Community and Civic Leaders

Amos 'n' Andy was an American radio sitcom about black characters, initially set in Chicago, then later in the Harlem section of New York City. The radio show made its way to television in the 1950s.  

Residents recall the Moloch Lodge hosting Amos N' Andy in Gastonia for a show in the Highland community.

Lodge Members

Lodge Members

Holiday Party at the Lodge

Lodge Members

Childrens Holiday Party

Eagle Scouts

1879-1946  

Began a Gastonia medical practice in 1909 and helped to establish the Gaston County Negro Hospital through church and community donations. 

 This bag belonged to Dr. Herbert Erwin, Gaston County’s first African- American doctor. Dr. Erwin saw that there was no hospital for blacks, and thus founded the county’s first African American hospital.

Dr. Erwin's Bag - Gaston County Museum 

A midwife and former slave, Charlotte McClee delivered hundreds of babies across the county.  She lived to be 109.

1950's

Pharmacist and owner of Square Pharamacy on West Main Avenue.

   Judge Gingles served the bench for nearly 20 years.  Gingles earned his law degree from the University of Virginia and returned home to become a defense attorney. 

Thebaud “T.” Jeffers is a familiar name in the Highland community. He was the principal of Highland High School, community leader, and member of the city council for Ward 4, where Highland is located. In Gastonia all residents vote for all wards, and the candidate with the most votes becomes Mayor Pro Tempore. Jeffers was the first black council member appointed Mayor Pro-Tem in 1969. It was a historic move that set the stage for him to become the first black mayor of Gastonia in 1976, after the mayor died in office. Jeffers then ran for and was elected to his own full term.

Glendell Brooks served as interim mayor of Gastonia in 1984, following the death of Mayor T. Jeffers. A longtime representative of Ward 4 and Mayor Pro Tem, Brooks was appointed to complete Jeffers’ term and became the second African American to serve as mayor of Gastonia, though not by popular election. He chose not to run for a full term but returned to city council in 1992, continuing his dedication to public service. Brooks passed away in 2008, and efforts have been made to honor his legacy within the community.

Walker E. Reid III was a lifelong Gastonia resident who dedicated his career to public service, fire safety, and community leadership. A graduate of Hunter Huss High School and Gaston College, he spent over two decades as a firefighter and Assistant Fire Marshal in Mecklenburg County while also teaching fire service at Gaston College. Reid served 22 years on Gastonia City Council. He was elected mayor in 2017 and was re-elected in 2019 and remained in office until his passing in 2023. Known for his warmth, humility, and commitment to unity, Reid was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2021. In 2024, the city honored his legacy by naming a public park after him.