St. Peter's AME Zion Church

St. Peter's AME Zion Church is a red brick structure with a peaked roof and two-story tower sections on either side of the main entrance on Queen Street. The building displays Late Gothic Revival and Craftsman design features across its rectangular form.

The congregation was formally established in 1864 from an earlier chapel community, making it the first African Methodist Episcopal Zion church in North Carolina. The present brick building was constructed between 1923 and 1942 to serve the growing congregation.

This church served as a gathering place and meeting hall for the African American community throughout the 20th century. It held significant meaning as a center for social and religious life in the neighborhood.

The church sits on Queen Street in a central downtown location that is easy to find and walk to from surrounding neighborhoods. Visitors should plan to visit during posted service hours or contact ahead to arrange a tour of the interior.

A parsonage built in 1926 stands beside the main church, constructed in American Craftsman style to house clergy and serve administrative purposes. This companion structure reflects the congregation's growth and stability during the early 20th century.

Location: New Bern

Inception: 1923

GPS coordinates: 35.11028,-77.04361

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:04