The earliest black churches in Wilson were Baptist, but African Methodist Episcopal Zion missionaries quickly established a foothold in the county. Saint John A.M.E. Zion is one of the oldest black churches of any denomination in Wilson County, and the first generation of college graduates emerged from its attendant private academy. The older African Methodist Episcopal denomination did not take root as quickly or as widely in North Carolina, but at least two churches were founded in Wilson County.

As far as I know, Evansdale mystery aside, no black United Methodist congregations were ever established in Wilson County.

African Methodist Episcopal Zion churches

• Saint John A.M.E. Zion, Wilson

Founded in 1868. Present site at Pender Street purchased in 1880. Wooden church replaced by current handsome brick structure in 1914. Associated with several high-profile pastors in the 19th and early 20th centuries, including Rev. Joseph C. Price, Rev. Owen L.W. Smith, and Rev. R.A.G. Foster.

• Trinity A.M.E. Zion, Wilson

Second oldest active African Methodist Episcopal Zion church in Wilson. First sanctuary  built on land purchased in 1909 on Banks Street from Rev. Smith, former consul to Liberia and A.M.E.Z. presiding elder.

• Saint Stephen’s A.M.E. Zion, Wilson

In 1903, Orren and Hancey Best sold trustees a lot in Grabneck community for construction of Saint Stephen’s. Also known as South Wilson Mission. Per the 1923 report of the Wilson District of the Cape Fear Annual Conference, a 22 foot by 32 foot church was built in 1922. Church is defunct, and precise location is not clear.

• Bethel A.M.E. Zion, Stantonsburg

Founded in 1877. Presently active at 210 West Broad Avenue, Stantonsburg. Bethel’s original site was southeast of Stantonsburg on what is now Peacock Bridge Road. Its old cemetery marks the approximate site.

• A.M.E. Zion, Black Creek

In 1886, A.M.E.Z. trustees bought a lot on “Avenue Street.” Location not now known. This was likely Hardy’s Chapel. Church is defunct.

• Mount Olive A.M.E. Zion Church, Stantonsburg

Active in 1940s. No further information.

• A.M.E. Zion, Wilson

The 1922 Sanborn fire insurance map of Wilson shows an A.M.E. Zion church at 312 Manchester Street, at the corner of East Suggs Street. The 1930 Sanborn map, however, shows this building housing a Christ Disciple Church. No other information is known.

• Contentnea Mission

Six miles from Wilson. No further info.

• Sims Mission

Eight miles from Wilson. No further info.

• Elm City Mission

Perhaps: in 1910, the Colored Methodist Episcopal purchased a lot on Wilson Street, east of the railroad, in Elm City. No further information.

African Methodist Episcopal churches

• Saint Luke A.M.E., Wilson

In 1906, trustees bought a lot on Suggs Street to build an A.M.E. church.  However, the church was not organized as Saint Luke until 1910. In the 1930s, the congregation moved to a storefront at the corner of Vick and Atlantic Streets and erected its current church building at that site in 1948.

• Saint Paul’s A.M.E., Lucama

On 1 September 1903, the trustees for the A.M.E. Church of Lucama paid $25 for a quarter-acre lot on Main Street in Lucama. The exact location is not clear.

A.M.E.Z. or A.M.E.? (Or maybe C.M.E.?)

• M.E. Church (Negro), Wilson

Shown in the 1913 Sanborn fire insurance map on South Lodge Street, across from Imperial Tobacco. No further identification.