St. Lloyd Presbyterian Cemetery

Jan 28

Site Brief:

Founded: 1867

Location: Charlotte, NC

Additional name(s): Cemetery #1 and Cemetery #2

Affiliate group(s): N/A

History:

In October 1867, a group of African-American members of Sharon Presbyterian Church, in what was then known as Sharon Township in Charlotte, NC, appeared before the Church Elders. According to minutes of that Session, these members requested "advice and aid in building a house of worship for the colored people." Though the names of the petitioners and the church they wished to establish are not in the church's minutes, it is believed that these African-American members were the subsequent founders of St. Lloyd Presbyterian Church.

The church moved to a new location in Grier Heights after the SouthPark land was sold to Sarah and Cameron Morrison, who had been governor of North Carolina, around 1926. At this time the five trustees were James Rodman, Hall Price, Thomas Knox, Walter Davis and Frank Price for Lloyd Presbyterian Church. A second church and cemetery was formed on 2 acres plus from E.W Wallace and Katie C. Wallace when it was possible for blacks to own land at the Grier Heights location. The Wallace's were members of the Colony Road church who had become landowners in Mecklenburg County. Over time, as church members merged with other local congregations, the church building at cemetery #2 was removed in the mid-1970th.

Today what remains of the church are these two cemeteries: one in SouthPark and one in Grier Heights. The foundation, representing Grier Heights and SouthPark residents, will ensure the long-term care and preservation of these historic sites, continuing the legacy for future generations.