St. John, Huntsville, Takes Worship to Alabama A&M University
By B. Johnson
The relationship between St. John AME Church in Huntsville, and Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU), was forged 134 years ago. The legacy of both institutions is bound by one significant historical figure, Dr. William Hooper Councill. Dr. Councill founded AAMU in 1875. He was also the founder of St. John AME Church in 1885. He served as the first minister of St. John.
The relationship continues to thrive through numerous opportunities for St. John to support and be involved in AAMU. One such occasion is the welcoming of students back to the campus each August. The Reverend Maurice Wright, II; first lady, the Rev. Joretha Wright; and other volunteers meet and greet students as they are picking up their student credentials, dorm assignments, and parking decals. They receive snacks and ministry information about St. John. The students are invited to attend services and information regarding transportation is shared.
For the past 10 years or so, the athletic staff and athletes have worshiped at St. John on the Sunday before the new sports year begins. The athletic director, coaching staff, and athletes attend a special worship service. The services were first held at the church at 229 Church Street until attendance outgrew the capacity for the sanctuary. Services were then moved to the Ernest L. Knight Complex on the campus. Last year, the attendance exceeded the capacity for the Knight Center, which led to the services being held at the T. M. Elmore Gymnasium this year.
Everything was in place for the service to begin on Sunday, August 25, which had been designated AAMU Day for St. John. Three hundred seats had been placed on the gymnasium floor. Those seats quickly filled and students began filling up the bleachers on both sides of the gym. As Pastor Wright stood to welcome everyone, a hush fell over the audience. Typical worship service protocol was followed. The athletic director, Mr. Bryan Hicks, and the coaching staff for each sport were introduced.
The sermonic hymn was rendered by the soloist, Brother Phillip Pugh, who sang, “The Worshiper in Me Needs to be Free.” The sermon title was, “You Can Win” from I Corinthians 9:24). The sermon ended with rousing applause. The Rev. Wright closed the sermon with prayer and invited all to come forward for cooperate prayer. Hundreds of students and congregants came forward.
