Valued Ministers Brought Five Years of Growth to Wadesboro's AME Zion Church, Nov. 17, 1921

Five Years’ Growth at Wadesboro

By B.J. Dargan

Wadesboro, N.C.--The church five years ago was in a deplorable condition. Materially, spiritually and financially it was lying prostrate at the foot of the hill. During the period of the last two appointments made by the late Bishop J.W. Hood, he lost all hope in Wadesboro. Bishop Blackwell’s first appointment to Wadesboro in 1917 was in the person of Rev. J.A. Bridges, who served with great success two years, and during that time Rev. Bridges did the material work of the church—put a new galvanized metal roof on, calcimined the walls and painted the church.

In 1919 Rev. C.W. Carver was appointed to Wadesboro. In the wise choice of the appointment of Rev. Carver we were made heirs to all that is growth, prosperity, success and uplift to any church and community.

To build the spiritual, moral, intellectual, financial and business side of any church and people is the hardest job in the A.M.E. Zion Church. And yet Rev. Carver three years ago entered a job of this kind. The right man at the right place. He, being well prepared, is still leading on the forces in one solid phalanx toward the top of the hill.

The spiritual success of this work was demonstrated a few weeks ago at the close of just one week’s revival with 60 converts, 75 added to the church and 4 sent to other churches, raised $173.29.

Under his direction the church has eight organizations. These organizations do team work. The co-operate with Christian fortitude. The Sunday School is a strong one, having raised a total of itself this year of $500. Brother J.A. McCoy is superintendent.

One of the things most to be admired is the financial side of the church. It has kept pace and gone far beyond any one’s expectation.

The intellectual and moral side show marked improvements and the price of the people in general has been heightened for Zion.

Under Rev. Carver’s inspiration and encouragement, seven students attended Livingstone College from Wadesboro last year and many are leaving now for this term.

The parsonage has been painted, a new chimney built and all the sanitary work completed at a cost of $300.

I have given only a sketch of the work done by our pastor. God only knows the hearts he has cheered. He has written his name in mercy and love on the thousands of hearts he has come in contact with during his stay with us.

Long after he has passed to his reward will his name be legible in the hearts of the people he leaves behind.

From The Star of Zion, Chalotte, N.C., Nov. 17, 1921