House of Worship Spotlight: Warren AME Church

Religious leader(s): the Rev. Brandon Davis

Sect: African Methodist Episcopal

Neighborhood: Onyx

Address: 915 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo

Service times: 11 a.m. Sundays

Type of service: Vibrant and traditional worship with practical and expository preaching. Communion is offered on the first Sunday each month.

Ministries: Virtual and in-person Bible studies, new member education, youth and young adult programming, sick and shut-in ministry, Women’s Missionary Society, food pantry, Warren AME/J. Frank Troy Senior Services Center

Regular attendance: 75-100

History: Warren AME is Toledo’s oldest Black institution. The congregation formed in 1847 as slaves traveled the Miami-Erie Canal route of the Underground Railroad. The growing congregation worshipped out of locations in downtown Toledo before moving to its former location on Norwood Avenue in 1950. The current location, at the corner of Collingwood Boulevard and Indiana Avenue, was dedicated in 1993.

“It's very empowering to know that, in the late 1800s, Warren AME Church did not give in to what was happening within society and focused on the need of creating a ministry post that will meet the needs of people,” the Rev. Brandon Davis said.

What's special about this faith community? “Warren” is a British word that means guardian or protector, the pastor said.

“The founders of Warren AME Church were fugitives from slavery,” Pastor Davis said. When you think about Warren's long history and longevity in the city of Toledo and in Lucas County, Warren has been a guardian, a protector of the faith and the community for almost 200 years.

“We have committed ourselves to be ... that example in the city of Toledo that stands up for the Christian faith as well as standing up for his community as a protector for social justice, for social equality.”

Are there any upcoming events or projects you're working on? Having come to Warren in February, Pastor Davis hopes to continue connecting with both the church and greater Toledo community and to address social issues.

Website: facebook.com/warrename.church.79

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