Uncategorized Archives - Lebanon AMEC of Littleton

It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that our hope is waiting for us, even though it cannot be visualized. People of God in the days of old were strong in their faith. Their faith continues to animate ours. We stand on the shoulders of those who believed in the One who made ways when there seemed to be no ways.

We cannot begin to name all the people who helped form Lebanon Church, nor can we tell of all the things accomplished. We thank God for those who believed, who put their faith, trust, and hope in the One who makes all things possible!

In 1898, Lebanon’s founders held their services and weekly prayer meetings in various houses. They felt compelled to create a building where more people could gather and worship. Thus, the first church was founded under a brush arbor known as Lebanon Methodist Episcopal. Worship services were held under the brush arbor for several years.

In the early 1900s, the officers and members erected a log building. Some of the known officers were BrothersWhit Manley, Richard Johnson, William Johnson, Elisha Manley, Daniel Coleman, and Plummer Johnson; Reverend Sanders was pastor. At this time, Lebanon Methodist Episcopal became affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Conference, and thus, Lebanon African Methodist Episcopal Church was born. Services continued in this log structure until around 1913. At this time, I. L. and Annie Bell Crawley (relatives of Elisha Pear) deeded one acre of land to Brothers Richard Johnson and Elisha Manley, trustees. The deed was written on November 17, 1913; however, it was recorded in Halifax on October 12, 1914. This parcel of land, which could only be used for a church, was previously known as the James Lee Store Place.

Reverend Malone, a traveling evangelist known as the “Swamp Angel,” along with the stewards and other members, began to build the third sanctuary. This frame building served its members until the late 1940s.

Then officers and members decided they needed a larger and better building. Remembering all things are possible by putting God first, they started this venture. In 1947, realizing the efforts their forefathers and senior members made trying to carry on the church’s work, the younger officers and members preceded in building the new sanctuary — our current building.. During construction, Bear Swamp Baptist Church opened its doors to Lebanon AMEC members. Some of the known officers were Brothers Rufus L. Manley, Leroy Johnson, Richard Johnson, Wade Manley, and Samuel Manley. The Reverend Alfonza Bergen was pastor.

Over the next two decades, many of Lebanon’s members died. Some joined other churches, and some of the younger ones scattered. Sunday School classes stopped completely. Despite these hurdles, a faithful few continued to worship together every second Sunday.

Between 1966 and 1968, Reverend Sinclair was pastor. During his leadership, gas heaters were paid off and installed.

The Reverend James G. Bullock became Lebanon’s Pastor in 1969. Reverend Bullock reorganized Sunday School and established a building fund. The establishment of this fund inspired the members with a determination to put their shoulders to the wheel and continue to work for the Lord.

In 1979, Reverend Fitzmaurice Gabriel initiated work on the fellowship hall and bathrooms. It was not an easy task, but with faith, love, unity, and determination, the day of dedication and celebration finally came! The officers at that time were Brothers Jesse Harvey, Nathaniel Manley, Jacob Manley, and John Manley, Sisters Pearl Harvey, Mima Manley Johnson, Andy Burgess, and Lettisha Manley.

In 1984, Reverend M. L. Edwards placed awnings on Lebanon’s windows.

During the one-year leadership of Reverend Hansley in 1986, Lebanon installed carpeting and its public address (PA) system.

In 1988, Reverend Donald Hail blessed Lebanon with his pastoral leadership. During his tenure, the members, with the help of God, managed to paint the exterior building and address other maintenance concerns. During this celebratory time, the work of God took place, and Lebanon’s PA system was stolen! This event did not steal the praises, the prayers, and the forgiveness of the people.

In 1989, under the pastorate of Reverend James A. Knox, Lebanon installed central heat and air conditioning. The cost of the units was more than the members could afford at that time, so Brother Douglas Johnson and his wife, Sister Mima, loaned Lebanon the funds to complete the project.

Minister McAfee Bannerman came to Lebanon in June 1990. Under his leadership, Lebanon purchased a piano, installed a hot water heater, and received a stove for the fellowship hall. Other repairs and remodeling were completed, too.

Lebanon AMEC was the first church Reverend Millard Davis pastored. During his appointment, some of the outstanding bills were paid in full.

