September 2026, Manteo, N.C…, More than 150 years after Rev. Andrew Cartwright planted the roots of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church throughout northeastern North Carolina, his legacy continues to grow.
On a warm Friday afternoon, July 17, 2026, town officials, church leaders, longtime supporters, and members of the community gathered in Manteo to celebrate the groundbreaking for the restoration of Historic Cartwright Park. While ceremonial shovels marked the beginning of a new construction project, the day represented something much deeper: a renewed commitment to preserving history, honoring faith, and investing in future generations.
For many who attended, this was not simply another civic event. It was the realization of a vision that had been nurtured through years of prayer, planning, and perseverance.
Rev. Andrew Cartwright (1835–1903) devoted his life to building both churches and communities during the years following the Civil War. His ministry led to the establishment of several congregations throughout the Albemarle Conference, including one of the earliest A.M.E. Zion churches in Manteo.
As a pastor and later a Presiding Elder, Rev. Cartwright became known for strengthening congregations, encouraging education, and extending the church’s reach throughout the region. His influence helped lay a spiritual foundation that continues to shape the lives of countless families today.
The park that bears his name reminds visitors that the impact of faithful leadership reaches far beyond the walls of a sanctuary. His work lives on in the congregations he established, the communities he strengthened, and now in a public space where future generations can learn the story of a man whose faith helped shape the Albemarle.
The celebration opened with welcoming remarks from Mayor Tod Clissold, who greeted those assembled before introducing Mayor Pro Tem Betty Selby. She reflected on the significance of the occasion and recognized the many individuals and organizations whose dedication helped bring the project to this point.
Representing Bishop W. Darin Moore, Presiding Prelate of the Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District, Presiding Elder Fondella A. Leigh shared greetings from the denomination and reminded those gathered that preserving history is also an investment in the future. She then offered the invocation, asking God’s continued blessings upon the work, the workers, and the generations who will one day enjoy the completed park.
As cameras clicked and families gathered around the ceremonial shovels, many quietly reflected on how long this day had been anticipated. For some, it was their first opportunity to witness years of planning become reality. For others, it was a chance to remember the pastors, community leaders, and faithful supporters who devoted countless hours to this effort but were no longer present to see it fulfilled.
Standing together for the official groundbreaking were the Town of Manteo Mayor and Board of Commissioners, members of the Cartwright Park Steering Committee, leaders from the Albemarle Conference, representatives of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, and supporters from across the region. Their presence reflected the partnership that has sustained this vision from its earliest days.
Although construction is only now beginning, the journey to this milestone started many years ago.
The dream of restoring Cartwright Park gained renewed momentum during the leadership of the late Bishop James W. Wactor, whose commitment inspired others to preserve the site’s historical and spiritual significance. Since then, pastors, bishops, lay leaders, and community advocates have continued carrying that vision forward, refusing to let Rev. Cartwright’s story be forgotten.
Among those whose leadership helped shape today’s celebration were Rev. Dr. Audie V. Simon, the late Rev. Walter L. Leigh, former Presiding Elder of the Edenton District, the late John Faulk, Rev. Jessie M. Riddick, the late Audrey Shields, and many others whose faithful service steadily moved the project toward reality.
Several of those who helped carry the vision forward were present to witness this long-awaited milestone, including Rev. Charlie E. Bowe, Chair of the Albemarle Conference Trustees; Rev. Jessie M. Riddick, whose name is permanently recognized on the park’s memorial plaque; Presiding Elder Fondella A. Leigh; and Presiding Elder Lester Jacobs of the Washington District.
The work also benefited from the steady leadership of Bishops Alfred G. Dunston, George E. Battle, Richard K. Thompson, Kenneth Monroe, and now Bishop W. Darin Moore. Across changing administrations and different seasons of ministry, each affirmed the importance of preserving this historic landmark and maintaining the church’s connection to the Manteo community. Their leadership helped ensure that the dream never faded, even when progress came one step at a time.
Cartwright Park has always represented more than a parcel of land. It stands as a symbol of faith, perseverance, and the belief that communities grow stronger when they remember the people who came before them.
When completed, the renewed park will feature a pavilion for gatherings, upgraded playground equipment, improved accessibility, expanded landscaping, and welcoming spaces designed for educational programs, cultural events, church activities, and community celebrations.
These improvements are about far more than new amenities. They create opportunities for neighbors to gather, families to connect, children to play, and visitors to discover a story that deserves to be remembered.
For the church, the park serves as a living reminder that ministry extends beyond Sunday mornings. It reflects a long tradition of serving communities, preserving history, and creating places where people can learn, grow, and come together. In many ways, Cartwright Park represents the continuing mission of Rev. Andrew Cartwright himself, to build something lasting that benefits generations yet to come.
As the ceremony ended, the freshly turned earth represented far more than the beginning of a construction project. It marked the continuation of a story that began with Rev. Andrew Cartwright’s ministry more than a century ago and has been faithfully carried forward by countless pastors, bishops, lay leaders, civic officials, and community partners.
Soon, children will laugh on the playground where history now rests beneath their feet. Families will gather beneath the pavilion. Churches will host celebrations, neighbors will build new friendships, and visitors will pause to learn about the man whose faith helped shape this community.
For the Town of Manteo, North Carolina, Cartwright Park represents a renewed commitment to honoring its heritage while creating opportunities for the future. For The A.M.E. Zion Church, it stands as a visible reminder that the work of ministry extends far beyond the sanctuary, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire, educate, and serve. The groundbreaking ceremony was not the conclusion of a long journey; it was the beginning of a new chapter, one that promises to bless the community for generations to come.
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