Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Celebrates 135th Church Anniversary

CHARLOTTE, NC – Our 135th Church Anniversary, September 4th through the 9th, 2018 began with a spirit of humbleness and gratitude as we all gathered in His Presence at Little Rock A.M.E. Zion, where Dr. Dwayne Anthony Walker is pastor. Our anniversary affords us the opportunity to reflect on the success of our ministries through God’s Blessings. All ministries are functioning with current theme “A Healthy Church Impacting a Sick World” Acts 8:4-8. For 135 years, this “Freedom Church” has reverently and sincerely “Proclaimed the Good News of Jesus Christ” and has been a beacon by serving the needs of its members and the community in order to win souls for Christ. In making a concentrated effort to reach the UNCHURCHED and UNSAVED, one of its greatest efforts is the celebration of FRANgelism where Friends, Relatives, Associates and Neighbors are invited to worship. We are very deliberate about our discipleship (Reach Them, Teach Them and Send Them Out). Through more than 51 ministries, the needy and members are being fed physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. During this anniversary celebration, it has, once more, exceeded the financial goal raising over $25,000 towards its budget. The church has been blessed with many great pastors, of which two became bishops, Bishop J. C. Hoggard and Bishop George J. Leake, III.

Our church functions under a vision of “Excellence in Ministry” whereas, God is Glorified • Jesus is Magnified • People are Edified • Faith is Fortified • Ministry is Multiplied.

With great anticipation we entered our three-day revival with Bishop W. Darin Moore, Presiding Prelate of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District serving as the guest revivalist. He was accompanied by his lovely wife and Missionary Supervisor, Mrs. Devieta C. Moore, his mother, Ms. Connie Farrow and other family members. Bishop Moore delivered three nights of powerful “down home” praise and worship using the subjects: “Fired Up,” “Take a Knee” and “The Power of a Healthy Church.” He reminded us that a healthy church is a church that does what Jesus does – (not a conflict-free church, but does ministry like Jesus would).

Our celebration culminated on Sunday, September 9. We were blessed to have Bishop George E. Battle, Jr., Presiding Prelate of the Piedmont Episcopal District and the Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Zion Church as the guest preacher who delivered a very heartwarming and challenging sermon.

His subject, “The Church’s Need for a Healthy Turnaround” challenged us to continue to look to the church, show more love to the least of these, love God and love one another. He was accompanied by his lovely wife and Missionary Supervisor, Mrs. Iris Miller Battle, along with other family members. We were also blessed by the presence of our Presiding Elder, Dr. J. Wardell Henderson, Jr. and his lovely wife, Mrs. Myrtle Henderson.

Throughout the celebration we were blessed with a great representation of General and District Officers, Presiding Elders, Pastors, elected officials and candidates. Congratulatory letters were received from Governor Roy Cooper and Congresswoman Alma Adams. Mr. Gilbert McRae, Leader of Leaders and the Council of Leaders, served as Chairpersons for the Anniversary Celebration. The ministries and members of Little Rock were in place and performed their duties in a spirit of excellence. We thank God for leading and guiding us through these 135 years. All in attendance enjoyed a delicious meal at our Anniversary Reception that was prepared by the Culinary Ministry.