St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church No: 2

St. James #2, Hammond, LA
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

I was driving along Airport Road last week when I passed St. James #2 African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hammond, Louisiana. I considered turning around to take a few photographs, but I did not follow my initial instinct. Upon returning home, I reflected on my decision and questioned why I had not stopped. I rationalized that I would stop the next time I visited Hammond.

Well, today was that day. My granddaughter and I drove to the location, and I got out to take a few pictures. I’d like to know more about the history of St. James #2. How long has this church been in the community. I looked for a cornerstone, but I didn't see on. 

Behind the red brick church, the cemetery unfolded, its graves marked by weathered headstones. A towering oak tree, its gnarled branches draped in silvery moss, dominated the scene. It cast long, whispering shadows that seemed to echo forgotten stories and people. Unfortunately, I was unable to visit the cemetery to examine the inscriptions on the headstones for additional information. The names inscribed on the older headstones could have provided valuable leads for further research on Ancestry, particularly regarding individuals interred in the older graves.

Please feel free to post any information you may have about the church or a loved one buried in the church cemetery. I encourage you to share any personal stories or cherished memories related to the church or those resting in its cemetery. Your contributions can help preserve the rich history. Whether it's a memorable event or a touching moment, we'd love to hear from you. If anyone knows the history or can put me in contact with someone who can help, would you please do so? You can reach out to me via email or leave a comment below with any information or contacts you have. Your help would be greatly appreciated as I delve into the history of the church. 

St. James # 2 Cemetery
Hammond, Louisiana 

Contact via email at nurturingourroot@gmail.com