Bricks, Mortar and Ministry: Christian Developers Change Lives

The landscape of Winston-Salem will soon be transformed, thanks to the newly signed contract between Pastor George Banks and the Goler Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and C2 Contractors, LLC, owned and operated by Mr. Cornelius Lamberth. With vision, fortitude, and a strong belief in the power of God, Pastor Banks and Mr. Lamberth will forge ahead to develop much-needed workforce and senior housing, a daycare center, and a sports complex on the property owned by Goler Memorial Church. This project promises to significantly impact the wealth development opportunities for the surrounding Black community.

The congregation of Goler Memorial and Pastor Banks believe this is truly a “testimony of God’s grace.” Like many churches, Goler Memorial found itself in financial straits during the Covid-19 pandemic. Two failed attempts to sell the property to eliminate debt, a looming balloon payment, and the threat of foreclosure weighed heavily on the Pastor and congregation. Despite those challenges, the church remained steadfast in its belief in God’s promises. Guidance from the late Bishop George Battle, Jr., Pastor Banks's knowledge and experience as a licensed real estate agent in the area, and the church’s dedicated prayer ministry saw them through. Pastor Banks said, “It was like a Paul and Macedonia moment. I dreamt of what the church should be like.” Shortly thereafter, Goler Memorial finalized a real estate transaction that allowed them to liquidate all outstanding debt and purchase a 15000 square foot building on 27 acres of land without borrowing any funds. Free from debt and with a vision of the future, Pastor Banks is now leading his congregation forward with a plan that will enhance the church's financial future.

This set the stage for the alliance with Cornelius Lamberth of C2 Contractors, LLC. Founded in 1984, C2 Contractors (formerly CoMor Corporation) is an industry-leading cabling and construction firm with a long history of providing outstanding service in construction/project management, information technology, building diagnostics, and commercial interiors and design. Named among the top 50 most progressive Black-owned companies in the country by the Minority Business Development Agency in 2004, C2 Construction is known for their outstanding professionalism and the excellence they bring to every project.

Cornelius Lamberth, the President and CEO of C2 Contractors, is a friendly, Christian gentleman who is focused on educating, empowering, and giving back to his community. Having benefited greatly from the support of mentors early in his career, he strives to create and nurture relationships that will allow him to open doors for others. A graduate of NC A&T State University, the Executive Management Development Program in the Anderson School of Management at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), Cornelius is committed to partnering with faith-based leaders to engage in a business conversation with the goal of “building a sustainability model, creating an economic engine and filling the needs of the parishioners and community.”

In addition to developing workforce and senior housing, a daycare center, and a sports complex on the Goler Memorial property, the plans include the construction of a new dedicated worship space. The current worship space, which was home to the finale of Zions Finest in 2023 and will once again host this year’s Zion's Finest on July 22, will become a full-time event center to host plays, concerts and other community-centered activities once the new sanctuary is completed.

The Senior Bishop of The A.M.E. Zion Church and the Presiding Bishop of the Piedmont Episcopal District, Darryl B. Starnes, Sr., said, “This is an opportunity for the church to use its property to bless the entire community, not just the church. We are proud of the visionary leadership and ministry that is far-reaching. It takes great cooperation and coordination to accomplish something of this magnitude. I salute the Pastor, officers, and the people.”

In addition to the partnership with Goler Memorial A.M.E. Zion, Lamberth is currently developing for the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC, of which he is a member. The master plan for this project includes a full-scale medical facility, as well as a cultural arts center. Lamberth credits his ability to build and nurture long-lasting relationships to his success. Recognizing that the fastest way to grow is to purchase or partner, he relies on his faith and extensive outreach to gain access to people and businesses who are interested in becoming development partners. This enables the churches to maintain the valuable land while providing much-needed services to the public.

These two significant projects promise to enrich the lives of many. The vast scope of the proposed developments will offer job opportunities, financial stability, safe and affordable housing, access to healthcare, and increased opportunities for social and cultural engagement. Pastor Banks and Cornelius Lamberth also hope that other Black churches will embrace this concept and let this great work serve as a blueprint to follow.

Updates on these projects will be provided as the next steps unfold.