43 Years of Record-Breaking Pastoral Leadership at Weeping Willow A.M.E. Zion in Charlotte, NC
By Barbara W. Rush
After 43 years of pastoral leadership at the Weeping Willow A.M.E. Zion Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Reverend Dr. J. Wardell Henderson, Jr., accepted God's call to the position of Presiding Elder of the Concord District in the West Central Conference.
Dr. Henderson's tenure at Weeping Willow began at the Annual Conference of June 1971. Over more than four decades, his ministry became a defining presence in the Charlotte community and across the broader A.M.E. Zion connection.
"The following is only part of his story able to be captured…"
His transition to Presiding Elder marked a new chapter of servant leadership, extending his pastoral care and administrative guidance across the Concord District while leaving an enduring legacy at Weeping Willow.
The A.M.E. Zion Church has long been a beacon of spiritual leadership and community transformation, with its bishops, presiding elders, and pastors carrying forward a rich Wesleyan heritage. Across districts from the Carolinas to Washington, D.C., and beyond, annual conferences and special gatherings unite Zionites in worship, ministry, and mission. The church's commitment to education is evident through its support of Livingstone College and Hood Theological Seminary, institutions that prepare future generations for service. Meanwhile, capital campaigns and endowment funds sustain the church's vision, ensuring that the legacy of faithful stewardship continues to bless congregations and communities for years to come.
The theme of unity runs deep within the A.M.E. Zion tradition, as seen in the annual winter meetings, summer conferences, and special sessions that bring together clergy and laity alike. From the historic streets of Charlotte to the gathering places of Spartanburg and beyond, the church celebrates its heritage while embracing a future of healthy relationships and spiritual regeneration. The recent homegoing celebrations of beloved mothers and fathers of the church remind Zionites of the faithful cloud of witnesses who have gone before. Through missionary work, women's ministries, and the leadership of dedicated officers, the church continues to fulfill its calling to spread the gospel and serve humanity.
