Jones Temple AME Zion
Jones Temple AME Zion Church
The building in the top right corner is Jones Temple AME Zion Church. In 1922 the building was finished and ever since then, it has been a beacon for the African American community in Haywood County. Unfortunately in recent years, membership has dropped due to members moving out of town or older members dying, but this does not hurt their spirit. Service is still held every Sunday morning, led by Reverend William E. Staley of Spartanburg, SC.
Reverend William E. Staley is the current pastor at Jones Temple AME Zion Church in Waynesville, NC. A figure of authority and inspiration since 1990, Reverend Staley is very respected and admired by his congregation in Haywood County and acts as the leader of his church in particular as well as an extension of the entirety of the AME Zion Church throughout his ministry and service.
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Jones Temple History Archived
The document on the top right details the brief history of the Jones Temple AME Zion Church in Waynesville from its inception to the further establishment of leadership, community involvement and lasting impact in an area of North Carolina that was largely segregated until the mid-20th century. This document was created to preserve the history of the church and to leave a written account of why the church is important to remember on a larger historiographical scale.
The newspaper article on the bottom left from the Waynesville Mountaineer highlights Jones Temple AME Zion Church and its history in Haywood County. Despite dropping membership over the past decade, the spirits of the congregation are high. In the article, Rev. William E Staley says: "My vision for our people, is to see our church grow as it meets the interracial needs of this community, including African Americans, Anglos, Latinos and others." This article shows that not only has Jones Temple been in the community for over a hundred years, but that they have been an important part of the interracial community of Waynesville and despite low membership now, they will still continue on in their mission to help all members of the community.
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