Our Journey — Our History
Moore’s Sanctuary A.M.E. Zion Church stands as one of the oldest and most cherished churches in Mecklenburg County, with deep roots stretching back to 1870. Like many early southern churches, its beginning was humble — a brush arbor in the Sloan Quarters community. These early arbors, often simple wooden structures made from branches, served as the first gathering spaces for worshippers. The original arbor measured about 20 feet wide and 25 feet long, with a gently sloped roof, providing a sacred place of prayer and unity for a growing congregation.
Since its founding, Moore’s Sanctuary has remained at its original location — 4101 Morris Field Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina — a testament to its enduring presence and spiritual steadfastness.
The church was named in honor of the late Rev. Dublin Moore and Bishop John Jamison Moore, both influential figures in the A.M.E. Zion Church’s history. The first pastor was Elder Thomas, and the church’s foundation was laid by faithful organizers including Jimmy and Rose Jones, David and Mary Moore, Anderson and Easter McDonald, Charles and Rachel Parker, Ben and Eliza Nance, Andy and Caroline Alexander, Frank and Sarah Harris, Jackson and Minerva Jamison, Harriet Sadler, and Sarah Torrence.
These early believers, with unwavering faith, recognized the need to build God a true sanctuary. Land for the church was generously donated by Ben Nance, Frank Harris, Charlie Torrence, and Lewis Moore, while Charlie Parker and Samuel Lee Taylor contributed additional property for a cemetery — later neighboring what became Plato Price High School.

Our Victory — The Building of a Legacy
From the humble brush arbor emerged an A-shaped wooden structure, which served as the first sanctuary near the current cemetery grounds. The church’s first official building was completed before 1930, and under the leadership of Rev. T.M. Powe in the 1940s, it was renovated and relocated to its current site.
A period of great growth came under Rev. David Pharr, Sr. in 1966, with the addition of a two-story educational wing and fellowship hall. Rev. Pharr, a dedicated pastor and skilled brick mason, personally contributed his craftsmanship, working alongside members to complete the brick exterior — often for little or no pay. During this period, worship transitioned from being held every other Sunday to every Sunday, reflecting the congregation’s deepening spiritual commitment.
In December 1973, under Rev. John M. McCall, the church broke ground on its present sanctuary, completing construction by June 1975. Rev. McCall was succeeded by Rev. William R. Robinson in 1981, who led the congregation in paying off the church mortgage by December 1984.
A historic mortgage burning ceremony took place on September 21, 1986, under Rev. John I. Jackson, marking a major milestone. Rev. Jackson’s visionary leadership later inspired the construction of the John I. Jackson Family Life Center, completed and dedicated on February 21, 1999, under the stewardship of Oscar W. Bidgood and Ervin Reid, chairpersons of the building committee.
An editorial once described Rev. Pharr’s leadership beautifully:
“Upon assuming the pastorate of Moore’s Sanctuary in 1960, he found a people discouraged and ready to abandon their heritage. Rev. Pharr began to rebuild—not only walls, but minds, hearts, and souls. He revived hope, restored faith, and resurrected what was spiritually and physically dying.”