Northeast Church in Charlotte, N.C., marked its 40th anniversary throughout 2025 with a yearlong series of worship services, special events, and community-focused initiatives that highlighted four decades of faith, growth, and service.
Founded in 1985, the church used its milestone year to reflect on its history while investing in its future. The anniversary celebration formally began in early January with the launch of a $50,000 fundraising campaign dedicated to capital improvements. Church leaders said the initiative was designed not only to address facility needs, but also to unite members around a shared vision of stewardship and mission.
In February, the congregation observed “Name Tag Sabbath,” an intentional effort to strengthen relationships within the church. Members wore name tags during worship and fellowship activities to encourage connection across generations and among newer and longtime families.
Nostalgia took center stage in June during “Throwback Sabbath,” a service that honored the church’s first two decades. Frank Harrell, former pastor of Northeast, served as the guest speaker. A combined choir provided music, creating what attendees described as a reflective and celebratory atmosphere. The service offered an opportunity to remember the milestones that shaped the congregation’s identity.
The anniversary year reached its peak in October with a daylong celebration attended by more than 400 members and guests. The worship service featured a mass choir directed by Carla Edwards, that included former and current members. The choir was accompanied by a newly gifted Hammond organ, played by DaVaughn Miller, Ed.D., Northeast Church’s minister of music.
Carla, Jennifer, and Veronica Edwards shared “the rest of the story” which provided history, and then gave a vivid and heartfelt account of the church’s second 20-year history that was marked by growth, expanding ministries, and a steadily increasing culturally diverse membership.
Several former pastors returned for the occasion, including Kenneth Moore and Harrell. Calvin Preston, South Atlantic Conference president, delivered a sermon focusing on faithfulness, perseverance, and the role of the local church in community transformation.
Following the worship service, attendees gathered for a luncheon and additional programming in the church’s family life center. During the luncheon, five longtime members, Huey Rowe Anderson, Ph.D., Teralyn Gray, Carolyn Preston, Derek Miller, and Tonya Primus, were recognized as “Influencers” for their decades of service and leadership that helped guide the church’s ministries.
Also, Moncrief Michael and Natasha Haywood received recognition for their leadership in overseeing recent renovations to the church sanctuary and family life center, projects that leaders said were essential to supporting future ministries.
The anniversary year concluded with a notable financial achievement. Church officials announced that the congregation exceeded its $50,000 fundraising goal, raising $63,000 in nine months. Leaders credited the success to widespread participation, and a shared commitment to the church’s mission.
Evan Willis, D.Min., Northeast Church pastor, led the congregation during the anniversary year, and described the milestone as a testament to faith, unity, and perseverance. As the church enters its fifth decade, members say the anniversary served not only as a celebration of the past, but also as a recommitment to worship, service, and community engagement in Charlotte.
South Atlantic | March 2026
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