St. John’s A.M.E. Church · Since 1840

Rooted in faith.
Open to you.

Sunday worship at 10:00 a.m. · Downtown Norfolk

Colorful rose window and stained-glass details at St. John’s A.M.E. Church

Archival black-and-white photograph of St. John’s church — St. John’s from the archives

Street-level view of St. John’s red brick exterior and twin towers — St. John’s on East Bute Street

Historic St. John’s

Faith and freedom in Norfolk.

Founded in 1840, St. John’s is the Mother Church of African Methodism in Virginia. The church helped shape Black education and civic life in Norfolk, hosting a school for African Americans and an early freedom ballot in 1864.

Read Our Story

Worship, prayer and study

Life at St. John’s.

St. John’s sanctuary from the balcony, looking toward the pulpit and organ

Sunday · 10:00 a.m.

Morning worship

Join us in person or watch on YouTube.

Plan Your Visit

Tuesday · 7:00 p.m.

Evening prayer

Join on Zoom or by phone.

Ways to Join

Wednesday · noon

Bible study

Join on Zoom or by phone.

Ways to Join

To join worship, prayer, or Bible study by phone, call (757) 744-2056.

Upcoming Events

The Reverend Christian Joseph Savage in a blue robe

Meet our pastor

The Rev. Christian Joseph Savage

Read Pastor Savage’s Bio Biography and Press Kit

Plan your visit

See you Sunday.

Worship begins at 10:00 a.m. You’re welcome to join us in person without registering.

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