Though the present structure was built circa 1915, Donald Jenkins states that “Noah’s Ark was founded in 1866. The two prominent founders were Caesar Williams and Henry Whitaker.”

The years just after the Civil War saw the emergence of many Black congregations, as newly emancipated men and women could finally worship on their own and not under the watchful eye of plantation owners. Historic Black church structures are some of the least documented and most endangered places within our built environment, and I’m fascinated by their architecture. It is usually vernacular but embellished with individual interpretations of Gothic and other common church styles, as is the case with Noah’s Ark A. M. E.

Regular services haven’t been held here since 2003, when the congregation merged with Saint Paul A. M. E. in nearby Summertown, but the remaining members and their families have obviously taken pride in this wonderful old building. A new roof is a sign that it will be preserved.