ABOUT US
OUR HISTORY
Warner Temple A.M.E. Zion Church had its “Genesis” as the Alexander Leadley Prayer Band during the years from 1917 to 1918. Rev. Leadley was a Local Preacher from the St. Phillips A.M.E. Zion Church of the Wrightsboro Community. This small group of twelve faithful members initially worshipped from house to house. This arrangement continued until they were able to occupy a house on North Sixth Street. From there they moved to the corner of Nixon Street and Loves Alley. While worshipping in a small building at this site, monies were being raised to purchase our present property on the corner of Seventh and Nixon Streets and to erect the first house of worship.
The Rev. E. L. Madison, who was pastor of St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church at the time of the founding of our church, volunteered his service and the services of the Trustees of St. Luke to aid and give guidance to the members of this newfound society in their building program. The St. Phillip A.M.E. Zion Church also provided assistance and moral support.
The first building was completed in 1919 and the congregation was officially organized as the Warner Temple A.M.E. Zion Church and was admitted to the Cape Fear Annual Conference during its 1920 Annual Conference session held at St. Luke Church in Wilmington, NC. This newly formed congregation took their name Warner Temple in honor of the Presiding Bishop of the Conference, Bishop Andrew J. Warner.
ZION METHODISM - A BRIEF HISTORY
The African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AME Zion) Church originated
from the resilience and faith of enslaved Africans who, despite facing
severe oppression, found solace in Christianity. Initially part of the
John Street Methodist Church in New York City, they encountered
racial discrimination, prompting them to establish their own place of
worship—Zion Chapel, later known as the Mother Church of Zion
Methodism. Incorporating Methodist doctrines and governance, they formed the AME Zion Church to serve as a conduit of God's love and to advocate for freedom and equality. Today, the church remains committed to spreading the gospel, uplifting the marginalized, and continuing its mission until the return of Christ.
For more information, visit the official website: https://amezion.org
