Join us Sunday · Sunday School 9:00 AM · Worship 10:00 AM · Bible Study Thursdays 6:30 PM

★ Serving Docena since 1916

There's a seat
here for you.

Faith, family & community — 110 years strong.

A small church with a big welcome. Come as you are, Sunday at 9:00 AM — in person in Docena or online from anywhere.

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St. Paul CME Church in Docena, Alabama
110Years of
faithfulness

Plan Your Visit

When We Gather

Come as you are. No dress code, no pressure — just a warm welcome and a good word.

Every Sunday

Sunday School

9:00 AM

All ages, all levels. Scripture together before worship.

Every Sunday

Morning Worship

10:00 AM

Praise, preaching and fellowship. In person & live on YouTube.

Every Thursday

Bible Study

6:30 PM

Virtual only — join by Zoom, YouTube or a simple phone call.

Can't be there? Call in and listen. Dial 425-436-6352 · access code 131162 — no computer needed.
Join on Zoom

Get Directions — 400 Circle St, Docena, AL

St. Paul CME Church congregation
1916Founded in a
TCI beanery

Our Story

Built on Love,
Grounded in Faith

We're a small church community that is loving, welcoming, and ready to rebuild the foundation of God in our community and family.

Founded in 1916 by Rev. W.E. Perkins, St. Paul has been a cornerstone of Docena for 110 years — through good seasons and hard ones, still here, still welcoming.

Read more of our history

St. Paul began in a Tennessee Coal & Iron company "beanery" — a mining-camp dining hall — where a handful of families gathered to worship. That humble start shaped who we still are: plainspoken, close-knit, and open to anybody who walks through the door.

Today we're proudly part of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and the 5th Episcopal District, Birmingham Region. Our pastor, Rev. Elder Desi L. Echoles, also serves as Presiding Elder of the Birmingham District.

We offer Sunday worship, Bible Study, Youth & Young Adult Ministry and Singles Ministry — in person and online. Wherever you are, there's a place for you here.

Tithes & Offerings

Give Where You Worship

Your tithe keeps the lights on, the doors open and the outreach going. Every gift matters — give in whatever way is easiest for you.

Online with GivelifySecure · any amount · one-time or recurring
By mailPO Box 98, Docena, AL 35060
In personOffering during any Sunday service
Where does my giving go?

Your gifts fund worship and music, Christian education and Sunday School literature, youth ministry, community outreach and benevolence, utilities and upkeep of the church home, and our commitments to the CME connection.

Questions about giving, or need a year-end statement? Call 205-675-0040 or email general@stpaulcmechurchdocena.org.

Give Today

Every gift, large or small, is an investment in the Kingdom.

Give Securely with Givelify

You'll be taken to Givelify to complete your gift.

Our Leadership

Meet the Family

Rev. Elder Desi L. Echoles
Senior Pastor

Rev. Elder Desi L. Echoles

40+ years in CME ministry. Presiding Elder of the Birmingham District.

Read his story

A native of Birmingham and son of the late Rev. Willie J. Echoles, Sr., he holds a BA in Sociology from Miles College and a Master of Divinity from Phillips School of Theology / ITC, plus an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters.

He has pastored more than 40 years across Alabama and Florida, and was appointed to St. Paul in July 2022 by Bishop Dr. Clarence K. Heath. He is also an adjunct professor at Miles College.

He is married to the former Valeria C. Jemison, and is the father of five children, sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Lady Valeria C. Echoles
First Lady

Lady Valeria C. Echoles

Educator and counselor. A ministry of empowering women and youth.

Read her story

A graduate of Miles College who also attended Jacksonville State, Lady Echoles taught kindergarten and second grade for nine years, then served as a guidance counselor at the Jacksonville Job Corps and as a Career Manager for parents of underprivileged children.

Alongside Presiding Elder Echoles she has helped nurture and remodel churches across Birmingham, Florida and Mobile. For years her ministry has centered on empowering women and youth.

Rev. LaVeatrice Crockrom
Youth Pastor

Rev. LaVeatrice "Vee" Crockrom

Leading our Youth & Young Adult Ministry with energy and heart.

Read her story

Rev. Crockrom brings energy, passion and dedication to ministering to our youth and young adults, and is deeply committed to raising the next generation in the faith.

Through her ministry, young people at St. Paul are actively engaged in worship leadership, community service and spiritual development.

Reach Out

We'd Love to Hear From You

Questions, prayer requests, or just want to say hello — don't be a stranger.

Send a Message

We read every one and we'll get back to you.