About Us

---

The following information was submitted by Sister Thelma Cooper, a member of Ransom Memorial, from its inception until the death of Rev. Broomfield. She then transferred to Wayman AME.

In 1947, a significant milestone was marked when Rev. Tyree Broomfield established the first AME Church in Jefferson, Twp. This church, named Ransom Memorial AME Church at 211 Oberlin Avenue, was a testament to the faith and determination of its founders. Despite the initial challenges of muddy grounds, Rev. Broomfield, with the assistance of Mrs. Terry, managed to acquire land and two buildings at 114 Oberlin Ave, paving the way for the church's growth.

The church secretary was Mrs. Mamie Bohannon, and although she was Baptist, she, too, joined the church. Mrs. Cooper stated that Rev. Broomfield was a powerful speaker, and that people of different denominations came to the church. Transportation was not as accessible now, so they always had voluminous people every Sunday.

In 1951, Rev. Broomfield was asked to run several revivals in the South and accepted this call. He was gone for a month and was in route home when he had an auto accident and was killed.

Rev. Gordon and Rev. Green were left in charge of the church, but after Rev. Broomfield’s demise caused some members to decide to change their membership. The Baptists went to Ebenezer Baptist Church, and some Methodists went with Rev. Green. They formed another AME church a few blocks away and named it St. James A.M.E. (Rev. Broomfield was the brother of Sis Thelma Broomfield Johnson).

Mrs. Willa Mae Byrd submitted the rest of the history. From late 1951 to August 1952, a small group of dedicated individuals, numbering only six, demonstrated unwavering faith and commitment to their mission. They gathered at Rev. W.W. Green's home and Brother Beal's home, worshipping and serving God. Despite the lack of land or a building, their faith in God remained steadfast. They believed that one day, God would provide a way for them to build a church, a belief that would soon be realized.

In August 1952, through the leadership of Rev. W.W. Green and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the church was organized and named "Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church. In October 1952, the church joined the AME Conference. This was one of the happiest days of our lives, for we knew this was a new beginning and that God was leading the way.

Our faith grew more robust, and we worked harder, for we needed land on which to build. Services were held in Rev. Green's home until, one day, he brought us the good news. He had found a lot we could buy. This was indeed a joyful day. We knew God answered our prayers and Jed our pastor to higher heights.

We had no money or established credit, but this time, our faith in God and in Rev. Green made us know we could not fail. We had gone too far to turn around. We knew we had to work harder than ever, for there was material to be bought and a church to be built. By this time, our membership had grown to approximately eleven adults and four children. Some members were Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Green, Mrs. Byrd, Mr. and Mrs. Beal, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Liggon, Mrs. Cannon and Mrs. Gaftney. God had brought us a long way; we believed he would lead us.

On May 31, 1953, we had our Groundbreaking Service. This was a glorious day for St. James and many friends. With the help of our friends and neighbors, we finally got started. The weather was cold, and the winds blew, but we knew we were inside a building.

Praise be to God! We had sawdust floors and a few seats given to us, but for a start, this was heaven for us. We had our difficulties, but through faith, we had made it thusfar. Our pastors have been Rev. W.W. Green, the founder, the Rev. Noah Robbins, T.R. Smith, Rev. W.W. Green returned, Rev. Howard Philips, Rev. Ruth Ames, and Rev. Robert E. Watkins, Jr.

Rev. Robert E. Watkins had a dream to renovate the old St. James and build a new Sanctuary. The congregation was small, but the power of the Lord was great, and with brain and brawn, Rev. Robert E. Watkins Jr. began a long and arduous journey.

The ground was broken for the new Sanctuary in the summer of 1994, and through many trials and tribulations, including physical illnesses, Rev. Robert Watkins Jr.'s dream was fulfilled.

On March 12, 2000, we moved into our new church. It has been a long, hard struggle because of our small congregation; however, we have made it with the Lord's help and many generous people. The growth of members continued to increase.

''I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord who has made Heaven and Earth."-Psalm 121:1-2"

Saint James AME Church continued to strive toward becoming a more effective and growing ministry, and God has given us a vision.

In 2018, Rev. Dr. Veronica Watkins became the Pastor of the named church from Saint James A.M.E Church to St. James New Vision A.M.E Church and is presently the Pastor.

On November 14, 2018, the request to consider changing the current name of the church body to a different name was presented. In line with The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Section IV, Step 4, the reasons for consideration were to show unity to others in the community, provide greater thrust for evangelism, and have a name that reflects our vision. The motion was made and passed with no opposition.

Sunday, December 9, 2018, a church conference was held advising of the motion passed by the Official Board and received with resounding approval.

On January 14, 2019, we began discussing, preparing, and brainstorming ideas for the church name. It is, therefore, our request to Bishop Frank M. Reid III, Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District; Lady Marla' Reid, Episcopal Supervisor of the WMS; and all officers and members of Ohio-South Ohio Conference that we be given formal approval at this 189th session of the Ohio-South Ohio Annual Conference to change the name of Saint James AME Church, to Saint James New Vision AME Church.

Over the years, we have diligently worked towards this goal, navigating through economic challenges and uncertainties with resilience and perseverance. Through prudent dedication of our members, we have successfully paid off our mortgage, positioning our church to a solid foundation for future growth and prosperity.

The importance of remembering pastors and members of Saint James A.M.E Church in history cannot be overstated.

In 2024, we proudly celebrated the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and financial prudence a mortgage-burning ceremony and dedication of the church building.