On His 75th Birthday, Bishop Kenneth Monroe Honored with North Carolina Highway Dedication

RED SPRINGS, N.C. — There are moments in history when a community pauses long enough to say "thank you" while the recipient is still able to hear the words.

On Friday, July 24, that moment belonged to The Right Reverend Kenneth Monroe, retired Senior Bishop of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, as family members, clergy, civic leaders, elected officials, and friends gathered in his hometown of Red Springs to dedicate a five-mile stretch of North Carolina Highway 211 as Bishop Kenneth Monroe Highway. The occasion carried even greater significance as it coincided with Bishop Monroe's 75th birthday, transforming the ceremony into both a public recognition of his lifelong service and a deeply personal celebration.

Hosted at St. James A.M.E. Zion Church, the ceremony drew an extraordinary crowd from across the denomination and the surrounding community. Serving as master of ceremonies, W. L. "Lee" Jernigan, Jr., Division 6 Engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, remarked that it was the largest highway dedication ceremony he had ever attended, a testament to the impact Bishop Monroe has made throughout his ministry. Jernigan explained that the newly designated Bishop Kenneth Monroe Highway encompasses approximately five miles of NC Highway 211, extending from Watson Mill Road (Industrial Road) on the south side of Red Springs, through the town's Main Street corridor, and continuing north to Old Lowery Road, passing landmarks including St. James A.M.E. Zion Church. The designation ensures that all who travel one of Red Springs' primary thoroughfares will encounter Bishop Monroe's name and legacy while being reminded of "a life defined by faith, service, and leadership."

Following the invocation by The Reverend Lee Hammonds, Jr., Pastor of St. James A.M.E. Zion Church, and musical selections by The Reverend Dr. Paul Murphy and Mrs. Sharon Murphy, a series of tributes highlighted Bishop Monroe's influence on both church and community. Mayor Caroline Sumpter of the Town of Red Springs described the highway as a fitting symbol of the path Bishop Monroe has paved for countless people through his faith, integrity, and servant leadership.

The tributes continued with The Honorable Edward A. Pone, Retired District Court Judge, and The Honorable J. Carlton "J.C." Cole, Retired Superior Court Judge, who reflected on Bishop Monroe's character, integrity, and decades of faithful leadership. The Reverend Dr. Anthony J. Davis, 13th President of Livingstone College, described him as "a man of principle, a man of purpose, and a man of perspective," comparing the highway marker to the memorial stones erected by the Israelites as a lasting testimony for future generations. The Reverend Dr. Chalmers McDougald, Presiding Elder of the Laurinburg District, celebrated Bishop Monroe's unwavering commitment to ministry, humanitarian work, and his lifelong devotion to the Red Springs community.

The keynote message was delivered by The Right Reverend W. Darin Moore, Presiding Prelate of the Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District, who preached from John 14:6 under the theme, "Keep Your Eyes on the Road." Using the symbolism of highways and navigation, Bishop Moore reminded those gathered that roads are not destinations but pathways that lead people toward something greater. He likened Bishop Monroe's ministry to a life that consistently pointed others toward Christ and challenged listeners to remain focused on their spiritual journey despite the distractions of life.

During interviews following the ceremony, church leaders reflected on the significance of honoring Bishop Monroe while he is still able to witness the impact of his life's work. The Right Reverend Daran H. Mitchell, President of the Board of Bishops, called the occasion "living history," saying, "To be in this space with Bishop Monroe while he is still vertical is a victory." The Right Reverend Brian R. Thompson, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District, described Bishop Monroe as the theological model for generations of ministers, recalling how young preachers throughout Eastern North Carolina looked to him as an example of faithful leadership. The Reverend Dr. Sharon B. Newton, Presiding Elder of the Sanford District and the Virgin Islands Conference and former pastor of St. James A.M.E. Zion Church, reflected on Bishop Monroe's desire to return home and inspire children growing up in the Black Bottom community to believe that "anything is possible with God."

In his own remarks, Bishop Monroe responded with characteristic humility. Reflecting on his upbringing in Red Springs, his struggles with childhood illness, and the influence of his parents, he spoke of learning the importance of remaining connected to Christ, whom he described as "the Vine." Throughout his life, he said, every accomplishment—from completing his education to serving as pastor, bishop, builder, and leader—was possible only through God's strength. Looking across the sanctuary filled with family, friends, colleagues, and members of the community, Bishop Monroe simply expressed gratitude that he was "alive to hear" the tributes offered in his honor.

As motorists now travel the newly designated Bishop Kenneth Monroe Highway, they will pass more than a roadside sign. They will travel a route through the very town where Bishop Monroe's journey began—a roadway that now permanently connects his childhood community with a legacy of faith, servant leadership, and unwavering commitment to Christ. For generations to come, the signs bearing his name will serve as a lasting reminder that one man's obedience to God's call can leave an enduring mark not only on a denomination, but on the community that first nurtured his faith.