Can you imagine hearing the old familiar hymns “Come By Here My Lord” or “Give Me That Old Time Religion” in the early 1840s of lower Mecklenburg County, North Carolina? The setting was a partially cleared plot of land with a brush arbor and rough boards for pews. This humble place of worship brought together enslaved men and women from surrounding plantations. Among them were the ancestors of Jim Wolfe, Jasper Moore, Jim Culp, Susane Mills, and John Newton Davis—faithful believers who would later become leaders of what is now Big Pineville AME Zion Church.
The Brush Arbor Days
For more than thirty years, these devoted worshippers gathered under the “brush arbor.” Eventually, a small wooden church was erected on that site, complete with a balcony or gallery.
In 1877, Mr. A. L. Bell and Ms. J. Bell donated the land where the church stood, along with surrounding property, to the worshipping community. Although the land was surveyed that same year, the official deed was not issued until 1888 after the $45 cost of surveying and documentation was paid.
Building and Growth
In the early 1900s, the trustees of Big Pineville decided to clear more land and sell the timber, allowing them to erect a new building in 1916. The trustees at the time were Sam Wolfe, Lum Porter, and Jim Culp.
Some of the ministers who served Big Pineville during the late 1800s and early 1900s included Rev. Westmoreland, Rev. Crockett, and Rev. Chambers. Records show that regular meetings were held for Christian Endeavor, Class Leaders, and Trustees. These were difficult times: ministers were often compensated with bushels of corn and wheat, poultry, vegetables, or small amounts of money. Rally offerings rarely exceeded five dollars.
In 1929, a Masonic Lodge Hall was built on the church grounds. Under the leadership of Rev. G. A. Alexander, the church had 48 regular members and 28 probationers.
Ministers of the Early 1900s
Between 1900 and 1936, the congregation was led by Rev. Stewart, Rev. Dodds, Rev. J. L. Shuford, Rev. Norwood, and Rev. G. A. Alexander. Rev. J. H. Finkley became pastor in 1936 and served until 1939, followed by Rev. R. V. Hamilton.
During this period, the church held annual Children’s Day and Easter programs, with the Sunday School playing an active role. The records also show strong accountability through Quarterly Conference minutes.
Through the 1940s and 1950s, pastors included Rev. R. V. Hamilton, Rev. Thompson, Rev. L. C. Clark, Rev. M. L. Houston, and Rev. Massey. Rev. Clark, who served four years, transitioned the church lighting from kerosene to electricity, baptized more than twenty children, and promoted unity. His wife, Mrs. Allie Clark, faithfully supported his ministry. Rev. Clark later became Presiding Elder of the Greater Charlotte District, of which Big Pineville is still a part. Rev. Houston also made key improvements during his four-year pastorate.
A Stationary Appointment
For many years, Big Pineville shared a pastor with St. Mark AME Zion Church. Ministers preached at Big Pineville on first and third Sundays and at St. Mark on the second and fourth. In 1964, Big Pineville became a stationary appointment.
The 1960s and 1970s
Rev. J. B. Spence pastored from 1963 until 1972. His ministry emphasized youth involvement, though this period was marked by the challenges of the Vietnam War, civil rights protests, school desegregation, and social unrest. Attendance suffered, but under his leadership the church began constructing a new building in 1969. Sadly, Rev. Spence passed away in 1978 before its completion.
Several members were called into ministry during this era, including Rev. Richard Culp, his son Rev. Monroe Culp (who would later pastor Big Pineville), and Rev. Fred Blakeney.
From 1972 to 1984, Rev. M. L. Thomas served faithfully, engaging in every aspect of church life. Sidewalks, steps, and ramps were added through the labor of members such as Willie B. Thompson, Jessie Jones, and John Patton. The church family worked together to complete building projects, held barbecues to raise funds, and formed the gospel group The Echodales.
Expanding Ministry
In 1984, Rev. Charles W. Reid became pastor. A church van was purchased for inner-city ministry, and Associate Minister Rev. Claire Hurst supported this work. Several choirs were organized, including the Voices of Big Pineville, the Junior Voices, and the Big Pineville Gospel Choir. Fundraisers such as Soul Suppers and the Grandmother’s Pageant helped finance stained glass windows and the construction of a new fellowship hall. Rev. Reid’s pastorate ended in 1990.
From 1990 to 1993, Rev. Walter Huggins led negotiations for relocating the church. A land swap moved the congregation from the original site to its present location on Providence Road West in Ballantyne.
From 1993 to 1997, Big Pineville was blessed to have one of its own—Rev. Monroe Culp—as pastor. He initiated the Prayer Warriors Ministry, the Fall Festival, and hosted the District Conference under Elder Smith Turner. The church’s stained-glass windows were preserved and adapted for the new sanctuary.
Continued Growth
Rev. Frank Hunter followed, serving with associates Rev. John Robbins, Rev. Steven Flowe, Rev. Kirk Reid, Rev. Craig Thomas, and Evangelist Verniece Garrison. During this time, a fire destroyed the fellowship hall, but out of that tragedy came a new kitchen, restrooms, classrooms, office space, conference room, expanded seating, and a new church van. Artist Brenda Holt designed stained-glass windows and a cross, donated by Bro. Frances Holt, was placed in the fellowship hall.
Rev. Turner briefly pastored from 2007–2008, followed by Rev. Robert Mathis (2008–2012), whose theme was “Our Vision Is Under God’s Supervision.” He introduced the church’s first pictorial directory and worked alongside Associate Pastor Rev. Veamaria Coble Burton to strengthen unity through prayer.
Recent Years
In 2014, Rev. Dr. Tressala Hicklin became the first female pastor of Big Pineville. Her theme, “Kingdom Building: Through Prayer, Praise, and Purpose,” brought renewed spiritual growth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she kept the church connected through conference calls, Facebook services, and online Bible Study. In February 2021, during her tenure, the church paid off its mortgage and celebrated a Mortgage Burning Ceremony that May. She faithfully served until 2024 when she was transferred to the Winston-Salem District.
Today…
In 2024, Big Pineville AME Zion Church welcomed Rev. Lloyd Nivens IV as pastor. His theme, “It’s Gonna Be Big—Believe In God,” reflects his vision of taking the congregation higher in its calling and service to God. Under his leadership, the church has continued to commit to the work of ministry. The church recently initiated “The Tree of Life Capital Campaign” to renovate facilities and support future ministries. In 2025, Minstrel Rodney Garrett was welcomed as the new Minister of Music.
This historical overview highlights the Big Pineville AME Zion Church’s enduring presence in Pineville, NC, its commitment to education, and its continued growth and development.