 Seigle Avenue Presbyterian children's sermon
led by Mary Alice Buhrer. Photo by Sharon Ford. Since its inception, Seigle Avenue Presbyterian Church has identified itself as “A Small Church with a BIG Mission” and has continuously set the precedent for cultural change long before those in our community and country felt “comfortable” with various forms of inclusion and justice. This sentiment is best expressed in the church mission statement which states:
We are called by God to be an inclusive congregation that promotes and enjoys the fellowship of Christ and His people. We are diverse in race, economic condition, social background, sexual orientation, and educational and religious experience, but we believe God has called us together to live in faith, witness for Christ, and work for justice. Through our worship and committed relationship with the surrounding urban neighborhoods and beyond, we seek to witness to God’s love.
The worship of God is at the center of our life. We value lively music, lay leadership, and challenging sermons. We believe in the power of forgiveness. We believe worship is a time for sharing and praying for specific personal and corporate concerns as well as thanksgiving for particular blessings. We leave worship renewed for being God’s people in the world.
 2005 Seigle Avenue Presbyterian Youth
Summit. Photo by Sharon Ford. This mission was demonstrated when the church built its sanctuary across the street from a public housing complex, Piedmont Courts, in 1949. When the country began to change during the tumultuous ‘60’s and ‘70’s, and “in the frantic ‘white flight’ from the neighborhood began,” Seigle Avenue held fast to God’s plan and became the first church in the Charlotte Presbytery to have an integrated staff and congregation.
Over the years Seigle Avenue has been recognized a number of times by civic and political leaders, organizations and The Charlotte Observer for its plentiful outreach and cultural programs, especially those supporting the Piedmont Courts community. In the early years, Mother’s Invention was a multi-ethnic lunch program for mothers in the nearby Piedmont Courts community. The group participated in many social activities and went on to be recognized by The Charlotte Observer by winning the “Club of the Year Award.”
 Seigle Avenue Presbyterian youth car wash. Photo by Martine Wurst Other outreach programs were formed such as the Young Women’s Association (YWA), The Every Ready Club, Each One Reach One, Bugs, Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, Full Court Press Against Crime, The Noble Knights, and the Akwaaba Dance & Drum Troupe. The church has sponsored various youth sports leagues that have partnered with the YMCA and the Salvation Army, and used counselors and seminary students from nearby Johnson C. Smith University (historically black) and Davidson College.
Seigle Avenue has survived many transitions; one such change has been the closing of Piedmont Courts to make way for city renovations. Not to be deterred from God’s plan Seigle Avenue has expanded its outreach to more cultural avenues in the community. The Wonderful Wednesdays program continues to offer a Sunday School program mid-week and the Seigle Ave. Partners host a pre-school and an after school program.
 Fish fry fund raiser for Seigle Avenue
Presbyterian youth department. Photo by Sharon Ford. Additionally, last fall Seigle held a Youth Summit that included teens from around the city in weekend long sessions filled with education, art and worship. The church also has representation in several community organizations around the city such as R.A.I.N. (AIDS outreach), a Prison Ministry, H.E.L.P. (community empowerment group), Disaster Assistance, Room at the Inn (homeless outreach), Fill My Cup (literacy program), a Congregational Care Network and many more.
Today the membership roster has a total of 189 members. Of these members, 69 are African-American, 106 are White, and eight and are of Hispanic/Latino descent; additionally, Seigle also has one Austrian, and one African member respectively. The session is equally divided among racial and gender lines with four African-American members and four White members; four men and four women. As the church continues to grow it continues to become more inclusive with God’s plan and mission with plans to reach more people in the Hispanic/Latino community.
Written and submitted by Victoria P. Crocker
Seigle Avenue Presbyterian Church
600 Seigle Avenue
Charlotte, N.C. 28204
Phone: (704) 338-1914 |
