Evans Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church - Built in 1893, the Gothic-style structure reflects beautiful craftsmanship in the two-story gable front, corner towers and interior woodwork. 301 N. Cool Spring St. Open by appointment. 910-483-2862.
 

The History of Evans Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Zion
Church: A Chronicle of Events".
> Author: Dr. Annette C. Billie, PhD., Fayetteville, North Carolina
> ACB Publishing Co. 749 Edgehill Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina 2006.
344 Pages.
>
> In the History of Evans Metropolitan African Methodist Episocpal Zion
Church: A Chronicle of Events"
> by Dr. Annette C. Billie, PhD., she does just that--chronicle events and
actions of power-packed people that shaped the local and general church,
World Methodism, and the City of Fayetteville, North Carolina.  Dr. Billie
states that the reason for this publication is to have a written account of
contributions made by Evans Metropolitan Church , before and since its
establishment in 1801.  Churches, schools, professional educational
organizations, fraternities, sororities, Historical Societies, students of
History and those searching for their roots will benefit from this
monumental work by Dr. Billie.
> Dr. Billie is methodical in her research and treatment of her findings--a
result, no doubt of her arithmetical background (PhD. in Mathematics).  She
begins at the beginning; with a bio of sorts on Henry Evans affectionately
called "Father Evans".  Just the fact that Henry Evans was a free black
cobbler and minister and built the first Methodist Church in Fayetteville,
North Carolina should be enough.  Nevertheless, Dr. Billie has chronicled
information regarding 'Father Evans' that is not mentioned in any of the
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Denomination publications or books;
suggesting areas and possibilities for further research on this great man
who swam across the icy Cape Fear River three times to preach the Gospel.
> Evans Metropolitan Church, originally the "African Meeting House" was once
the place where both blacks and whites worshiped together since the building
was the first church building ever erected in Fayetteville.
> Dr. Billie places on her List of Tables, a page for "Men of Distinction",
listing all of the men which served as Pastors of Evans and then elevated to
the Episcopacy.  Men who influenced the advance of World Methodism and
liberation.
>
> Similar to the book by Dr. George W. McMurray and Dr. Ndugu G. B.
T'Ofori-Atta---Mother Zion 200 Years of Evangelism and Liberation", Evans
History tells of the rich legacy of Evangelism, Freedom, Social and economic
advances, and contributions made by Africans in America.  Out of the womb of
Evans Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church were born
institutions such as Fayetteville State University.  From the ministries of
Evans were birthed educators, businessmen and women, preachers, attorneys
and more.  From a Historical architectural point of view Evans is a bastion
of architectural splendor and listed on the National Register of Historic
Places and a local Landmark in the City of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
> some may say that this book is long overdue but I say that it is right on
time, especially in light of the "paucity of written materials that relate
to the history of Black people in America and other regions of the World"
(Author's quote).
> This work by Dr. Billie is a delight to read, peruse and reference.
>
> Rev. Ray P. Owens
> January 1, 2007
>