In 1996, Lebanon’s first female pastor, Reverend Loretta Barnes, was appointed. She served a two-point charge whose schedules conflicted. Lebanon members agreed to worship on the second and third Sundays. At this time, Lebanon became a “two- Sunday church.”

Reverend Hubert Gardner came to Lebanon AME in 1997. He was a dedicated, anointed man of God who prayed diligently for his church family and others. He made people feel loved and a part of God’s family. During his tenure, Reverend Gardner directed many souls to Christ, thereby increasing Lebanon’s membership through Christian experience and baptism. He offered guidance to all who needed the support. The church experienced spiritual and physical changes under Rev. Gardner’s leadership. Some physical changes included the extension of the fellowship hall, repainting the entire building, and purchasing new chairs, tables, kitchen appliances, doors, windows, chandeliers, a marquee, flowers, and senior choir robes. Due to illness, Reverend Gardner preached his final sermon at Lebanon in 2004. He was greatly missed.

The Reverend Daphne Mooney was appointed as Lebanon’s pastor in 2004. Reverend Moody began God’s work by teaching Lebanon’s members the duties and responsibilities of being a steward, a trustee, and a Sunday School Superintendent and teacher according to the Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church. Under her leadership, Lebanon reorganized its Sunday School, regularly studied the Bible, and initiated monthly official board meetings. Lebanon soared to higher heights in its spiritual and physical growth. Lebanon increased its worship from bi-monthly to four Sundays a month.

Along with this new schedule, the church formed four new choirs: the Essence of Worship and Praise choir, Taking Authority Youth Choir, the Richard Allen Hymn of Praise Choir, and the Sons of Allen Male Choir. For the first time in Lebanon’s history, under Reverend Moody, the church owned office equipment of great magnitude. Along with this equipment, stewards and trustees learned the skills of proper record keeping of church documents and information. In August 2007, the stained-glass window project, started under Reverend Gardner, was completed, and a van was purchased. Through pledges and donations, Lebanon paid for the van with cash, instead of installments.

In 2013, Reverend Joanne Bedford-Boyd came to Lebanon with energy, inspiration, and ideas. Her ideas of teaching, preaching and spreading God’s Word were ways that had not before been explored. Her ideas included team preaching services, Joint Women’s and Men’s Day services, and Advent services. Physically the front entrance of the building was remodeled, the accessible ramp was added, and the parking lot was paved. Community picnics and back-to-school activities were an integral part of spreading the Word through outreach.

Reverend Bedford-Boyd implemented weekly Bible study sessions during the winter months using a teleconference line. No one had to leave the comfort of their home to study the Word. This line reached people from Florida to Maine and from North Carolina to California. Worship services during inclement weather would also be held via teleconferences. Little did Lebanon know, a teleconference line would become a lifeline of connection, inspiration, and education. In March 2020, many faith communities were closed as shelter-in-place mandates swept the United States and the world due to the coronavirus.

In May 2021, during the global pandemic, Reverend Kennetra Irby Brackett was appointed to her first church, the “little white church on the hill.” Reverend Brackett and her husband, George Brackett, Jr, charged Lebanon to put its love in action in the 21^st century by remembering its rich history and imagining a long-lasting legacy. Reverend Brackett’s holistic ministry invited Lebanon to consider living into the fullness of God in everyday practice. Reverend Brackett called, texted, and safely visited members across the county. During Reverend Brackett’s tenure, Lebanon hosted its first All Saints Memorial service, honoring the ancestors who rest in peace in Lebanon’s cemetery, created its “Funds for Families” benevolent account, completed a Flourishing Church Leadership Series through the Lilly Foundation Thriving in Ministry grant, and established a digital footprint on social media, including a Facebook page and website.

Lebanon AME Church, Littleton, North Carolina, has a rich history extending back to 1787, when the Free African Society was established by Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, and others in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lebanon may be young compared to earlier history, but its ambition and drive have not wavered. Lebanon can truthfully say it has been blessed by leaning and depending on the Lord. Lebanon has grown from the visions and teachings of all its pastors. There have been 48 over its 125-years history. The members of Lebanon will be forever blessed and grateful for all that God has done, is doing, and will do in the future of the members, family, and friends of Lebanon African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Will you join Lebanon in putting its love in action?

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