Echoes From The Sandhills

##Early Black Churches

Series 2: Sanctuary & Strength: The Legacy of Black Churches in the Sandhills

Echo 2 - Roots of Black Presbyterianism in Harnett County

In Echo 1 – Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church, it was mentioned that the church was originally established as a Presbyterian church. Presbyterianism was prevalent throughout Harnett County, particularly in Lillington, with Summerville Presbyterian Church, and in Barbecue Township with Barbecue Presbyterian Church. Historical records reveal that our enslaved ancestors attended church with their enslavers and sat in the balcony or in the back pews. After Emancipation, some continued to worship in those churches but soon became disenchanted when they were still treated less than equal and denied leadership roles.

According to the history of Barbecue Presbyterian Church, John Sinclair, under the Board of Domestic Missions of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. (Northern), came to North Carolina shortly after Emancipation to preach to Freedmen. Records further state that he organized the church now known as Love Grove A.M.E. Zion Church. Other African American Presbyterian churches established between 1865 and 1869 were Lillington First Presbyterian, Spout Springs Memorial United Presbyterian, and Williams Chapel Presbyterian.

Spout Springs Memorial United Presbyterian Church - 1867

The roots of this congregation trace back to two devoted and courageous forefathers, Mr. Jack Redding and Mr. Ned McGregor. Feeling a profound need for a place to worship Almighty God, they united their spiritual conviction with physical determination to lay the foundation for what became Spout Springs Memorial United Presbyterian Church.

The first structure was built in McGregor Town, a small community about three miles north of the present location. Seeking a more central site better suited to their means of travel, the congregation moved and, in 1869, erected a second building on the current grounds. This house of worship faithfully served as a place for Sabbath School, prayer, and eventually the preaching of the Gospel under the leadership of their first minister, Rev. Rattleford, who served with great zeal and dedication. Through years of repair and devotion, this sanctuary stood strong for 95 years.

Williams Chapel Presbyterian Church - 1869

Williams Chapel Presbyterian Church was established in 1869 by Phillip Williams, Elijah Clark, and Richard Chalmers, who were the first elders elected to the new church. Additional names found on the church’s cornerstone include A.B. Harrington and Albert McDougald. Phillip Williams donated two acres of land for the construction of the original church, giving the congregation its name. The first minister to serve the church was Rev. Alexander McNeil.

Lillington First Presbyterian Church

Lillington First Presbyterian Church was also organized during this period of spiritual formation and community building among Freedmen in Harnett County. Like Spout Springs and Williams Chapel, its members sought to create a place where they could worship freely, lead their own congregations, and shape their spiritual future after Emancipation.

A Shared Legacy

Unfortunately, because our ancestors were denied the right to learn to read and write, much of this history was not formally recorded. We must piece it together from oral stories passed down through generations and the scattered historical records that remain. Today, the three historic congregations—Lillington First, Spout Springs, and Williams Chapel—are yoked together and are known collectively as the Lillington Field of Churches, carrying forward a legacy of faith, perseverance, and community.

Be sure to click on the links (underlined) for supplemental information.

Stay tuned — our next Echo will be posted in two weeks, on our regular every-other-Thursday schedule.

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