An Albuquerque church is thriving, with the help of leaders past and present. Since 1882, Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church has served as a place of worship for hundreds of families. It's also considered the oldest Black church in New Mexico."It's usually a forward-thinking vision that they have for the church, and I think that's why this church has been able to survive and thrive even in the midst," Pastor Margaret McFaddin said.For many years, churches have played a prominent role in African-American communities, especially during times of slavery.The AME denomination grew out of the Free African Society (FAS) which Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, and others established in Philadelphia in 1787.It's also considered the oldest, independent African-American denomination birthed on American soil."If you look at the migration of African Americans, we migrated from east to west where more opportunities were," Pastor McFaddin said. The religion has been a part of the pastor's life since she was young, growing up in Oxford, Mississippi."My daddy was a trustee. And trustees, as you know, are responsible for the physical property," Pastor McFaddin said. "My father was one of those who had to make sure that the little school that sat next to the church could stay open for the kids."Despite an early introduction to the denomination, she didn't realize her true calling of leading a church until her 50s.After becoming a pastor for several churches throughout the country, she arrived at Grant Chapel AME in 2019.Celebrating Black History MonthNew Mexican shares story about life as a Tuskeegee Airman Shop at Black owned businessesPastor McFaddin is the second female pastor, ever recorded, in the church's history.Yet nowadays, her services tend to look a bit different because of COVID-19. Currently, the church only offers Sunday service on its Facebook page."It's still hard. I still haven't met all of the people because either they have compromised health situations, or I have it," Pastor McFaddin said.Despite the change, congregation members are adapting in efforts to continue their faith. "I knew nothing at all about the church when I joined. I was Methodist when I lived in Arkansas, and when I met co-worker and she said that she belonged to the AME church. I felt right at home with coming to visit," Fleta Maxine Jones, a congregation member, said.Since the 1960s, Jones has been enriched in the church's culture and history.She even helps to preserve it. Next to the sanctuary sits a special room, dedicated to prominent Black figures both inside and outside the church. Including Loretta Loftus, the first African-American hired to teach in Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), and Alfred D. Mathewson, the first African-American dean of the University of New Mexico's School of Law."There needed to be some Black history here, and so we started with our youth," Jones said.Pictures, news articles, statues and books fill the room. While the items are currently displayed for Black History Month, Jones added the room is set up several times a year." made lots of sacrifices to get here, so we honor our history. It says to our community, as well as our families, that we can achieve if we put our mind to it," Pastor McFaddin said. The room is yet another legacy the church is leaving behind, spreading their footprints throughout the entire community. When it comes to their success, the pastor said it all comes down to prayer and guidance from above. "We’re trying new things," Pastor McFaddin said. "Some of them work, some of them don’t, but we keep moving forward knowing that God is with us every step of the way."Grant Chapel AME Church also holds a community food pantry, where those in need can get access to free items like food boxes. The pantry is open by appointment only.