St. James A.M.E. Zion Church, Red Springs, NC Takes Pause to Remember

Submitted by Sharon Mitchell



RED SPRINGS, NC – The steps of the historic St. James AME Zion Church in Red Springs, NC was filled with worshippers on August 25, 2019 at 3pm as they paused to remember and reflect on the significance of that date. This date marked the 400th Anniversary of the first landing of enslaved Africans in English-occupied North America at Port Comfort in Hampton, Virginia. In solidarity with the National Park systems, and those throughout the world observing this historic moment with the ringing of bells, Bishop Kenneth Monroe joined his home church and offered a prayer after each of the eight assigned persons rang the bell in commemoration. This act was a way for African Americans to reflect, remember, and rejoice. Joining Bishop and Mrs. Monroe at St. James was the retired leadership team of Dr. Milton & Dr. Gloria Williams. Also, in attendance was the current Presiding Elder of the Laurinburg District, Dr. James A French and Mrs. Jacqueline French. St. James is pastored by the Rev. Sharon Mitchell.