The Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission is pleased to announce that on June 14, 2022 the Nevada County Board of Supervisors designated The Nevada City African Methodist Episcopal Church Site as a Nevada County Historical Landmark, NEV 22-02.
Located in the present day residential area of 549 North Pine Street in Nevada City, the AME Church was used by the Black community between 1864 and 1894. Initially, members of the Black community of early Nevada City attended religious services at the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Grass Valley that had been built in 1854. On May 9, 1864, a group of men signed an agreement to build the church with $227.50 payable when the roof was on, and the building half finished. They would pay an additional $227.50 when the church was completed. The church elders would supply the materials and a fundraising festival attended by both Black and white residents helped to cover expenses.
The church served as the center of religious, social, and civil life for the Gold Rush era Black community until May 28, 1894 when it was sold for $480. A series of residential homes have since occupied the property over the years.
Later this year, a plaque will be dedicated by the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission in cooperation with property owner Edward J. Hicks, the Nevada County Historical Society, Desmond Gallagher, and Linda Jack.
The purpose of the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission is to promote the general welfare of Nevada County and its citizens through official recognition, recording, marking, preserving, and promoting the historical resources of Nevada County.