Scattered throughout York's history are missing pages and other fragments, but as you read through eras of history, you can see that our forefathers dreamed "large dreams."

     Quoted from previous history, it has wisely been said, "Any successful movement of today has its roots embedded in the past." This certainly is true of York Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. York has moved forward for over a hundred years with continuation of leadership, God's blessings and prayerful warriors it will continue to grow.

      The A.M.E. Zion Church in Greenville was organized in 1865 by Jenny Perry and Father Pitt with James Walker Hood, acting Bishop. The first meetings were held in the schoolhouse under the hill on the South side of the Tar River. The church was built by members - Sam Fleming, Ashley Teel, Nathan Crandle and Charlie Webb.

     In our faith, many pastors were sent to shepherd the flock. Each came and labored according to his skills and abilities.

     Under the administration of Rev. York, the desire for a church building in a better location was kindled. A site located on First Street between Reid and Cotanche Streets was purchased by Mr. Samuel Perry. (Samuel Perry was a Baptist minister who was married to Jenny Perry.)

     The white, framed church was built. In 1882, Bishop J. W. Hood officiating, the structure was dedicated and named York's Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, in honor of the first pastor, Reverend York. This was a joyous time for the pioneer members of Zion in Greenville - Sisters Millie James, Jenny Perry, Margaret Cherry, Dianne Gorham, Lizzie Wooten; Brothers Lawrence Norcott, William Norcott, James Norcott, Sam Perry, and Charlie Webb.

     Within the following years, many reverent men were sent by various Bishops to lead York Temple: Peter Raspberry, Ferebee and Solomon, Peter Williams, James Moore, Jr. Louis Williams, H.P. Walter, T.S. Maultsby, Roberts Hunter, Sawyer, Garret, Randolph, Martin Butler, and J.S. Cooper.