Olivet A.M.E. Church celebrates 150 years of deep-rooted service in South Bend
SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- A local congregation celebrated their 150th anniversary over the weekend. The Olivet A.M.E. Church in South Bend is aiming to be nationally recognized as a historic place because of its longevity and deep heritage.
“They’ve really been leaders in the black community and the cultural aspects of this community for a very long time,” says Todd Zeiger, Director of the Northern Regional Office for Indiana Landmarks.
One hundred and fifty years later, the congregation of Olivet A.M.E. Church is still coming together in worship.
The history of the congregation dates back to 1870 as the first African American congregation in St. joe County, and they went on to play a major role in South Bend’s Civil Rights movements.
For the past few years, the congregation ahs been working to become nationally recognized as a historic landmark.
“Indiana Landmarks has been partnering with the Olivet congregation for the last couple years to help them in their nomination for the National Register of Historic Places to honor the congregation’s cultural importance and historic importance of this building,” says Zeiger.
“Maybe before the end of the year, have our national registry for this being a historical site,” says Kimberly Erby, Missionary President and Member of Olivet A.M.E. Church.
The recognition as a historic landmark would help preserve the history of the congregation and it’s cultural impact on the South Bend community.
“It just continues that story that’s here on this site,” Zeiger says. “It’s been told since 150 years ago as far as the early settlers, the first black settlers in Saint Joe County, were part of forming this congregation, so the roots are deep. I think this nomination helps link that to the present.”
Worshippers at Olivet hope to continue making history for the next generation of members to reflect on, just like how their ancestors did for them.
“Let this be a stepping stone for someone else and the next group that comes and sits in these same pews with us,” says Erby.
Zeiger says that it may take another year for the church to be on the National Register of Historic Places.
Link to Olivet A.M.E. Church’s website: OlivetAMEChurch.com