AKA: First African Methodist (FAME) Church, Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA
Structure Type: built works - religious structures - churches
Designers: Dudley, Alpheus, Architect (firm); Livers, E.L., Building Contractor (firm); McAdoo, Benjamin F., Jr., Architect (firm); Alpheus Dudley (architect/building contractor); E. L. Livers (building contractor); Benjamin Franklin McAdoo Jr. (architect)
Dates: constructed 1913
Building History
The well-traveled Seattle architect Alpheus Dudley (1872-1971) designed the original 1912 portion of the 1st African Methodists Episcopal Church in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Building Notes
The Seattle Landmarks Board declared the 1st African Methodist Episcopal Church a City of Seattle Landmark.
Alteration
Architect Benjamin F. McAdoo, a prominent figure in Seattle's African-American community from the 1950s through the 1970s, drew plans for a $100,000 addition to the 1st African Methodist Episcopal Church completed by 08/1955. E.L. Livers served the congregation as the building contractor. Five years of planning and fund-raising preceded the addition's completion. The Seattle Times noted in 02/1955: "The present structure, which was built in 1913, is inadequate because of the large influx of parishioners in the past few years, the Rev. C.D. Toliver, pastor, said. Plans for the building, designed by Benjamin F. McAdoo, Jr., architect, include an enlarged sancturary with a new wing for religious education. Kitchen, nursery, and choir facilities also are provided. It is hoped the building will be completed by August to accommodate the annual conference of the church that month, Mr. Tolliver said." (See $100,000 to Be Spent on Church, Seattle Times, 02/20/1955, p. 19.)
Seattle Historic Landmark: ID n/a
PCAD id: 5284