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African American Album Volume 2

Churches

"Rock of Ages:" Charlotte's Black Churches Weather Adversity and Retain Strength

by Kathleen McLain

Adapted from the Charlotte Observer, February 8, 1987

The first black church in Charlotte was a wooded grove where the Duke Power building stands in downtown today. As early as 1840, slaves who could slip away gathered under the branches to sing and pray.

Charlotte Churches

The following text is taken from an article in the Charlotte Observer: “Rock of ages: Charlotte`s black churches weather adversity, retain strength,” by Kathleen McLain. (Charlotte Observer, February 8, 1987, p.1A)

 

Freedom Creates New Churches

 

The first black church in Charlotte was a wooded grove where the Duke Power building stands in downtown today. As early as 1840, slaves who could slip away gathered under the branches to sing and pray.

 

Daddy Grace's Last Parade

Each year on the second Sunday in September, hundreds gathered in Charlotte's Brooklyn neighborhood to experience the parade honoring Bishop C. M. Grace. Sweet Daddy Grace, as he was fondly called, was the leader of the United House Of Prayer For All People, a Pentecostal denomination which grew out of the Brooklyn neighborhood.

Date of Event:

Daddy Grace's Last Parade

Each year on the second Sunday in September, hundreds gathered in Charlotte's Brooklyn neighborhood to experience the parade honoring Bishop C. M. Grace. Sweet Daddy Grace, as he was fondly called, was the leader of the United House Of Prayer For All People, a Pentecostal denomination which grew out of the Brooklyn neighborhood.

Date of Event:

Charlotte's Four Wards

The division of Charlotte into four wards was a natural progression. The crossroads Trade and Tryon Streets had long existed as trading paths. The young city grew up around them and naturally divided into the four wards that became Charlotte's first neighborhoods, each with its own personality.

Teague Home and Grocery

Mr. Bailey Teague in front of his Plum St. home. Mr. Teague operated a small neighborhood grocery store beside his home.
 
Plum and Short Streets no longer exist. The site of Mr. Teague's house was south and east of the intersection of McDowell and Stonewall Street. The I-277 was constructed over it.