Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Religion

Location

118 Cleveland Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA

Lat/Long

42.437649339343, -76.504742925743

Grant Recipient

St. James A.M.E. Zion Church

Tucked away within a residential neighborhood in Ithaca, New York, those driving by the St. James AME Zion Church could be forgiven for missing it despite its stately appearance. Positioned near the road, the building blends in with the surrounding houses, even though it towers above. However, those who stop to inspect the building will quickly take note of the impressive design. With a tiered shingled tower and belfry four stories high, and ornate stained glass, it’s no wonder the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places given its architecture.

But the architectural significance of the church is just the beginning.

St. James AME Zion church was charted in 1833 as part of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Shortly after, the newly chartered congregation purchased property and began constructing a church on what was then known as Wheat Street. Throughout its existence, the Church underwent several major construction projects, which gradually enlarged and improved the original structure. Notably, the 1904 Sanborn map of the church includes both the belfry and the tower.

The congregation in Ithaca grew as well, in part due to its involvement with the Underground Railroad. Though many freedom seekers continued north to Canada, several settled in Ithaca after finding a hospitable, well-connected community ready to welcome them. According to the national register application for this church, several of the houses surrounding it were built during the period of the congregation’s involvement on the underground railroad, which further established a sizeable African American community in the south section of Ithaca.

The St. James AME Zion Church proved a bastion of abolitionist thought and action, which attracted the attention of notable figures such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, who were documented visitors and speakers at the church.  Church ministers, such as Thomas James and Jermain Loquen, were active participants on the Underground Railroad, and the congregation and surrounding community provided support as well. Ongoing efforts to confirm the church as a station on the Underground Railroad are underway, with archeologists, historians, and members of the community working together to learn more.

As of 2023, St. James continues to serve the community, offering church services and several outreach programs. The important history of the congregation has drawn the attention of scholars and community members alike, leading to the Cornell archeology programs partnership with the church to conduct archeological digs along with the public.

Links

• St. James AME Zion Church