Seven to Save Spotlight: Thomas Memorial AME Zion Church
Thomas Memorial AME Zion Church in Watertown is one of the League’s Seven to Save sites for 2022-2023. The small African American Church has been without an active congregation since 2012, but a grassroots coalition has sprung up to save this important part of Adirondack history. Led by former Watertown resident Shameika Ingram of Preservation in Color, this working group is actively seeking ways to return the church to active use and be a benefit for its community and an inspiration for people in the region and beyond.
Threat: Deterioration; Demolition; Vacancy
Photos above show the Church front facade with a detail shot of the arched stained glass window. Credit: Richard Margolis, www.WatertownLandmarks.com
“The Friends of Thomas Memorial Coalition is ecstatic about the Thomas Memorial AME Zion Church being selected as one of the historic sites for the Seven to Save program,” said Shameika Ingram, Founder of Preservation in Color. “We are looking forward to working with the Preservation League to continue efforts of engaging the community to work towards the preservation of the church. The church is an important attribute to the city of Watertown as well as to the entire North Country. It serves as a focal point for documenting the history of the local African American community.”
A photo of the interior Church sanctuary space. Credit: Reg Schweitzer
The Thomas Memorial AME Zion Church is a testament to the struggles and achievements of Watertown's African American community. Its original congregation was formed in 1878, consisting of many railroad workers, some of whom were formerly enslaved and many who were active abolitionists. Under the leadership of Frank Thomas, for whom the church is named, members of the congregation built the church themselves in 1909. Descendants of Frank Thomas continue to live in the community, linking the past to the present. From its early days and connections to the Underground Railroad to its consistent use for worship service through 2012, the church long served as an anchor for the African American community of Jefferson County.
The Thomas Memorial AME Zion Church has been without a caretaker since 2017, but an active coalition has formed to save it from demolition. Preservation and reuse of this building will recognize the contributions of the African American railroad workers who were vital to Watertown's economic success in the 19th century. In addition to this, a previous caretaker would provide tours of the church to the local students to discuss the significance of the Underground Railroad and the role the church played in supporting the early years of forming the local African American community. Working with local stakeholders to find a use that will best serve its community today, this modest building has the potential to educate and inspire in Watertown, throughout the North Country, and beyond.