DR. FLORINE BELL – WELDON’S RELIGIOUS ROOTS PROGRAM
EXCERPTS FROM COMMENTS BY DR FLORINE BELL:
The Irvin Francis Kyle III Speaker Program - “Weldon’s Religious Roots”
Dr. Florine Bell wrapped up the program on Weldon’s religious roots by adding comments about the evangelical churches in Weldon that now supplement the six historic churches discussed earlier in the evening. She pointed out that “Weldon In Action is making history by becoming the first to ever address the county’s church history publicly. The event could become a future endeavor by continuing to other areas.”
“Historically churches have been ancient pillars of the bible that have impact and fostered a sense of belonging and solidary within our towns and respected neighborhoods. Firstly, churches provide spiritual and moral guidance in a designated place for worship. Churches often provide services far beyond their primary religious function, offering reflection, advice and counsel on ethical and moral issues thereby shaping the values of our distinguished community.
“Churches are the backbone of our society, providing aid to those in need including food, shelter, and financial assistance. They act as safety nets, becoming places and palaces of refuge for our most vulnerable populations and especially during these turbulent times.
Churches “established hospitals, especially during the Civil War and subsequent years. Additionally, the universities, colleges, and schools in rural areas such as Joseph Teasby Brick Agricultural Industrial & Normal School established in 1871 in our own Whitakers, NC. We are closely tied to New England and northern Congregationalists of the American Missionary Association. These groups founded schools in the South after the Civic War with newly-free people, where formal education was scarce and almost unattainable. Who can forget the churches and pastors dutifully at the forefront of social justice, movements advocating for civil rights, equality, and other critical issues. I distinctly recall Rev. Jeremiah Webb of the First Bapt Church on Third street, a renowned figure in Weldon. He was a dedicated president of the NAACP, who was highly engaged in civic, political and community affairs of justice and equality. Churches provided our cultural heritage by maintaining traditions of family gatherings, music and art forms that reflect the unique identity of our cultures.
“Weldon’s non-denominational churches …have experienced significant and continuous growth. This growth, brothers and sisters, is a testimony to the enduring relevance, strength, talents and commitment to peace, love, and promise…. Weldon’s formation of non-denominational churches includes the Evangelistic Church of Deliverance. Founded in May 1969 by Emeritus Bishop William M. Cheek, Sr in the former Center movie theatre…. By 2001 the church had grown to a mega capacity… and moved to its newly constructed sanctuary at 195 Sycamore Street. Succeeding Bishop Cheek is Pastor Clarence L. Harris Sr. who is with us tonight.
“The Miracle Church, 201 Fairground Lane… is one of Weldon’s nondenominational churches”. Others are the “True Way Church of God, 101 Ransom Street and St Mark House of Prayer, 1030 Sycamore Street with Bishop Carlton and Pastor Gloria Davis. You know they are the owners and managers and operators of the Thrift Store across from the Church of Deliverance behind the Weldon Fire Station. I shop there very often.
“The Holy Sanctuary Church [is located at] 103 Maple Street. The Lifeline Church of God in Christ, 117 W First Street, was founded by Bishop David Chaplin In 2004. We have the Temple Emanuel Gospel Truth of the Apostolic Faith located at the corner of 8th and Sycamore Street. [They have been] holding services in the former Temple Emanuel Synagogue since 2006 They also prepare large quantities of food for residents of Weldon and other nearby towns. Bishop Curtis Ransom is their pastor.
Others are The United Full Gospel Revival Center at 29 Ponderosa Road and the Power of God Evangelistic Delivery, 750 County Road. God’s Church of Delivery, 1505 Washington Avenue, was founded by the former Bishop Ralph Daley. There is the Faith & Hope Charity Church at 1408 Elm Street. We also have the Valley Community Church, another mega church. They are…now building a new addition. Founded in 1995 at 1215 Julian R. Allsbrook Highway, the lead pastor is David Schmaltz. We have a Compassion Worship Center, 117 W 12th St.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I failed to mention my pastoral duties at the New Hope Apolostic Church at 40 Luke street, in the neighboring town of Roanoke Rapids. Our cornerstone is dated 1976. The church was founded and built by Bishop Willa Jesus of Richmond, VA. Of the many churches credited tonight, I would also like to acknowledge and credit any other churches’ outreach ministries that were inadvertently not mentioned overall. Based on what we have witnessed and heard tonight the churches of Weldon have made and have paid significant contributions to both its building and supporting the Christian community as well as the continued progressive growth of Weldon’s prosperity. “
Source: Zoom transcript of meeting on March 20, 2025
