CURRITUCK — In 1866, one year after the conclusion of the Civil War, churches founded by freed slaves began springing up all over the south. One of those churches was Good Hope African Methodist Episcopal Zion in Currituck.

On Sunday, Good Hope AME Zion will celebrate its 142 anniversary and honor the lives of past and present members who contributed to the church's longevity. There will be a special service starting at 2:30 p.m., with the Rev. W.L. Davis of Shiloh speaking. A dinner will follow the service.

Brenda Kleman (ENLARGE)

The Rev. Randy Johnson will preside over Good Hope A.M.E Zion Church's 142 anniversary service and celebration Sunday.

According to members who researched the church's history, Good Hope was the first black church in Currituck County. It was founded in 1866 by the Rev. Andrew Cartwright, who began his ministerial work by preaching to slaves on Roanoke Island.

At the end of the war, Cartwright chose to build his church in Currituck, near Sligo, because he felt that it was the center of the county's black population. The first church was built across the road from where it stands today off N.C. Highway 168.

Alice Chatman has been a lifelong member of Good Hope A.M.E. Zion, as were her parents. She said she started attending the church as a baby 83 years along with her 14 brothers and sisters.

"At one time the church had over 300 members, but in the 1940s and 1950s many of them went north to find jobs," Chatman said.

Chatman remembers attending the church as a child and young adult when it was heated by a potbelly stove and lit with kerosene lamps. But, she also remembers the church's significance in helping to educate generations of Currituck's black population.

According to Chatman, high school graduations were held at the church until the Union Colored School was built. The church also served as a place where black adults could learn to read and write so they could find better paying jobs.

Chatman also said that the Snowden 4-H Club used to meet at the church, which also was the site of the county's first senior center.

Another member of the church, Sue Hill, was one of the parishioners who moved north to find employment. However, Hill said that she used to attend services in the summer with her mother, Leola Brumsey.

The church's current minister, the Rev. Randy Johnson, is a native of Elizabeth City who spent 25 years in the military. He said Good Hope is special because throughout its history it has encouraged its congregation to not only learn about the Lord's work, but to practice it by helping others in the community.

Johnson said he believes his military background has better prepared him to encourage people to serve others.

"I try to motivate people to be the best that they can be," he said.