In 1883, just 18 years after the 13th Amendment was officially added to the Constitution abolishing slavery in the United States, change was brewing in this country. In a little fishing village in North Carolina called Sneads Ferry, a group of local pioneers, John Everett, Joseph Burnette and Elijah Montford, decided to jump on board with the change. Little Zion African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was founded. It was the very first Black church in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina; the oldest settlement in Onslow County, established in 1775. These gentlemen were deeded a parcel of land and an A-frame structure was the first sanctuary of Little Zion. The church was then organized and the first official boards were established: deaconesses, trustees and stewards. Other positions included the preacher’s steward, and church clerk. Members at that time were few in number but were extremely committed in their faith.

Rev. John Everett was the first preacher in 1884 and the first trustees were also co-founders, Burguard Robinson, Robert Montford, Anderson Davis, Charles Whitney, Linkfield Hawkins, John Spicer, Aaron Spicer, and Caleb Spicer. Several original members of Little Zion, John Everett, Aaron Everett, Richard Everett, and Nathaniel Everett later joined Capps Chapel, now known as Jenkins Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. This was the catalyst of a bond between Little Zion and Jenkins Chapel which allows the unique phenomenon of “two churches, one congregation”. For over 100 years, Little Zion and Jenkins Chapel have alternated worship Sundays, Little Zion worships on the first and third Sundays and Jenkins Chapel worships on the second and fourth Sundays.

Many years later, the church was destroyed by a hurricane and in 1918 the current building was constructed. By the 1930s money was scarce because of the depression, so people did what they could to make their lives happy. During these difficult times, the church was warmed by using a wood-burning stove in the winter and served special Sunday meals on the church grounds in the summer. The church members were always seeking the joy of the Lord through the struggles of a depressed economy. As the church members persevered, the membership continued to grow. In the 1930’s an usher board and choir were formed and the first renovation to the new structure was completed in 1955 when the choir loft and choir rooms were built. In the early 1960’s new stained-glass windows were purchased and installed.

In 1965, the first United States combat troops entered Vietnam. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was arrested during a voter registration protest in Selma, Alabama. Bill Cosby became the first African American to headline a television show, I Spy. The nation was changing and so was Little Zion. During a major renovation of the church, bathrooms were added and so were new pews. Mrs. Ruth Everett and Mr. William “Melvin” Davis formed a junior choir at this time. The Rev. Clyde L. Murphy served as the pastor from 1968 and spent 11 years in that position.

As Nixon resigned and Ford was sworn in as 38th President of the United States of America, Little Zion continued to flourish adding on a fellowship Hall in 1974 and the preservation of a historic cemetery behind the church. During that time two parcels of land were purchased and is now the church parking area. The Sunbeam Choir, consisting of 12 primary students, was also organized by Mrs. Betty Jean Davis.

During the 1980s, for the first time in the history of our country, America celebrates a national holiday for an African American, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In the mid-80’s, Rev. Easley Robinson was appointed as pastor. Rev. Robinson was a pastor who served the church with kindness; he had a special compassion for the sick and shut-ins. Under his leadership, the following renovation was completed: upgrade to the fellowship hall, added storage areas and a trustee room, extended kitchen area and the addition of two bathrooms.

On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall, the most potent symbol of the Cold War division of Europe, came down and communism fell and so was the end of the Cold War. In 1990, Rev. Joseph C. George, was appointed pastor. Though this was Rev. George’s first appointment, he had the ability to empower the people and instantly connected with the congregation. He quickly recognized the desire to continue to improve our church and the renovations were started to the vestibule area adding a new entranceway and handicap ramps. Under Rev. George’s leadership, the annual celebration “Family and Friends Day” began and continues today which is a very significant celebration in the life of our church.

In 1996, Clinton was president, HDTV was introduced to media personnel, the anticipation of the coming millennium was peaking and yet another hurricane destroyed Little Zion. For six months, Jenkins Chapel showed their love and support allowing Little Zion to hold worship service in their sanctuary while the complete renovation took place. With the day-to-day involvement of Rev. Julian Pridgen, associate minister, the renovation project was complete under the untiring leadership of Rev. William L. Wainwright, pastor, who was also the Presiding Elder. Later, Rev. Pridgen was appointed as pastor. Rev. Pridgen had a unique ability to connect with the youth. He too agreed with the need to continue to renovate the church and under his leadership completed a debt-free renovation effort by adding a pavilion and an outdoor storage area.

