747 WEST TRADE STREET
1953 - 1973
In 1953, the multi talented Reverend Robert Herman Frazier was installed as the thirteenth pastor. He was licensed to preach in 1925 and ordained in 1930. Under the leadership of Pastor Frazier, the church acquired its second pastorium in 1953 and was located at 2319 Lucena Street. The church hosted its fourth National Primitive Baptist convention in 1955.
In 1963, the church was forced to relocate and the community was razed because of the Urban Renewal that occurred throughout America. The eleventh street edifice was acquired by the City of Charlotte for $50,000 and destroyed along with much of the First Ward community it served. The building located at 747 West Trade street was purchased for $90,000 and the congregation marched to the new edifice on January 19, 1964. The name also was changed to the Greater Mt Moriah Primitive Baptist church. This pilgrimage also signaled our loss of the community based support that had given birth to the churches seventy three years on a hill in First Ward. The new location also offered several challenges never before experienced by the church. For the first time in many years the congregation had to face a monthly mortgage note, no room for expansion and an inadequate physical facility not designed for Primitive Baptist worship services. In spite of these handicaps, the church hosted its fifth National Primitive Baptist convention in 1967.
The pastorium was relocated to 2536 Bancroft street and Reverend Frazier resided there and continued to serve as pastor at the new location until his death, in March 1973. Also in 1973, Elder Thomas W. Samuels answered the call and on September 16, 1973, he assumed pastoral duties.