St. John AME Church continues legacy of worship for more than a century

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — It’s Black History Month, and for more than a century, a church in Pender County has been an integral part of a local African-American community.

For members of St. John AME Church in Hampstead, it is a special place to worship and hope that will continue for many more years.

The church was founded in 1886 and moved to its current location in the 1970s.

John Nixon is 98 years old and the church’s associate pastor.

His ancestors helped start the church

Over the years, Nixon has held several positions at the church, including reverend, class leader, and Sunday school teacher.

Nixon hopes that this place of worship will continue to have a positive impact on its congregants and the community.

“This church would be a great impact to the kingdom and what it’s been doing since I’ve been here, working on the value of mankind, trying to make things better,” Nixon said.

JoAnn Spencer was raised in St. John, before moving away to live in another state for 50 years.

She moved back around 5 years ago and said there was never any doubt that she would come back to St. John.

“Where else would I go? This was not anything that should be debated,” Spencer said. “Although I have two sisters who attend other churches, it was never my thought to go to any other church.”

Spencer added that despite its small congregation of around 50 people, St. John is an important part of the local area.

“This church has been the foundation of the community. It has given people the opportunity to come and witness to the Lord and to show their love for each other.

Nixon said he hopes the church continues to be a beacon for his congregation and the area for many more years to come.