith and to each other and continued worship services at the Miller County Courthouse for three years. Under the leadership of Reverend Jimmy Thomas, the church found a new permanent home at 938 Ash Street, where it was officially dedicated on March 28, 1982. Reverend Larry Ross, the current pastor, leads the
the oldest Black church in Texarkana, Arkansas. It was founded in the Bannister home at 617 Laurel Street, where its first congregation gathered. Shortly after, a church building was constructed on the same lot. This site served as the church’s home for 27 years. During that time, a young Scott Joplin, who later became known as the “King of Ragtime,” lived nearby and occasionally played piano at the church before his rise to fame. Tragedy struck when the original building was lost to fire. However, the congregation’s dedication remained, and in 1900, the church was rebuilt on the same site. By the late 1920s, it was necessary for the church to relocate to 615 Laurel Street to accommodate a growing membership that had reached between 300 to 400 members.
congregation with the vision of “inspiring the children of God through His guidance and Holy Presence.” He emphasizes the church’s mission—“Our doors are open to all who seek refuge and spiritual direction.” More recently, St. James AME faced yet another challenge when a severe winter storm caused significant damage. “In 2019, this church was hit hard by the winter storm. It had completely demolished the entire sanctuary, and we were not able to have church,” said Reverend Ross, “but [the congregation’s] spirits led them to continue to worship in the fellowship hall until all repairs were done.” Remarkably, the fellowship hall remained intact, providing a place for the congregation to gather. With the support of a non-denominational
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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