The AAMU/AME Councill Connection This Torchbearer’s site honors Rev. Dr. William Hooper Councill’s vision when he founded Alabama A&M University (AAMU) in 1875, and ten years later in 1885, he organized St. John African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church, Huntsville, only three blocks from AAMU’s original site. Dr. Councill served as the first president of AAMU and the first pastor of St. John AME Church. Several of the university presidents, administrators and community leaders were members or attended St. John, including Presidents H. Douglas Covington, John T. Gibson, David B. Henson, Andrew Hugine, and Daniel K. Wims; and Rev. Dr. Homer Littlefield McCall, University chaplain. If you or your family members were connected to either of the institutions, please join this team as we salute the divine connection of Councill’s spirit of educational excellence and community service by supporting the Alabama A&M University 150th Campaign initiatives. This aggressive fundraising effort will enable us to further advance the university’s mission by enhancing campus infrastructure, expanding scholarships, and improving educational opportunities and student experiences. With your help, Alabama A&M remains a beacon of higher education and a source of inspiration for future generations, where “Service is Sovereignty”.