African Methodist Episcopal
The word African means that the church was organized by people of African descent and heritage. It does not mean that the church was founded in Africa or that it was for persons of African descent only.
The church's roots are of the family of Methodist churches. Methodism provides an orderly system of rules and regulations and places emphasis on a plain and simple gospel.
Episcopal refers to the form of government under which the church operates. The chief executive and administrative officers of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination are the Bishops of the church.
North Campus (Main Campus)
1522 14th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122
South Campus
27616 46th Ave. South, Auburn, WA 98001
History
First African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Seattle was founded in 1886, making it the oldest Black church in the state of Washington. Our congregation was established before Washington achieved statehood, standing as a living witness to the faith, resilience, and determination of African Americans who helped shape the Pacific Northwest.
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From our earliest days, First AME Church has been committed to worship, spiritual formation, education, and social justice. Rooted in the historic AME tradition, we have served as both a house of prayer and a hub for advocacy, community building, and cultural pride for more than a century.
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Today, First AME Church continues its legacy of ministry and service through its affiliated organizations, which extend our mission beyond the sanctuary and into the broader community:
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FAME Housing Association – providing affordable housing and promoting housing stability.
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MLK FAME Community Center – offering community programs, education, and resources for families and youth.
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FAME Equity Alliance of Washington – advancing equity, justice, and systemic change through advocacy and partnerships.
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FAME South Campus Ministry - is our satellite campus located in south King County, in Auburn. Services begin there at 9am
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FAME Seattle Main Campus - is the primary hub for our spiritual, political advocacy, and social action ministries. Service begins at 11am.
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Together, these ministries embody our enduring call to serve God, uplift our people, and transform our community—honoring our past while boldly building toward the future.
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First AME is led in ministry by a host of lay leaders and associate clergy members who thrive in service under our Senior Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Carey G. Anderson. Pastor Anderson has been in ministry since 1976, and has been our Pastor since 2004.
South Campus
South Campus has been a satellite campus ministry of FAME Seattle since 2003. The vision of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and expanding the voice of FAME Church to South King County is at the heart of our intent. South Campus has been blessed to have faithful coordinators following the lead of Pastor Anderson in the cultivation of this vibrant ministry and in the care and nurture of God's people. Built on the foundation laid by FAME Church Seattle - North Campus, our South Campus is on the brink of securing their own worship facility to continue the tradition of service to the community through outreach and evangelism. We praise God for our Coordinator, Rev. Barry J. Ray, a former Pastor in the CME Church, a church builder, and a visionary leader.
Vision & Mission
To be viewed as a Christ-centered, welcoming community of faith to everyone, that is heart-driven, mission oriented, evangelistic, and accountable to God first and to each other. To make disciples for Jesus Christ to transform our community and our world back to God.