How it all started...
The roots of Prospect Community Church run deep in the rich soil of Robeson County—both literally and spiritually. Though the exact date of its founding is unknown, the name “Prospect Church” first appeared publicly on August 18, 1871, in the Wilmington Star. At the time, the community was already stirred by the gospel message, thanks to the faithful witness of Rev. W. L. Moore, a Methodist preacher who moved from Columbus County in 1876. His ministry helped lay the foundation for what would become a thriving church among the Native American families of the area.
The earliest gatherings were humble—no grand buildings or padded pews, just faithful people gathering in log-structured sanctuaries, seated on benches pegged together by hand. The first church building was erected around 1865, and the early membership consisted of about 20–25 committed believers. Trustees like Preston Locklear, Malachia Locklear, and Vander Locklear helped secure property for the church in 1876, with land donations from community members like William and Mary Ann Locklear.
These were farmers and tradespeople—men and women who worked the land, dipped turpentine in Georgia, raised sugar cane, hogs, chickens, and turkeys. Through harvest days and box suppers, they raised funds to build a place of worship. Leaders like Isham, Elias, Littleton, and Preston Locklear helped anchor the faith community in both devotion and determination.
From the beginning, Prospect Church has been a labor of love: a church built by the hands, hearts, and hope of its people.
The earliest gatherings were humble—no grand buildings or padded pews, just faithful people gathering in log-structured sanctuaries, seated on benches pegged together by hand. The first church building was erected around 1865, and the early membership consisted of about 20–25 committed believers. Trustees like Preston Locklear, Malachia Locklear, and Vander Locklear helped secure property for the church in 1876, with land donations from community members like William and Mary Ann Locklear.
These were farmers and tradespeople—men and women who worked the land, dipped turpentine in Georgia, raised sugar cane, hogs, chickens, and turkeys. Through harvest days and box suppers, they raised funds to build a place of worship. Leaders like Isham, Elias, Littleton, and Preston Locklear helped anchor the faith community in both devotion and determination.
From the beginning, Prospect Church has been a labor of love: a church built by the hands, hearts, and hope of its people.
Expanding the vision...
As the community grew, so did the need for larger and more permanent spaces for worship and ministry. Over time, five church buildings have stood as spiritual landmarks for the Prospect community. From the early log churches that also served as schools, to the beautiful brick sanctuaries adorned with stained-glass windows telling the story of Christ, each building project was fueled by faith, sacrifice, and an ever-widening vision of what God could do through this church.
With every generation, new ministries were born—Sunday School began in the early 1900s, and children’s, youth, and women’s ministries flourished. The Ladies Aid Society, and later the United Methodist Women, played a vital role in outreach, fundraising, and spiritual growth. Their work included organizing box suppers, funding church improvements, and creating ministries for shut-ins and those in need.
Prospect has always embraced its call not just to worship, but to serve. Whether through supporting families, education, youth programs like UMYF, or laying the groundwork for broader Native American leadership in church and civic life, Prospect has lived out its faith with hands and feet.
With every generation, new ministries were born—Sunday School began in the early 1900s, and children’s, youth, and women’s ministries flourished. The Ladies Aid Society, and later the United Methodist Women, played a vital role in outreach, fundraising, and spiritual growth. Their work included organizing box suppers, funding church improvements, and creating ministries for shut-ins and those in need.
Prospect has always embraced its call not just to worship, but to serve. Whether through supporting families, education, youth programs like UMYF, or laying the groundwork for broader Native American leadership in church and civic life, Prospect has lived out its faith with hands and feet.
Where we are headed...
Today, Prospect Community Church remains a vital and Spirit-filled congregation rooted in the gospel and its Lumbee heritage. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us—those who prayed, built, taught, served, and believed. But we are not standing still.
Our mission is clear: To make and grow disciples of Jesus Christ by sharing God’s love, living out grace, and building a Spirit-filled community grounded in faith, culture, and compassion.
We are expanding our ministry to reach the next generation—through youth programs, community partnerships, digital engagement, and Spirit-led worship. We honor our past, but we are walking boldly into the future.
We envision a flourishing church where families are strengthened, young people are discipled, and the name of Jesus is lifted high in every home and heart. Whether through worship, outreach, teaching, or fellowship—Prospect is moving forward in faith.
Together, we are becoming a church that is:
Our mission is clear: To make and grow disciples of Jesus Christ by sharing God’s love, living out grace, and building a Spirit-filled community grounded in faith, culture, and compassion.
We are expanding our ministry to reach the next generation—through youth programs, community partnerships, digital engagement, and Spirit-led worship. We honor our past, but we are walking boldly into the future.
We envision a flourishing church where families are strengthened, young people are discipled, and the name of Jesus is lifted high in every home and heart. Whether through worship, outreach, teaching, or fellowship—Prospect is moving forward in faith.
Together, we are becoming a church that is:
- Rooted in Grace
- Growing in Faith
- Living in Love
