Mount Vernon A.M.E. Church

Organized by formerly enslaved men and women in 1873, Mount Vernon A.M.E. Church is among the oldest congregations of its kind in Texas. This Gothic Revival-style church was built in 1921 to replace a wood frame church that was built on the site in 1885, and has since served as an important landmark in Palestine. The church has been designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A structural assessment in 2014 revealed that the building was on the verge of collapse due to a weakened foundation and failed wood truss roof system, and the building has been closed ever since. Emergency temporary measures have been taken to support the roof until funding can be found to resolve the structural issues.

Grant Award From Preservation Texas: $75,000
Matching Funds From Mount Vernon A.M.E. Church: $25,000
Funds Needed to Raise: $30,000

This funding will enable the sanctuary foundation and load bearing walls to be stabilized in preparation for a new roof system. This will require partial removal of original brick on the walls, careful removal of the stained glass windows, and protection of exposed walls and window openings until funding can be found to rebuild the roof system and reinstall the original material.

"Mount Vernon A.M.E. Church is a treasure that has stood proudly for many years as a leader in this community representing African-American heritage and culture. We’ve come this far by faith, standing on the cross pieces of our legacy.”

- Tabitha Enge, Church Member and Project Liaison

The 1921 Mount Vernon A.M.E. Church.

Temporary supports hold up the roof of the Mount Vernon A.M.E. Church building.

Congregants attending worship service at Mount Vernon A.M.E. Church circa 1950.

Project supporters gather at Mount Vernon A.M.E. Church for a community picnic in celebration of National Historic Preservation Month in May 2023.

Project Liaison Tabitha Enge and Project Architect Mark Thacker at Mount Vernon A.M.E. Church.