History is the compass we use to find ourselves on the everchanging map of life's geography. Having crossed the threshold of a new century, we pause and reflect on the humble genesis of the oldest black church in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The story of a church nearly one hundred thirty-five years old is not easily encapsulated. It spans the stories of people, shepherds, conversions, baptisms, peaks and valleys.

It was the year 1870 when, in search of a place to worship, a small band of committed Christians gathered in the living room of Bro. Buckner, affiliating shortly thereafter in 1873, with the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. As the spirit pervaded the new church and membership rapidly increased, larger quarters became a requisite. Imbued with true faith these hearty pioneers purchased land at the corner of Hastings and Portland Streets where construction soon commenced on a house of worship.

Rev. Dallas Turner, a theological student, was assigned to temporarily fill the pulpit. Upon ordination, Henry Buckner, for whom our school was named in 1974, became the second Pastor. The official roster included nine Stewards, seven Trustees, nine Stewardesses, Organist and Sunday School Superintendent. The year 1877 brought organization of the first missionary society, honoring a tireless, devoted worker, Margaret Hazel.

Around the time of World War I, due to an influx of people from various areas, the building could no longer accommodate the congregation. In 1920, under the dynamic pastorate of Rev. C. B. Lawyer the church was sold and the purchase of Wood Memorial Church, our present location, was executed and the parishioners marched from Portland and Hastings Street to this site.

On October 27, 1974, Austin Street became the first public street in our AME District to be dedicated and was renamed Bishop Richard Allen Drive, honoring the founder of the AME Church. Over the past one hundred thirty-one years St. Paul has been served by an eminent line of over fifty distinguished, dedicated shepherds, two of whom – John R. Bryant and the late Rembert E. Stokes – have been elevated to the Bishopric.

St. Paul is presently blessed with the unadulterated leadership of the visionary Rev. Dr. LeRoy Attles whose adherence to God’s voice led to establishment of the unprecedented Christian Life Center among other accomplishments.

Though viewing new horizons and ever cognizant of the winds of change, we know that time cannot diminish the fortitude and greatness of those early committed trailblazers who fulfilled the embodiment of a vision. They have bequeathed us a legacy of the power of prayer and dedication to God's work. We must strive to emulate their example of Christendom.