The Not Surprising Connection - United House of Prayer and Gun Violence

If you grew up in Charlotte in the 1960s as my parents did you likely remember things like "Park N Shop" and Eckerd Drug Stores, a Mecklenburg County Police Department with "yellow" Ford Crown Vics and Sugar Creek, Hemphill Heights, and Hidden Valley neighborhoods that were some of Charlotte's nicest.

And if you are wondering what happened look no further than 4000 West Sugar Creek. 

As white flight took over the area, certain members of Charlotte's Black Community saw opportunity to prey on those struggling and looking for hope. 

In the early 1980's The late Bishop C.M. "Sweet Daddy" Bailey built an empire with "other people's money" yet he wouldn't save those he would swear he was helping. 

4000 West Sugar Creek

4000 West Sugar Creek

Bailey's 13,356 square foot Charlotte home sits on 16 acres and has a tax value of $4,307,000.00. 

Yet Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte collect no property taxes on the home because the it is in the name of Bailey's church the United House of Prayer for all People.

Today of the area at one time known as Hemphill Heights is a run down excuse for housing, that is except for Bailey's home, that sits prominently in the former middle class white neighborhood. It was that sort of Brady Bunch neighborhood that in the 1970's presented tightly manicured lawns and friendly families that hosted neighborhood cookouts and Cub Scout meetings.

One such home is located at 5719 Anderson just around the corner from Bishop Bailey's home.

5719 Anderson Road Charlotte, NC

This home was reportedly Bishop Bailey's home before his mansion was completed in 1997. 

Even on the once prosperous Anderson Road this one house stands out for it's massive columns and a nod to the Colonial style in a neighborhood of ranch and split level homes.

Not surprisingly the property owner's tax bill address is the same as 4000 West Sugar Creek.

 1665 N Portal Drive NW Washington, DC 20012-1053 

Despite all the "I have a Dream" preaching, and righteous gospel singing the good Bishop could not see fit to step up and alter the life direction of a young teen who called this church owned property home.

1719 Anderson is the listed residence of Darius Bishop a 17 year old who last week was reportedly charged in the murder of 24 year old Dontre Williams at the Fast Mart # 3 on Milton Road.

The view that Darius Bishop saw every time he left his house was of the massive home that belonged to Bishop Bailey. Even on the night Darius jumped in a Tan Toyota Highlander and headed off to do a drive by on Milton Road.