Mount Carmel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Did the year 1879 hold a secret yearning for change in Southport? At Mount Carmel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the echoes of that yearning still resonate. A small group, led by Elder Whitfield Griffin, felt a growing dissatisfaction with their current place of worship. Like Richard Allen before them, they chose to walk out, seeking a space where their spirits could truly soar. Their first sanctuary was an unlikely one: the U.S. Army Barracks at Fort Johnston. Imagine the hymns rising amidst the remnants of military life. The dream of a dedicated space burned brightly. Soon, they purchased land at the corner of North Lord and West Leonard Streets, erecting a modest building named Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal Church. Yet, their journey wasn’t over. In 1888, the congregation, outgrowing their space, acquired the old Methodist Church South building on Nash Street. This very structure, built in 1814, had once served as the community’s sole church, a place where both Black and white residents worshipped together. The church, measuring 30 by 50 feet, possessed a front porch with two doors, two aisles, and a gallery that wrapped around three sides. Can you picture the scene? The congregation made the building their own, relocating it to its present site at North Lord and St. George Streets in 1890. The relocation was a Herculean effort, the building inching along on logs for over a mile. The women of the church tirelessly prepared meals, sustaining the men as they labored. They even joined in the physical work when needed. Upon its dedication in September 1890, the church was reborn as Mount Carmel African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1913, under Rev. L.R. Pearce, Mount Carmel embraced modernity. A center aisle was added, new pews installed, and the old windows gave way to vibrant stained glass. A new altar and pulpit, crafted by George Albert Gore, took their place. Most remarkably, Mount Carmel became the first Black church in Southport to illuminate its sanctuary with electric lights. Through the years, the church continued to evolve. In the 1930s, the walls were renewed with the help of the Works Progress Administration. A new parsonage was built in 1952 under Rev. J.C. Grady. The church’s exterior was transformed with a brick façade during the 1950s and 1960s. A brick annex, connecting the church and parsonage, added restrooms, a choir room, pastor’s study, and Sunday school classrooms. A new steeple, crowned with a beacon of light, became a symbol of hope. Mount Carmel African Methodist Episcopal Church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a community. From its humble beginnings to its present form, it reflects the dedication and perseverance of generations. As you stand here, remember the echoes of those who sought a place of their own, and celebrate the vibrant legacy they created.