Black church in Youngstown gets Ohio historical marker

YOUNGSTOWN — History provides the motivation that propels a community forward, strengthening families and laying down roots that fan out through generations.

That was the message today when more than 100 people gathered to celebrate the designation of St. Augustine Episcopal Church as one of the state’s historical sites.

The Ohio historical marker was unveiled in front of the Parmelee Avenue structure, the only black institution in the city recognized as an historical site.

The North Side church dates back to 1907 when Lenora Berry began having services in her home. For the first two years, the congregation was all female, with the exception of Berry’s husband, Thomas D. Berry. For the next 11 years, services were in members’ homes until a small building on Parmelee was erected in February 1918.

Vincent Ajamu Shivers spearheaded the effort to have the church recognized by the state and said he is working to get it listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For the complete story, see Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.