We Live to Glorify
God in All We Do
Rock Hill AME Zion Church is a member of the global AME Zion church connection located in the West Central North Carolina Conference, within the Wadesboro-Monroe District in Indian Trail, NC. We are dedicated to spreading the Word of God through praying, caring, and sharing. Our focus is on spreading the good news through exalting Christ, encouraging, and empowering people to grow in Christ and embracing and equipping others to serve Christ.
We serve Christ through our dynamic Christian Education, Bible Study. Overseas Missionary, and class engagement Our Class Leader structure allows us to care for the spiritual wellness needs of individuals, families, and our local and global communities.
Our Christian Education Department focuses on adults, young adults, youths, and children to provide for spiritual, academic, and economic growth in Christ. Our unique class structure is designed to match a leader to each church member to ensure the spiritual needs of each member and demonstrate our commitment to praying, caring, and sharing.
Our physical location sits on prime real estate at the comer of Lawyers Rd, W. and Rock Hill Church Rd in Indian Trail, NC. Our operating officers include our pastor, Rev. James McDougald and the ministerial staff, Rev. Beverly Jeter, Rev. Frances Greene, and Rev. Ronald Burke and the Board of Trustees, Steward Board, and Board of Christian Education
Shortly after the close of the Civil War in 1865, a new church was formed when Mr. Nat Morris, Mr. William Shelborne, and Mr. David Newell began to hold prayer meetings in an exhausted mineshaft. These three men: Morris, a Black man, and Shelborne and Newell, both white men, soon attracted four others, Mr. Daniel Wentz, Mr. Jackson Black, Mr. Isaac Stewart, and Mr. Joe Orr. Together, they founded a new church and agreed to call it New Hope.
After being an independent church and without a pastor for one year, in the spring of 1866, the members of New Hope sought to affiliate with a Black Denomination. They secured their first pastor, the Rev. Samuel Alexander of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
Records show that in 1866, Rev. Bird Hampton was appointed the first Presiding Elder, the ordinances of the Lord’s Supper and the baptism of children were observed, and the first church officers were confirmed. Mr. Albert Glenn was confirmed as Preacher’s Steward and Quarterly Conference Secretary. Mr. Nat Morris, Mr. Wade Rich and Mr. Peter Linker were confirmed as Trustees. Mr. Linker was chairman of the Trustees. Class Leaders confirmed were Mr. Daniel Wentz, Class #1; Mr. Jackson Black, Class #2; and Mr. Lee A. Stewart, Class #3.
In 1867, less than a year after his appointment, Presiding Elder Taylor died. He had pastored, established, and claimed approximately twenty churches for the North Carolina Conference of the AME Zion Church. It is said that he was an inspiration to those he served at New Hope.
Desiring to join the Annual Conference of the AME Zion Church, some members of New Hope walked 150-200 miles to New Bern to do so. The church became part of the Concord District and experienced continued growth.
In 1875, plans for a new church were begun. Mr. William Stewart of Charlotte, North Carolina donated a tract of land for the new church and presented a “Good Deed” to the members. Mr. Daniel Wentz established the corners. Mr. Marshall Smith felt the church should be renamed and suggested Pleasant Hill. Observing that the new church was on a stubborn rocky knoll, Mr. Daniel Wentz offered a more practical recommendation and offered a motion that the new church be named Rock Hill. All members agreed. The new church was erected in 1886 and became Rock Hill African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
The AME Zion Church formed a new district in 1917 and called it the Monroe District. This District included areas from Wadesboro to Monroe and west of Monroe to the Mecklenburg County line. Rock Hill became part of this new district, which is now the Wadesboro-Monroe District. Rev. D.G. Gilmore served as the pastor and Rev. J.S. Bennett served as the Presiding Elder. Some of the leaders of the church at that time were Mr. P.T. Haigler, Mr. P.H. Harrison and Mr. M.S. Byrum. In 1934, Mr. Sidney J. Black became Sunday School Superintendent and served in that position for more than forty years.
Giving with Ease and Grace - Support Our Mission
At Rock Hill AME Zion Church, we understand that giving is an important aspect of worship and support for our church community. That’s why we offer the convenience of electronic giving. With electronic giving, you can make donations to our church quickly and securely from the comfort of your own home.
We thank you for your generosity and support. Your donations make a significant impact on our ability to serve the community and spread the word of God. May God bless you and your loved ones.