February 2023 marked a tragic chapter for the First African Methodist Episcopal Church as a devastating blaze destroyed its building located at 3701 Telegraph Avenue.
In the aftermath, Pastor Rodney D. Smith has embraced the mantra “Up from the ashes,” a fitting theme that resonated during a farewell service and deconsecration of the site held on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
With the charred building as a backdrop, the congregation gathered in the parking lot for a poignant ceremony to transition the location from spiritual to secular use. The church’s choir, adorned in black and distinguished with orange and gold ribbons, performed “We’ve Come This Far by Faith,” setting an uplifting tone for the day’s reflections.
The service included a blend of choir performances, skits celebrating the church’s rich history, scripture readings, a praise dance, and heartfelt remarks from community leaders.
Many parishioners, some longtime members while others were newcomers, took their places in white chairs under a canopied area. They listened intently as speakers recounted the church’s storied past, tracing its roots back to its establishment in 1858 as Shiloh A.M.E. Church. This site also served as one of the first schools for Black children in Oakland, laying the groundwork for generations of community development.
The church later relocated to its current Telegraph Avenue site in 1954, where it became known for providing hearty Sunday breakfasts and meals for the homeless.
Reverend Rosalynn Brookins poignantly expressed gratitude for the building, stating, “Babies were dedicated, couples joined in marriage, souls were saved, and saints were laid to rest in peace. It was a sanctuary of outreach, love and learning and legacy, as we say to this building, ‘Thank you.’”
As the community turns its gaze toward the future, the demolition of the building is anticipated to begin imminently.
During the service, local leaders stepped forward to honor the church’s enduring legacy. Pastor Zachary E. Carey of True Vine Ministries, City Councilmember Carroll Fife, and Mayor Barbara Lee each spoke to the significant role the church has played in shaping Oakland’s community.
Mayor Lee, reflecting on her own family connections to the church, emphasized that the gathering was not merely a farewell to a building but a tribute to 167 years of unwavering faith and service that has deeply influenced Oakland’s soul.
She remarked, “I always feel like I’m back home when I’m here.” Her remarks were met with applause as she and Fife committed to offering support to the church in its rebuilding efforts.
Pastor Smith indicated that while plans for rebuilding are still under development, the church is exploring options either to identify a new property or return to the historic Mosswood neighborhood.
“Once the demolition of the building happens, the church will begin plans for a future sanctuary for F.A.M.E.,” he stated, looking ahead with optimism.
Lamarria Coleman, a dedicated choir member who has been attending the church since childhood, shared her emotional connection to the church. “If it wasn’t for this church and a lot of the things that I was involved in in my childhood, I don’t think I would be who I am today,” Coleman reflected.
Expressing a mix of sadness and hope, she affirmed, “It’s definitely a pillar in my life. I’m sad to see it go, but I know there’s always something greater, bigger in store for us.”
Recalling the fateful night of February 16, 2023, when the fire occurred, Coleman noted how the images of the church’s destruction captured national attention. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, leaving many questions unanswered.
In the months following the fire, the church has adapted by relocating services to different venues, initially moving to Temple Beth Abraham, then to Uptown Station, and currently holding services at North Oakland Missionary Baptist Church.
Reverend Harold Mayberry, who served as the pastor until 2020, now oversees AME churches across Northern California. He lamented the loss but remained hopeful, stating, “When I think about all of the special memories in that building — the people I baptized, the children I held in my arms, the sermons that I preached — it’s bittersweet.”
He continued, “Because I know God has a better plan for the church, I’m confident that they’re going to rebound better than they were.”
As the community and church look towards a future beyond the ashes, they carry with them a rich legacy of faith and service that will continue to shape their path forward.
image source from：oaklandside
