St. Paul AME Church - Ocala

05/27/2026

I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We His servants will start rebuilding.." ~Nehemiah 2:20(a).

We are extremely grateful for every act of service, expression of love, prayer, and gift. In the upcoming weeks we will begin our clean-up and will release a list of items and support that is needed. For those who desire to support in the interim, the ways of giving are below. If you have any ministry related items {Microphones, Podiums, etc) that you would like to donate, please reach out to us via email at [email protected].

May the Lord bless each of you!

05/25/2026

Today we are remembering those who served, and we say THANK YOU!

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

Statement of Gratitude
St. Paul AME Church – Ocala, FL

On behalf of the officers and members of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who stood with us physically and virtually during yesterday’s press conference.

In a time marked by both devastation and distress, your presence was a powerful reminder that we are not alone. To the clergy, community leaders, first responders, media partners, and concerned citizens, thank you for showing up, for standing with us, and for lending your voices to a message that rejects hate and affirms hope.

A special thank you to SPC officers and members, Presiding Elder Valarie Walker [AME], Rev. Dr.’s Marcia and Nevell Owens [AME], Rev. Mikel James [AME], Pastor Eric Cummings [MBC], Rev. Jerome Gambel NAACP President Marion County, Rev. Jeffrey Dove [AME], Rev. Tim Machtel [UMC], Rev. Jeremy Knight [UMC], Rev. Dr. Michael Beck [UMC], Rev. Dr. Rhella Murdaugh [AME], Rev. June Edwards [UMC], Rev. Chaquita Washington [AME], Rev. Marvin Bouquette [AME], Rev. Terrell Blair [AME] , Rev. Al Washington [AME], Rev. Patrea Wilson [AME], Rev. Josh Reed [Episc], Rev. Regina Womack [AME], Rev. Pamala Bivins [AME], Rev. Dr. T.L. Brooks [Bapt], Rev. Venitta Robinson [AME], Council President Ire Bethea, Sr., Malik Moore [Cand. State Rep 21], media partners, and a host of other community leaders, community members, friends and family. (If we missed anyone, please extend grace).

Yesterday was more than a press conference, it was a moment of unity. A declaration that even in the face of adversity, we will stand together, we will speak truth, and we will move forward with faith.

Because of your support, we remain encouraged, strengthened, and steadfast in our resolve. We are, indeed, resilient and unstoppable because of the power of God.

With sincere appreciation,
Rev. Dr. Sha’Leda Mirra & Bro. Christopher Mirra
Pastor, St. Paul AME Church

05/20/2026

St. Paul AME Church Conference

05/20/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2026

St. Paul AME Church Responds to Fire and Subsequent Vandalism

As the members of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (SPC) in Ocala continue to mourn the devastating fire that occurred just days ago, we now face an additional act of harm against our sacred space.

On today, at approximately noon, church officers arrived on the campus alongside the Ocala Fire Department as they concluded their investigation of the recent fire. During that time, it was discovered that an individual or individuals had unlawfully entered the church building and vandalized the property.
Racial slurs and threatening language were found both outside and inside the church. On the exterior sign, was a racial slur “Peckerwood Will Lick” along with a handicap logo as well. This is offensive and racially charged wording, along with inappropriate symbols. Inside the sanctuary and surrounding areas, similar slurs and disturbing images were discovered, further compounding the pain of an already grieving congregation. Inside the church was a repetition of similar slurs such as “Peckerwood was here” and death faces with demon horns. For those who may be unfamiliar with this term, this is a supremicist term used to mark or "lick locations for threat of violence. A few of the photos are noted below.

Church leadership immediately notified Episcopal leadership, and the Ocala Police Department responded promptly and has launched an active investigation into this incident. FBI has been notified.

While these acts are deeply troubling, St. Paul AME Church remains steadfast in its commitment to faith, justice, and community. We unequivocally condemn all acts of hate, racism, and violence. At the same time, we will not be moved from our calling to love, to serve, and to stand as a beacon of hope in this community.

A press conference will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM on the steps of St. Paul AME Church, located at: 718 NW 7th Street, Ocala, FL

We invite clergy, community leaders, and supporters to stand with us as we denounce hate, call for justice, pray for our community, and declare a message of hope, healing, and resilience.

