About Us
Our 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.
On February 18, 1868, five trustees of The Presbytery of Catawba Of The United Presbyterian Church Of America signed a deed to purchase one acre of land in Sharon Township for $25. The purpose of this land was to erect the congregation's first church building and to provide for a burial ground. Later on, a primary school was also established.
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 and cemetery on Wendover Road was removed in the mid-1970th.
A Ground Penetrating Radar Study was conducted and completed on October 3, 2022. Through the use of the new technology, that study revealed 184 grave sites at the SouthPark site, compared to the 78 sites discovered in the original study in 1993. The Ground Penetrating Radar was conducted on the Wendover Road site January 8, 2024 which revealed 62 grave making the total number of graves 246 among the two cemeteries. The 1850 census record shows that the total number of the black population in the Sharon District 426 enslaved which 184 of them remains in the South Park Area ,as freed American at death. The First Church was destroyed by fire causing a lost of membership during relocation and building period!
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.
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Our history
The foundation was organized in February 9, 2023 and will oversee the preservation of the St. Lloyd Presbyterian Church cemeteries from 18th and 19th century. Envision vibrant colors flowing brightly in energizing whimsical circles and spheres that incorporate a seeds of growth theme.
Our mission
The mission of the St Lloyd Presbyterian Cemetery Foundation, Inc. is to revitalize and preserve the two remaining cemeteries of the historic St. Lloyd Presbyterian Church and bring awareness to the unique cultural heritage of the church, its members, and their descendants. Founded in 1867 in Sharon Township, the church played an important role in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region’s history until its closing in east Charlotte in 1966. The foundation will solidify the church’s contributions and legacy by way of service.
We are committed to our ancestors in maintaining the burial places in which they rest from their labor while on earth, and strive to leave a positive legacy.
Heb. 11: 4. And though he died, yet through the incident he still speaking.