History of our Local Church

First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was founded in 1913 by the late Rev. Andrew J. Wilson who received his appointment to Columbus, OH from Bishop Josiah Samuel Caldwell of the Ohio Annual Conference, after whom the church was named. Caldwell Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was originally located in a rented facility on Phillips Street. It was through Rev. Wilson's untiring efforts at building Caldwell Temple that he initiated the "Climb to Heights Unknown," until his death in 1918.

From 1918 through 1932 Caldwell Temple continued to grow under the leadership of The Rev.'s Whitehead, Marks, Rudd, West, Witherspoon and Tipp. The church, during this time, relocated several times.

In 1937, Rev. Albert J. Fuller moved the church to 524 E. Long Street; Rev. A.J. Kirk pastored there from 1951-1954. From 1954-1964, Rev. J. Dallas Jenkins pastored the church on Long Street and at its 925 Bryden Road Location. In 1964, Rev. John T. Frazier was pastor when the church purchased its present edifice at 873 Bryden Road. A part of the purchase agreement made with First United Methodist Church was that the name 'First' must always be a part of the church name. Thus, Caldwell Temple became known as First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The church experienced tremendous spiritual growth under the pastorate of Rev. Cameron Jackson who served from 1970-1983. Rev. St. Clair Williams served from 1983-1985.

In 1985, Rev. Odinga Lawrence Maddox was appointed the pastor. Rev. Maddox accepted God's challenge to lead our church in the "Climb to Heights Unknown" and for the building up of God's Kingdom. Under Rev. Maddox's leadership, enough monies were raised to pay off the church's mortgage and much was done toward restoration and renovation.

From 1993-1999, Rev. Andrew L. Foster, Jr. pastored the church. More that $400,000 was spent on the restoration and renovation of this historical church. Under his administration, the motto "Where Serving and Praising God is First" was adopted. Many community outreach and service programs were developed in including housing homeless families (IHN), a Food Pantry, Alcoholics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous meetings, tutoring, Rites of Passage for males and Girl Scouts.

In January 2000, the Rev. Dr. A. Hasani Stone led this congregation. During his brief tenure, the existing mortgage on the church was burned. Dr. Stone's dream was to bring "The 6th Annual Holy Conclave" of the Mid-Atlantic I Conference to Columbus with First A.M.E. Zion as the host church. This was done in grand style in September, 2001.

Our current pastor, The Rev. Vincent T. Frosh came in August 2001. A heightened level of praise and worship is guiding our "Climb to Heights Unknown." Rev. Frosh immediately began to tackle two mammoth projects the congregation faced. Under his leadership, the church completed the purchase of a new boiler for our heating system and a new roof. In 2002, we purchased a new fifteen passenger van and the "Senior Ministry" was activated. "To God Be The Glory!"