Universalist Church  

Isaac ROCHELLE, a local contractor who developed a good deal of the early twentieth century Grainger Hll neighborhood was one of the Universalist Church's builders. He had the help of a patented cement block machine, which made blocks on site."

From Records of the Universalist Church, donated by Carol Rouse SIMMONS to Lenoir Community College---- During the year 1909, Rev. William O. BODELL, who preached at Woodington; came to Kinston one night each month in the Knights of Harmony Hall and then held services on the third floor of the Whitaker Building. The Universalist Church of Kinston was organized Sunday night, April 3rd, 1910 with 33 charter members; several of these came from the Woodington Church: which was 7 miles distance. Since 1903, the ladies Mission Circle had been organized at the home of Mrs. Zaccheous RHODES; and due to their organization they raised $750 and purchased the lot on the South East corner of McLewean and Lenoir Streets. This lot was 60 x 140 feet. The lot was paid for in monthly installments of $5.00 per month. Mrs. RHODES son in law, Isaac ROCHELLE, was the builder. The church was finished in 1914. Fire damaged the church in Sept. 1941. Isaac ROCHELLE, again rebuilt the church and added 3 more rooms by 1947.

Charter members: Zacheous RHODES and wife, Mary Elizabeth James RHODES Franklin P. OUTLAW and wife Ella Gray OUTLAW John E. WILLIAMS and wife Lizzie Ford WILLIAMS W. J. LANGSTON and wife Della Rhodes LANGSTON Isaac Sloan ROCHELLE and wife, Lena Rhodes ROCHELLE Emmett HASKINS and wife Maude Rhodes HASKINS Mrs. Mollie Rhodes HAYNES Mrs. Chellie FORD Miss Addie FORD Simpson SMITH Miss Fannie SMITH E. G. TYNDALL W. E. JOHNSON Mrs. Carrie Hill JOHNSON.