History of St. Peter AME Church, North, SC
Church History
St. Peter AME Church History
1867-2025
A Legacy of Faith, Resilience, and Service (1867–2025)
158 Years of Spiritual Leadership and Community Impact
Our Beginnings
St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1867 by devoted families who gathered in faith under a humble "bush arbor" in the Caw Caw Township of Orangeburg County—an area now part of Calhoun County. A storm destroyed that first sacred meeting place, but the church's spirit endured.
Among the early spiritual pioneers were the late Rev. Ervin Mintz (pastor), Peter Gladden (first trustee and the church's namesake), Joseph Gladden, John Rumph, Equille Rumph, Rev. Elliott Gladden, and Hamp Harley, Sr.—each faithfully serving in key leadership roles. At the time, the AME Church was under the oversight of Bishop James Alexander Shorter and Presiding Elder T. Lykes.
Our Physical Journey
Following the destruction of the original arbor, a second wooden church was built under the leadership of Rev. J.W. Seal and faithful members, including Hamp Harley, Sr., William Salley, Luther Mintz, Sr., and Joseph Gladden. After another tragedy—fire consumed that second structure—our current sanctuary was completed in 1965 under the direction of Rev. Isaiah S. Felder. In 2004, further renovations were completed under the leadership of Rev. Dr. J. Arthur McDonald.
A Legacy of Leadership
Over the decades, St. Peter has been richly blessed with dedicated stewards, trustees, deaconesses, missionaries, teachers, sextons, class leaders, and lay members. From our historic leaders of the past to our current leaders, all have played a vital role in nurturing our spiritual foundation.
Ministries, Education & Outreach
Our ministries have grown to reflect both tradition and innovation:
- Women's Missionary Society
- Church School & Youth Leadership
- The Informer Newsletter
- Annual Turkey Giveaway (since 2015)
- Praise Dancers, Choirs, and Music Ministry
- Facebook Livestream & Social Media Ministry
- Christian Education & Lay Organization
- Seniors, Family, and Friends Celebrations
Through the visionary service of many forward-thinking church members, St. Peter embraced the digital age. The church launched its first website in 2013, established a multi-platform social media presence, and began livestreaming worship services starting on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Nurturing New Leadership
St. Peter has nurtured new ministers, including Rev. Zareatha Harley Buckson and Rev. Michael Buckson—both of whom began their spiritual journeys here and now serve as senior and associate pastors at Chappelle Memorial AME Church in Columbia, SC.
Our Pastoral Legacy
From the founding days under Rev. Ervin Mintz to modern shepherds like Rev. Benjamin Sims, Rev. Johnny Byrd, and Rev. Anthony Washington, each pastor has faithfully guided the congregation. Today, St. Peter is led by Rev. Roberta D. Jackson (appointed October 23, 2022), under whose leadership we continue to grow in faith, service, and unity.
Looking Forward
As we celebrate our 158th Church Anniversary, we remain anchored in our motto: "By maintaining true faith, we can weather any storm." We honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead with unwavering hope and gratitude.
1960s CHURCH PIC
This 1960s church picture was shared with the Church Anniversary Committee by Sis. Effie Lou Mintz Crum, the daughter of the Late Luther Mintz and the granddaughter of one of our first church pastors.
About THE AME CHURCH
The African Methodist Episcopal Church
The AME Church
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a connectional organization, and all local churches are a part of the larger connection. Bishops are the Chief Officers of the Connectional Organization. Bishops are elected for life by a majority vote of the General Conference, which meets every four years. The Bishop appoints presiding Elders to supervise all the pastors in what is called a Presiding Elder's District. A Presiding Elder's District is a part of an Annual Conference, which in turn is a part of the Episcopal District over which a Bishop presides. Pastors are in full charge of the Church and are ex officio members of all boards, organizations, and clubs of that Church.
The St. Peter AME Church leadership structure follows the established leadership structure of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. St. Peter AME's Presiding Elder District is the Midlands District (formerly Wateree District). The Midlands District is one of the two districts that make up the Central Conference. The Central Conference is one of six Annual Conferences that make up South Carolina's Seventh Episcopal District. Our Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District is The Right Reverend James L. Davis. Our Episcopal Supervisor is Mrs Arelis B. Davis. Our Presiding Elder of the Midlands District is The Reverend Charles Young. Our Pastor of St. Peter AME Church, North, SC, is Reverend Roberta Jackson.
AME MOTTO, MISSION, & VISION
MOTTO: “God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit Our Comforter, Humankind Our Family.”
CHURCH MISSION: To minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people.
CHURCH VISION: At every level of the Connection and in every local church, the AME Church shall engage in carrying out the spirit of the original Free African Society, out of which the AME Church evolved: that is, to seek out and save the lost, and to serve the needy. It is also the duty of the Church to continue to encourage all members to become involved in all aspects of church training.
AME PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES
PURPOSES
- Make available God’s biblical principles,
- Spread Christ’s liberating gospel, and
- Provide continuing programs that will enhance the entire social development of all people.
OBJECTIVES
In order to meet the needs of every level of the Connection and in every local church, the AME Church shall implement strategies to train all members in: (1) Christian discipleship, (2) Christian leadership, (3) current teaching methods and materials, (4) the history and significance of the AME Church, (5) God’s biblical principles, and (6) social development to which all should be applied to daily living.