Since the turn of the millennium, under the leadership of Rev. Roscoe Linton, the church moved forward. In 2003, the 120th Church Anniversary was celebrated. Rev. Linton and the church body decided a new and more permanent headstone should be placed next to the church. This event marked another historic date in the life of our church. During the celebration, two of the oldest members, during that time were honored: Deaconess Clara Twitty (95) and Deaconess Gracie Smith (95). As pastor, Rev. Linton started the Angel Tree Prison Ministry; this outreach program continues today.

In 2004, Bush administration’s chief reason for launching war in Iraq is false for there were no weapons of mass destruction, public trust was clearly a major issue in the history of our country. In December 2004, the Rev. Reginald E. Bradshaw, was appointed pastor of this congregation. He has proven to be a man of trust and integrity who continuously works toward bringing his members and the community of Sneads Ferry closer to Christ. The congregation continues to grow spiritually, physically and financially. Since his appointment we have an 8:00 a.m. worship service, children’s bible study, floral ministry, men’s chorus, and an annual women’s retreat. The road leading to the church was paved and dedicated and the parking lot expanded. During 2007, the choir and chancel areas were expanded and refurnished. The pastor’s study was renovated and furnished. A van has been purchased and transportation services are rendered to our church members whenever needed. The steward board records the church services and CDs are distributed to our sick and shut-ins.

In 2008, history still in the making, using the slogan “Yes We Can” our country elected its first African American President, Barack Obama. With much pride and humility, we watched the 44th president of the United States take the oath of office and many Americans felt a genuine connection to the office of President and more importantly to the person, who represents a voice for all people. The economy in crisis, wars in the Middle East, a plunge in the job market, corrupt banking industry and a failure of big business, there are screams of loud cries from a people desperately seeking hope. But we at Little Zion are not a people of hopelessness because our “Hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus Blood and righteousness”.

As the President began to change the face of our depressed economic situation, Little Zion continued to follow the “Yes We Can” slogan. On Sunday, April 5, 2009, we aired the 1st radio broadcast on 92.3 FM and 101.1 FM and the www.carolinatouch.com.

During 2010, there were volatile weather conditions throughout the country; however, persevering with excitement and anticipation, we completed our most recent renovation project. We added an annex to the rear of the church.  The annex includes handicap accessible bathrooms, a multipurpose room, a new pastor’s study, finance room, a storage room and a deaconess room and handicap ramp.  The project also included an expansion of the kitchen area and the addition of new appliances in the kitchen.  The Annex Dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony occurred on January 16, 2011 with The Rt. Reverend Bishop Richard K. Thompson, Presiding Prelate, naming the “Marvin D. Everett Christian Education Annex” and the “Clara W. Twitty Fellowship Hall”.

In 2011 we became a part of a community outreach project with other churches in Sneads Ferry by hosting the Sneads Ferry Soup Kitchen ministry every Wednesday of the month.  Church member volunteers prepare meals in the Sneads Ferry Community Center and serve those individuals who desire to dine.

Also during 2011, 128-year old Little Zion was adapted as a new site along the Onslow County Heritage Trail, under the African-American FAM Tour.  The trail is a historic, educational, day tour filled with visiting designated sites in Onslow County.  In May 2011, a marker was placed on the grounds displaying information about the church’s heritage.

The pastors of Little Zion have been devout Christian preachers and teachers of the Word of God. Other than the pastors listed above they were, respectively: H. Quency, A. Sawyer, J. E. Hussey, W. Harrison, T. Lawhorne, G. Taylor, L. Fisher, H. King, T. Teachey, J. Boarden, A. McMillen, G. A. Small, H. M. Reed, L. Brown, W. Everett, G. W. Green, W. H. Simmons, W. C. Cooke, G. L. Gatlin, H. C. Simmons, A. M. Best, C. Davis, Jr., G. Foy, Jr., G. Nelson, and F. Little

Under Pastor Bradshaw’s dynamic leadership our church continues to be a worshipping witnessing welcoming congregation committed to a “Spirit of Excellence”.  When the Devil gets busy, we get busier. When sickness and death and hard times occur, our prayers go up 100-fold. We are certain that in times of strife and war, when the ideals of “family” and “Christianity” seem to crumble, our church will work for God. Our church will follow Christ! Our church will pray! Our church will not be moved, for the Gates of Hell will not prevail against us, for we are built on a Solid Rock! May we continue to stand as we have these 128 years, a living monument of a Savior who died that all men might live. To God be the glory!