We know little about the history of St. Paul AME, located just outside the village of Siloam in Greene County, but it is clear that this congregation has deep roots. Once in disrepair and seemingly abandoned, the church displayed a sign that read, “The Church That Would Not Die.” Today, that proclamation still rings true—St. Paul remains active, serving the African American community in Siloam.

In 2014, Vanishing Georgia reported that the church was overgrown and on the brink of collapse. Fortunately, it has since received loving care, and its revival stands as a testament to the dedication of its members and community. Churches like St. Paul AME hold an important place in Georgia’s post–Civil War history, often serving as anchors for African American communities during Reconstruction and beyond.

The granite marker in front of the church states it was established in 1877, and the structure appears consistent with those built in the late 19th century. An African American congregation founded that year would make St. Paul one of the oldest Black churches in Georgia. In the years before emancipation, Greene County was a major cotton producer, and the number of enslaved people brought here between 1800 and 1860 was significant. By 1860, African Americans made up nearly 60 percent of the county’s population. Following the Civil War, churches like St. Paul AME became vital centers for newly freed men and women—places for worship, education, community meetings, and mutual support in a time of profound change.

Though much of its early story remains to be discovered, the survival of St. Paul AME is worth celebrating. Thanks to the care and commitment of local residents, this historic treasure continues to stand tall—living up to its title as “The Church That Would Not Die.”