Origin Story
In 1887 the first St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church was established on the corner of Shine and Heritage Streets in Kinston, North Carolina. The first pastor at this location was Rev. Robert Jennings. He was the grandfather of Sister Ernestine Woods and the great-grandfather of Sister Lindel Jones, who later became a member of the church. Because of its subsequent growth, the land was purchased on the corner of East and Shine Streets.
Bell Tower
In 1920 under the direction of Rev. G. A. Gore, St. James erected an imposing brick edifice on the northeast corner of East and Shine Streets and a bell tower. During the same era, Rev. A. P. Pearce purchased pews for the new location.
Corner Stone
Under the administration of Rev. A. J. Mattison, the church built a two-story parsonage next door to the church. Also, during his tenure, a basement was erected along with a kitchen, a Sunday school classroom, and a storage area. Improvements were also made to the Shine Street entrance. During Rev. J. A. Humphrey’s pastorate, an oil-forced air and heating system replaced the potbelly coal-fired space heaters in the church, and the parsonage and a new roof were also added to the church.
Under the guidance of Rev. Leroy Miller, the parsonage was razed to make room for an educational building temporarily used for worship and living quarters. The sanctuary was demolished along with the parsonage in 1972. While under the leadership of Rev. S. Eugene Hayward, Jr., the groundbreaking ceremony for the new church in its same location was held on July 11, 1976. The sanctuary was dedicated on Sunday, February 6, 1977. Under the administration of Rev. Hayward, the church became a Life Member of the Local Branch of the NAACP
Under the guidance of Rev. Leroy Miller, the parsonage was razed to make room for an educational building temporarily used for worship and living quarters. The sanctuary was demolished along with the parsonage in 1972. While under the leadership of Rev. S. Eugene Hayward, Jr., the groundbreaking ceremony for the new church in its same location was held on July 11, 1976. The sanctuary was dedicated on Sunday, February 6, 1977. Under the administration of Rev. Hayward, the church became a Life Member of the Local Branch of the NAACP
Parsonage
The church experienced spiritual and financial growth under the leadership of Rev. Gregory L. Edmond. The church served as a way station for residents of Carver Courts, Richard Green, Golden Progress, and the Lincoln, Davis, East, and Bright Street Communities. During the 1970s, no child was seen playing in the street on Sunday mornings. They were likely in Sunday school. Many learned to read, write and speak in public.
While at St. James, Rev. Conrad K. Pridgen created a jail, radio, and coffee-house ministry. The parsonage on Truman Avenue was purchased during his tenure and was deeded to St. James on April 27, 1984. This was the first purchase by an African American Church in the Rolling Pines Community. In contemplation of the growth of several ministries, land immediately north of and adjacent to the then-church boundaries was purchased.
While at St. James, Rev. Conrad K. Pridgen created a jail, radio, and coffee-house ministry. The parsonage on Truman Avenue was purchased during his tenure and was deeded to St. James on April 27, 1984. This was the first purchase by an African American Church in the Rolling Pines Community. In contemplation of the growth of several ministries, land immediately north of and adjacent to the then-church boundaries was purchased.
New Cornerstone
During the 14-year era of Rev. Fitzmaurice Gabriel, the home formerly inhabited by Mrs. Ella Ervin was purchased and partially donated by her niece, Mrs. Dorothy Canady. A large lot on the corner of Davis and Shine Streets was purchased to be used as a satellite parking lot. During this time, a capital program began called “Project 2000” for the purpose of expansion. These plans included a multipurpose complex to house a conference room, after-school program, administrative offices, and a men’s and women’s bathroom with lounge.
Because of the illness of Rev. Gabriel, Bishop Vinton R. Anderson appointed Rev. Daryl Kearney in 2002. The multi-purpose Center was dedicated on October 20, 2002. Under his administration furniture was purchased for the new structure. In 2004 under the leadership of Rev. Robert L. Goode many projects were ongoing for the upkeep of the church such as new doors, marquees, tables and chairs for the multipurpose room. With the aid of Sister Angelique Thomas, St. James received a grant for playground equipment from the North Carolina Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch of Lenoir County Health Department. Rev. A. O. Carmichael served as our pastor, 2008-11.
Because of the illness of Rev. Gabriel, Bishop Vinton R. Anderson appointed Rev. Daryl Kearney in 2002. The multi-purpose Center was dedicated on October 20, 2002. Under his administration furniture was purchased for the new structure. In 2004 under the leadership of Rev. Robert L. Goode many projects were ongoing for the upkeep of the church such as new doors, marquees, tables and chairs for the multipurpose room. With the aid of Sister Angelique Thomas, St. James received a grant for playground equipment from the North Carolina Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch of Lenoir County Health Department. Rev. A. O. Carmichael served as our pastor, 2008-11.
And now...
As of today, St. James continues to thrive under the divine leadership of Rev. Howard L. Johnson. During his term, the sanctuary was newly carpeted and painted. The Daughters of Allen, spearheaded a Pew Rally and all pews were covered in 2017. Many improvements have been made to the parsonage. His unwavering commitment to God has afforded him the heart of a shepherd. St. James continues to Exalt Christ, Equip Saints and Evangelize Sinners!