The sanctuary at St. Andrew’s African Methodist Episcopal Church resonated Saturday with the rich sounds of piano, organ, and harmonizing voices, filling the historic space with music and praise as the congregation, family, and community gathered to honor Archalene Amos Martin.
After 64 years guiding the church’s musical ministry, Martin, 91, was celebrated as minister of music emerita, a testament to her decades of dedication, leadership, and devotion that have shaped worship and inspired generations of congregants.
Amos Martin has dedicated her life to music and worship, beginning piano at age 3, inspired by the musicians in her childhood church. She has served under seven pastors, helping guide the congregation through decades of change and growth. The celebration brought together four generations of her family, members of her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, and the congregation she has served for more than six decades.
St. Andrew’s AME Church, founded in 1850 and recognized as the oldest African American congregation on the Pacific Coast, is one of Sacramento’s most historic congregations. A new church structure at Eighth and V streets was dedicated in 1951, while the original site on Seventh Street between G and H streets was declared a state historic landmark in 1995. That same year, the church dedicated a newly constructed education building on its current site. The congregation, now approaching 168 years of service, has a long tradition of Christian witness and advocacy for underrepresented communities in Sacramento, addressing religious, social, political, educational, and cultural concerns.
Jacqueline Wagner, interim music director, praised Amos Martin’s lifelong commitment, describing how her steady presence had been a guiding force in the church’s musical and spiritual life.
Wagner highlighted Amos Martin’s ability to inspire choirs and congregants alike, noting that her leadership had enriched worship services and created a strong sense of community through music. She also emphasized Amos Martin’s dedication to the annual Black History Concert, which brought historical depth and a spirit of openness to the church’s programs. Reflecting on all Amos Martin’s contributions, Wagner said, “Your legacy is one of excellence, love, and faithful service.”
Family members reflected on Amos Martin’s influence at home and in the church. Karla Ford, her daughter, told the congregation, “We honor you for your love and for your dedication, for being a fantastic mom who brought music into our lives since we were infants. Each Sunday, you put on your clothes, you put on your work, and you inspire each one of us to praise the Lord in song.”
Her son, James Martin III, echoed his sister’s remarks, adding, “Everything that you did was of such a high standard. We know how influential and significant music is to worship, to the church experience. Sometimes, you don’t realize how good the music is until you go somewhere else.”
Throughout her tenure, Amos Martin meticulously prepared music for Sunday services, Christmas and Easter programs, and the annual Black History Concert. She worked closely with choirs and musicians, selecting hymns that reflected each sermon’s message, rehearsing until every note was correct, and ensuring the congregation could experience worship fully through song.
Amos Martin spoke about her lifelong dedication to music and faith, recalling the experiences that shaped her ministry. She described feeling overwhelmed with gratitude and love as she addressed the congregation, noting how her musical journey began with playing for Sunday school. She also fondly remembered moments from family life in the church, including her young son crawling under the pews, calling the memories “so deep in my heart.”
She also spoke of her enduring joy in serving the church. “I could not have asked the Lord for a better blessing than the years that He has given me to serve this church, to serve my community. There is no greater joy than the joy that the Lord has given me to be able to serve in the manner in which I have served my church.”
The congregation officially conferred the honorary title of minister of music emerita, a recognition that carries no professional obligations but stands as a perpetual testament to Amos Martin’s service, leadership, and impact. Paola Mendez, representing Mayor Kevin McCarty’s office, presented a proclamation and resolution recognizing Amos Martin’s decades of service.
Pastor Jason Thompson reflected on the milestone: “We are certainly grateful for honoring her this afternoon, for all of the dedication that she’s given, and the Lord be praised. Amen. Almighty God who covers all things in heaven and on earth, your wisdom has brought us to this high and holy moment of commitment and praise. We are most grateful for the lessons learned through the sound of praise, for the continuing and caring and sharing, and for the living and loving that Mrs. Amos Martin has used to enrich so many lives over the years.”
Throughout the ceremony, the sounds of music — from piano to organ to the choirs’ harmonies — echoed in the sanctuary, reflecting the ministry that has defined her life.
