The Junaluska Story

Boone Mennonite Brethren Church

The Boone Mennonite Brethren Church is one of only a few Black Mennonite congregations in the world.¹ The first Mennonite services in Watauga County, North Carolina were held in the early 1900s, led by missionaries who were sent to the region. By 1917, a Mennonite congregation of eight members was established in Boone. This group met in a local school house until 1918 when construction on the church building in the Junaluska neighborhood was completed.²

Throughout the history of the Boone Mennonite Brethren Church, the leadership of two ministers stands out. Reverend Rockford Hatton led the church at various times after his ordination in 1927. He was one of the first Black ministers ordained by the Mennonite Brethren in North Carolina. Hatton also helped establish other churches in the region.³ In 1935, Reverend Ronda Horton became the minister of Boone Mennonite Brethren Church, and he served the congregation faithfully.⁴ During his ministry, Horton presided over the North Carolina Church Conference, a partnership between the six North Carolina Mennonite churches. In 1955 he was elected moderator over the District Conference, making decisions for the churches that led to growth and community service. Horton led the church for many years, seeing it through changes and significant growth.⁵

Over the years, the church has hosted many events to celebrate its past and present. From 2012 to 2015, the church held an annual Jubilee. Each year an important person in the history of the church was honored. In addition, there was a church service led by a local pastor and a visiting pastor from another Mennonite Brethren Church, along with a communal meal, afternoon entertainment for children, and a Junaluska Gospel Choir performance.⁶ The Jubilee increased awareness of Junaluska and the Boone Mennonite Brethren Church in the broader community of Boone. The Junaluska Gospel Choir is one of the most well-known aspects of the church. The choir is part of regular Sunday services, but they also perform at community events and other gatherings.⁷

The Boone Mennonite Brethren Church continues to provide a religious and social anchor in Junaluska. The church is a place for Sunday services and gatherings that create a support network for the neighborhood. The church helps families in times of need, organizes outreach programs, and emphasizes service.⁸ The church is a focal point in the community. Boone’s changing diversity and community growth have caused the church to adapt over the years, but its core principle of serving and loving others remains.⁹

The Boone Mennonite Brethren Church sits in the center of the Junaluska neighborhood.

“Boone Mennonite Brethren Church Celebrates Centennial Anniversary,” Photo by Lonnie Webster, May 20, 2018, Watauga Democrat, https://www.wataugademocrat.com/community/boone-mennonite-brethren-church-celebrates-centennial-anniversary/article_c9097b44-b630-5533-99e3-b4290330c917.html

Bibliography

“Boone Mennonite Brethren Church History,” Junaluska Heritage Association. junaluskaboone.org.

“History of the Boone Mennonite Brethren Church.” Boone Mennonite Brethren Church. https://boonembchurch.com/our-history/.

“Junaluska Gospel Choir.” Boone Mennonite Brethren Church. https://boonembchurch.com/choir/.

Keefe, Susan, ed. Junaluska: Oral Histories of a Black Appalachian Community. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company. June 2020.

Ostwalt, Conrad. “Crossing of Cultures: The Mennonite Brethren of Boone, North Carolina.” The Journal of the Appalachian Studies Association. Vol. 4. (1992). 105-112.