The Initiative and the Second Episcopal District of the AME Church are joining hands in a historic partnership designed to bring much-needed economic development to a rural area in Vance County, just north of the Triangle.

Formerly the site of Kittrell College, a historically black college founded by the AME church in 1886, the property is located ten miles south of Henderson. The site was originally home to a well-known hotel and spa, which was converted for use as a hospital during the Civil War.

Though Kittrell College was closed in 1975, the 238-acre site is still considered by many in the AME Church to be hallowed ground. Now more than 30 years later, a memorandum of understanding has been signed to redevelop this important property.

The agreement, signed at the AME Second District midyear conference

on November 2, 2007, calls for the Initiative to assist the Second District Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc. (R.E.D.) with the undertaking. The Initiative will provide technical assistance throughout the project in addition to functioning as co-developer. A North Carolina non-profit, R.E.D. serves more than 360 churches and 114,000 members from North Carolina to Washington D.C.

Bishop Adam J. Richardson Jr., Presiding Prelate of the Second District, said the project will bring affordable housing, jobs and new energy to an area that badly needs it.

“This is a great day for the Second District AME Church and R.E.D., but also for Vance County and the people of Kittrell,” he said. “This development will be a shot in the arm for everyone involved. We can’t wait to get started.”