Even in the face of adversity, we remain anchored in faith and committed to the work God has called us to do.

Media Contact:
Rev. Dr. Sha’Leda Mirra
Pastor, St. Paul AME Church
[352-247-2383]

05/18/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 2026

Statement from Pastor Sha’Leda Mirra of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Ocala, Florida

A fire occurred on the evening of Saturday, May 16, 2026, at approximately 10:24 p.m., that impacted St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (SPC), our beloved church home at 718 NW 7th Street in Ocala, Florida. As Pastor of the steadfast and faithful officers and members of SPC, we share the news of this catastrophe with heavy yet hopeful hearts. I was personally alerted in those early moments by a devoted SPC member who lives just across from the church, reminding us even in crisis that we are a watchful and caring community, bound together in both proximity and love.

We arrived on the scene to firefighters working under challenging conditions, including intense heat and limited visibility, to locate and extinguish the fire. The fire was later determined to be electrical and accidental in nature. While the fire has been extinguished, SPC’s sanctuary sustained significant smoke and fire damage. Following a thorough initial inspection, the building has been deemed unsafe for occupancy at this time.

We are deeply grateful to report that no injuries occurred. We extend our sincere appreciation to all emergency responders and supporting agencies specifically Captain Ortagus, Captain Cribbs and Officer C. Cuppy, whose swift and coordinated efforts helped bring the situation under control. We are also immensely thankful for their kindness and prayers.

This is a difficult moment for our congregation and the broader community we serve. SPC is a pillar in the Tucker Hill and greater Ocala community as a place of worship, fellowship, and outreach in Ocala. Even in this moment, we remain committed to continuing that mission even in the face of this trial.

We are working closely with our Episcopal leadership Bishop Marvin Clyde Zanders II and Presiding Elder Valarie Walker, to ensure coordinated support, guidance, and care for our congregation during this time. We are also actively working with our insurance provider and local officials to assess the full extent of the damage and determine next steps for restoration and recovery. In the interim, arrangements for worship services and ministry activities will be communicated in the coming days after safety and air quality assessments have been conducted.

SPC has a rich 134-year legacy of serving the community on Tucker Hill as well as the greater Ocala communities. We have come this far by faith and will not give up now! Our God has been faithful, continues to be faithful, and will always be faithful. We find rest in God’s holy word as written in Lamentations 2:22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. We ask for continued prayers, support, and patience as we navigate this season of rebuilding. Our faith remains steadfast, and we are confident that, together, we will move forward stronger. For those who would like to support our ministry in this trying time, donations can be sent to our ministry through the following electronic and physical mechanisms:

Givelify- St. Paul AME Church Ocala https://giv.li/s5elbn

CashApp: $StPaulOcala

Or mail to: St Paul AME Church Ocala
P.O. Box 2223 Ocala, FL 34478

For updates and additional information, please contact the Pastor Shaleda Mirra at 352-247-2383, email: [email protected]
or visit our website at www.stpaulameocala.com

Rev. Dr. Sha’Leda Mirra, Pastor
St. Paul AME Church ~ Ocala, FL

05/17/2026

We would like to sincerely thank each of you for your calls, texts, prayers, and expressions of encouragement over the last few hours. As many of you are learning, our sanctuary caught on fire last night and while we grieve, we yet trust God! We are thankful that the wing with our office suite and fellowship hall was not damaged. We will communicate soon on all needed support efforts. At present we cannot enter the building until all inspections are complete. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ocala Fire and Rescue and Ocala PD for your courage and staying and praying with us until well after 4am. Special thanks to all SPC members, Pastor Mikel James and Deacon Terry Greenfield for you kindness and love!
-Pastor Sha’Leda Mirra

05/13/2026

Join US for a conversation on Mental Wellness and Self Care!

Also, please find the direct link to register.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/r5CAlOVTRxKLOUsY73sM-g

05/12/2026

Why Forgiveness, Sleep, and Sabbath Are the Same PrayerA Heart Centered Reflection • May 11, 2026"It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep." — Psalm 127:2There is a verse that has stalked me for years.It does no...