According to oral tradition, this congregation began in 1886 as an evening sunday school which met on Elm Street. The Rev. Charlie Gipson served as first pastor. A church building was constructed in 1906, during the pastorate of the Rev. L.M. Holmes, and the congregation has worshiped at the current site since about 1920. Early Pastor E.J. Howard was elected Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1936. Over the years, St. Luke A.M.E. church has provided a significant source of service and leadership to Waco's black community.