Located in the former Dilworth Methodist Episcopal Church South in Charlotte, Bonterra's home is rich in history. In 1895, the Atherton Methodist Church was built, becoming the first permanent church in the new suburb. The Reverend John Butt, who operated a grocery store during the week, was the pastor of the church.
In 1914, the members replaced the original wooden facility with a brick building and the church was known as Dilworth Methodist Episcopal Church South. The building was later occupied by the First Church of Nazareth (1926-1973) and the Greater Providence Baptist Church (1973-1987).
There are also unconfirmed stories of how the field laborers were brought up on the railroads across the street from the rice fields of the low country to the Columbia area to pick cotton, and then finally here to pick tobacco. The church would provide food and shelter for the workers.
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