Address

412 N. 14th Street

East St. Louis, Illinois 62201

http://www.stlukeame.com/201.html

Overview of Organization

History of Organization

St. Luke A.M.E. Church (1880- present)

St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church began with a small group of people who met house to house as a prayer band in the Goose Hill Neighborhood which was also known as the “Stockyards District” in 1880. With an undeniable determination to worship as a group, even though they belonged to different denominations this small band of Christians continued to meet and pray.

In 1887, Rev. Harvey officially organized the St. Luke A.M.E. Church is a small building located on Goose Hill. It was under the leadership of Rev. William Collins that the congregants purchased their first building on the corner of Seventh and St. Louis Avenue. The church membership grew.

In 1900, the St. Luke membership, along with Rev. S.B. Jones entertained the Illinois Annual Conference for the first time. This was quite an honor for such a small church. Rev. Jones was followed by Rev. Stone, Rev. John Smith, and Rev. W.A. Searcy. As the city grew, so did St. Luke’s membership. It became obvious that the church needed a larger facility. In December 1923, Pastor J.M. Haskell and the officers of the church, successfully secured the purchase of a building [Judson Hall] at Thirteenth and Broadway. In 1924, St. Luke entertained the Illinois Annual Conference for the second time. The congregation grew and made an impact on the community as a beacon light for Christians to cultivate their souls.

In September 1951, Rev. Ernest P. Williams was appointed as pastor of St. Luke. Under his leadership, the congregation thrived. A few years later, it became apparent St. Luke would have to relocate. On Sunday, October 23, 1960, Rev. Williams, Rev. Russell A. Brown (Bishop Joseph J. Gomez’s Representative) and the members of the church marched from 13th and Broadway to the present location for the dedicatory service.

After Rev. Williams, Rev. W.E. Wharton initiated the St. Luke Complex- that now includes the church, the parsonage, the parking lot, and the St. Luke Apartments, a non-profit Federal housing project. In addition to Wharton, Rev. C.E. Carr, Rev. W.R. Stewart, Rev. John Q. Owens, Rev. Emmanuel Leak, Rev. Keith Mitchell, Rev. Anthony Vinson, Rev. Samuel Sumner, Rev. Charles Orr, and Rev. Willie Clemmons have served as pastors.

Today, as we worship and praise God in this 21st Century, we are blessed to have as our current pastor, Rev. Derek Bastian, a Spirit-filled man of God. The leadership continues with our Presiding Elder of the Illinois Conference South District, Rev. Gary McCants, and the Presiding Prelate of the Fourth District, Bishop John R. Bryant. In 2010, the Greater St. Luke family will celebrate 130 years of service to God. To God Be the Glory for the things He has done!

Summary of Organization’s Vision, Mission, and Goals.

St. Luke’s church computer lab will provide a children’s after school program and offer educational games, The church also wants to offer classes for seniors to learn computer skills and an environment for adults to enhance their job skills with sessions on resume building and job search strategies. The church will also offer internet access for those who don’t have access at home. The church aims to provide more than spiritual guidance.Reverend Bastian mentioned ” the similarity between YMCA or a Community Center and a church is both of them are recreational centers but the difference between them is that the church is open on Sunday.” It implies that the church is trying to fill the gap that a community center may leave.