The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

Luke 4:18-19 (NRSV)

  • Stained glass window featuring a blue shield at the center with a gold cross and a gold trumpet. A banner below reads 'Ye Praise The Lord'.

    Sunday Morning Worship

    SUNDAYS AT 10:00AM

    St. John's is open for in-person worship! Registration is no longer required. Worship is live-streamed on YouTube and telephone by calling (757) 744-2056.

  • Stained glass window depicting a circular scene with a castle at the bottom, a coat of arms or shield, and a band with the words 'GOD GRATIESS IS YOUR BOUNTY.'

    Tuesday Night Prayer

    TUESDAYS AT 7PM

    Prayer service is available via Zoom and telephone by calling (757) 744-2056.

  • A stained glass window depicting the outline of a prayer hands holding a Bible labeled 'Holy Bible' with green leaves surrounding it set against a colorful background.

    Wednesday Bible Study

    WEDNESDAYS AT 12 Noon.

    Bible Study is available via Zoom and telephone by calling (757) 744-2056.

Black and white photo of a large brick church with Gothic architectural features, including tall stained glass windows and a steeple. Several cars are parked in front of the church on the street.

Our Story

Founded in 1840, St. John’s is the Mother Church of African Methodism in Virginia and the cradle of Black Suffrage in Norfolk.

The Spirit of the African Methodist Episcopal Church can be captured in two or three words: Liberation, Development and Definition. We are about the liberation of the oppressed people. We are about their development. We will define ourselves.

Bishop John Hurst Adams

Young man in a graduation cap and gown smiling, wearing glasses against a light gray background.

Our Pastor

The Rev. Christian J. Savage was appointed the 32nd Pastor of the Historic St. John’s A.M.E. Church in Norfolk, Virginia on May 13, 2021.

Pastor Savage is a graduate of Yale Divinity School. He previously served as pastor of New Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Chesapeake, VA.

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