Church hymns, spiritual songs and gospel are at the musical heart and soul of African American communities. So it’s not surprising that many of the artists profiled in African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina were introduced to music through their churches. Some went on to play jazz, funk, or rhythm and blues, while others found their home in sacred music.

For Rocky Mount resident Luther Barnes, spreading ministry through song was his family’s legacy. He readily followed in the footsteps of his famous father, Bishop Faircloth “F.C.” Barnes, who founded Red Budd Holy Church. Now, Barnes, a Grammy-nominated gospel artist, leads the Sunset Jubilaires, a family-based quartet that has been performing for more than three decades. When he‘s not on the road performing, he can be found leading the Red Budd Gospel Choir.

Red Budd and other churches throughout eastern North Carolina welcome visitors to attend services and appreciate their gospel music, hymns, and spoken sermons. These places of worship ask only that you respect their ceremonies and rituals.

Below is a list of churches across eastern North Carolina that welcome visitors, followed by some helpful etiquette tips when you’re ready to attend a service. Several of the churches listed were mentioned and photographed in the guidebook.

Etiquette tips for Visiting Churches

  • Plan to stay for the entire service. (Check ahead for service start times.)
  • Dress should be respectful of the setting. For example, avoid revealing clothes.
  • If visitors are recognized during the service, stand up and introduce yourself.
  • Consider contributing to the offering.
  • Turn off cell phones.
  • Do not use any recording devices (including cell phones, still cameras, audio recorders, or video recorders) unless you have received prior permission from the pastor.
  • Enjoy sharing and interacting with the music!

Red Budd Holy Church

1108 Luper St.
Rocky Mount, NC
252-977-1337

United Fellowship Assembly

402 S. Barnes St.
Nashville, NC
252-459-1990

St Augustus AME Zion Church

318 E. North St
Kinston, NC
252-523-4287

St. John Free Will Baptist Church

405 E. Blount St.
Kinston, NC
252-527-0573

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church of La Grange

209 S. Cary St.
La Grange, NC
252-566-4456

First African Baptist Church

803 Harris St.
Goldsboro, NC
919-734-4935
www.fabcnc.org

Victory and Dominion World Outreach Center

1438 Highway 258 N.
Snow Hill, NC
252-747-5719
victoryanddominion.org

Wilson Chapel Baptist Freewill Church

515 Barnes St. S.
Wilson, NC
252-291-2047

Jackson Chapel First Missionary Baptist Church

571 Nash St. E.
Wilson, NC
252-243-6754

St. John AME Zion Church

119 Pender St., E.
Wilson, NC