The Emmanuel A.M.E. Zion Church of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania was founded on November 17, 1916, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Johns, 136 1st Avenue in Aliquippa, then known as Woodlawn, Pennsylvania.

 

Reverend R. L. Swann was the first pastor, and it was under his leadership that the foundation of the structure was laid. During the pastorate of Reverend A.C. Bell (1923-1926), the upper structure was added. In the 1930's, the congregation struggled, and it was not until the nine-year pastorate of the late Reverend N.L. Meeks (1943-1952) that the mortgage was burned.

 

The congregation continued to make progress under the able leadership of the late Reverend W.P. Dockery (1955-1962). A 15-foot extension was added to the rear of the building, including the present pulpit, choir loft, deaconess room and the Pastor's Study. A new modern entrance consisting of a nurse's room and front stairway to the lower level was also added. A gas furnace was installed, restrooms, and a kitchen were among the many improvements.

 

Under the pastorate of Reverend R.W. Walker, who served this church for more than 15 years (until 1985), many additional improvements were made. The congregation purchased the property at 187 Sixth Ave, a church van, and the parsonage at 317 Return Street. Further repairs were made to the lower level of the church. The dining hall was dedicated in June of 1993 as “The Rev. James Christian Fellowship Hall.”

 

The late Mr. Elroy Pratt served as the Sunday School superintendent for over 40 years served as the Sunday School superintendent for over 40 years, followed by the late Mr. Burney with Mr. Hughes as his assistant. Ms. Pearl Ship was their successor. The late Mr. C.H. Mitchell taught in the church for over 42 years. Mrs. Sallie Walker is the present Sunday School Superintendent.

 

We have had 29 Pastors since the church was organized in 1919:

 

The Reverends: R.L. Swann; D. Bradley; Wyatt Johnson; A.C. Bell; C.A. Leftwich; Alonzo Woods; R.F. Faulkner; J.W. Shaw; Reverend Anderson; T.J. Tipp; N.L. Meeks; D.G. Turner; W.P. Dockery; A.A. Lowe; V.V. Alexander; T.B. Thornhill; C.C. Nobles; R.W. Walker; G.N. Bolden; James Christian; Ollie Graves; Larry Powell. The Reverend Fred D. Strickland served as interim minister preceding the Reverend Samuel Ward, and Sister Mary Blanks served as interim minister preceding Reverend Ollie Graves, Reverend Dr. Ralph Hill, Reverend Dr. William C. King, interim Pastor Reverend Eva Peagler, Reverend Amos Goodwine, Jr., Reverend William Rankin, and our current Pastor, Reverend Linda Taylor.

 

The Presiding Elders: Reverend Pringle; Reverend Repress; Reverend Trotter; Reverend I.J. Pierce; Reverend H.E. Henningham; Reverend T.J. Tip; Reverend E. Wesley Gantt; Reverend W.P. Dockery; Reverend Alexander Walker; Reverend E.E. Morgan, Jr.; Reverend E.S. Bell; Reverend W.L. Burton, Jr.; Reverend Emitt Foster; Reverend Dr. Curtis Walker; Reverend Robert S. Hickey; and currently Reverend Dr. Charles Tyler, Sr.

 

The Presiding Bishops: Reverend W.J. Wallace; Reverend G.C. Clement; Reverend W.J. Walls; Reverend W.W. Martin; Reverend S.G. Spottswood; Reverend William Hilliard; Reverend C.H. Foggie; Reverend Herman L. Anderson; Reverend Cecil Bishop; Reverend Marshall Strickland; Reverend  Nathaniel Jarrett; Reverend Louis Hunter, Sr.; and currently the Right Reverend Dr. W. Darin Moore.

 

Under the pastorate and leadership of Reverend and Mrs. Amos Goodwine, Jr., the fire was lit with new life and direction as we led others back to our Healing Place, and continue to do so under Pastor Linda and Mr. Phil Taylor.