Mt. Zion AME Church faces foreclosure lawsuit
Mt. Zion AME Church in Charleston is facing foreclosure after allegedly failing to repay $1.4 million borrowed for renovations.Summary
Mt. Zion AME Church, a historic Charleston church with a 143-year presence on Glebe Street, is currently embroiled in a foreclosure lawsuit. The church borrowed approximately $1.4 million over the past six years to fund renovations, but allegedly failed to repay the debt, leading RH Fund 34 LLC to pursue legal action. These renovations sparked internal conflict among members regarding the project’s scope and financial accountability.
This situation occurs amidst a broader pattern of financial difficulties within the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church. Recent years have seen scandals involving missing funds, questionable accounting practices, and significant financial losses, including a $90 million pension fund loss and ongoing investigations at Allen University. A lawsuit filed by a former Allen board member alleges misconduct, deceptive fundraising, and financial misrepresentation.
The foreclosure lawsuit is being contested by Mt. Zion, requesting a jury trial. However, key figures, including the church’s pastor, Rev. Kylon Middleton, and Bishop James L. Davis, have declined to comment. Should the foreclosure proceed, the congregation risks losing a building that has withstood numerous disasters – including an earthquake, hurricanes, and a fire – since its establishment in 1882.
(Source：Postandcourier)