CHARLOTTE, NC The Ministerial Staff, Officers, and Members of Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church praise God for sustaining, redeeming and never leaving us throughout these 140 years. The history of Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church is so grand and glorious that the essence of its greatness can never be fully captured or retold. Little Rock has been truly blessed with ardent and eloquent pastors, two of which became Bishops, Bishop J. C. Hoggard and Bishop George Junius Leake, III. “So many courageous, dedicated, and visionary men and women have made immeasurable contributions to this bright “Star of Zion that only small highlights can be shared”. “Accomplishments made in the past and even now would not be possible without the blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors who laid a strong foundation with their resources, commitment, and dedication. Through spiritual will and fortitude, they bought land and built facilities that we now occupy; their prayers, determination and amazing faith in God allowed them to overcome the difficult and challenging times of their day. They have bequeathed to us a marvelous legacy that we must embrace and maintain,” said Dr. Walker.
The original church property was purchased for a sum of four hundred and twenty-five dollars on May 31, 1884 (corrected deed filed June 10, 1893). In 1906 under the Pastorate of Rev. W. R. Douglas, the frame structure was moved across Seventh Street. The brick edifice, which is now the Little Rock Cultural Center, was completed in 1911. The edifice was a blended manifestation of the turn of the century Greek and Romanesque architectural style. The old Little Rock Church building is a remarkable reminder of an exuberant expression of faith and commitment of God’s people to God’s Glory.
The new Sanctuary and Education wing were completed in October 1981. Rev. William White, who pastored Little Rock for 16 years, led members and friends in a reverent and stately procession from the Old Little Rock Church into the new edifice on Sunday, December 6, 1981. Rev. Dr. James R. Samuel followed Rev. William White and pastored Little Rock for 16 years, making improvements to the Church and Education Wing. Dr. Dwayne A. Walker was appointed Pastor and regained possession of the old church building in 2005. In 2006, he became the Founder of the Community Development Corporation, and through his excellent leadership, a partnership between the Little Rock Community Development Corporation and the Charlotte City Council was facilitated to build a 105 unit, five-story apartment building, “Varick on 7th” (where 52 of the units will be affordable housing). The groundbreaking ceremony for Varick on 7th was held on April 28, 2021. At the ceremony, Councilman Malcolm Graham remarked on the significance of this project in which the community, the city and the Church will all benefit. He further stated that the city will also support the project by completely furnishing three of the affordable apartments. May God be glorified for His manifold blessings.
Progress is continuing at the construction site for the Varick on 7th Apartments. Through Dr. Walker’s vision and effective leadership to reduce homelessness in Charlotte, affordable Housing is rising in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina which is located on the Little Rock Campus, within walking distance of public transportation, city/county government and jobs. For the apartment dwellers with privately owned vehicles, paid parking will be available with the proceeds transferring to Little Rock.
We thank God for our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Dwayne A. Walker who guides his flock with love, inspirational and effectual leadership.
We praise God for Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr. Presiding Prelate of the Piedmont Episcopal District for returning Dr. Walker to us in June 2023 for his 19th Pastoral Appointment.
Under Dr. Walker’s leadership Little Rock has 51+ ministries that serve the needs of its members (in-reach), and the community at large (outreach), to win souls for Christ. Little Rock’s 2023-2024 theme is Excellence in Ministry: TOGETHER WE CAN! Ephesians 4:11-16, whereas God is Glorified • Jesus is Magnified • The People are Edified • Faith is Fortified • and Ministry is Multiplied. The Little Rock church family continually worship God physically, mentally, spiritually, and virtually. Through the assistance of technology, we are fulfilling the spiritual needs of our church family. Through Zoom we continue to hold Bible Study sessions for our youth and children, as well as board and ministry meetings.
Ministries collaborate to consistently provide boxes of food to the community and other churches, as well as hot meals, toiletries, and clothes to the homeless. Toiletry items, Blessing Bags containing food and clothing are given to the homeless and anyone in need during our bi-annual Community Prayer Walks. “I will Bless the Lord at all times; His Praise shall be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1)
Little Rock’s 140th Anniversary Celebration began with a very powerful, electrifying and spirit-filled three-night Fall Revival, September 5-7, 2023. We were blessed to have Bishop W. Darin Moore, Presiding Prelate of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District and the 99th Bishop in the Line of Success return to Little Rock for his 19th year as our Guest Revivalist. Accompanying Bishop Moore during the three-day Revival were his loving mother, Mrs. Connie Farrow and his son, Dion.
Through Bishop Moore’s inspirational, and transformational sermons, members and visitors can testify: “we were truly revived again.” We were blessed with the attendance of Rev. Dr. Wardell Henderson, Presiding Elder of the North Charlotte District, and his lovely wife and first lady of the district, Mrs. Myrtle Henderson.
Mr. Gilbert McRae, Leader of Leaders, and the Council of Leaders serve as Chairpersons for our Church Anniversary.
Our 140th Anniversary Celebration culminated on Sunday, September 10, 2023. We were honored to have Bishop George W.C. Walker, Sr, Retired Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Zion Church, and Dr. Walker’s father as our Guest Preacher. Bishop Walker’s powerful, thought-provoking sermon blessed all in attendance.
Our Ministerial staff members participated in the Litany. We were wonderfully blessed by the Sanctuary Choir led by our capable Minister of Music, Mr. Sid Oliver, our Band Koinonia, and our Audio-Visual Ministry team.
Oh God, we love You, we adore You, we praise You, we Bless Your Name for leading and guiding us through these 140 years. God Gets the Glory!
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here