Old Presbyterian Graveyard

As we close out the month with a Sacred Sunday photo, we thought we'd share a photo of one of Greensboro's most famous cemeteries, The Old Presbyterian Graveyard. It is located behind the Greensboro Historical Museum. Formerly, the museum's building was the original Presbyterian Church with the cemetery beside it. The graveyard and church were established in 1831 when Jesse H. Lindsay donated the money for the land. This confined space contains about 300 graves dating between 1834-1926. North Carolina Governor Moorehead is buried here as are soldiers from the 1) Revolutionary War; 2) Civil War; and 3) the War of 1812. Short story writer O. Henry has relatives buried here. 

Many people consider cemeteries to be "creepy" places as they remind us of DEATH. However many religions and cultures incorporate cemeteries into their holidays and rituals. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead (Nov 1 &2) is a time when you visit the graves of loved ones, remembering fondly their time on earth. In the mountains of North Carolina, Decoration Day, is especially popular. This is usually held in October when families tend to the graves of loved ones, making sure that nature doesn't reclaim the land. Alan and Karen Singer Jabbour have written a fabulous book on Decoration Day (here).

Today, we urge you to pause and remember your deceased loved ones-- even if you can't, literally, be at the gravesite.

On Greensboro Daily Photo, we featured the cemetery in March 2009 (here).

Comments

[barb farr]

Creepy cool shot. I love to stumble around old cemeteries.

--Roll Tide--

Barb

[Shannon]

I'm one of the ones who usually find cemeteries spooky...I've watched too many scary movies. Your picture made me get that creeped out feeling. It just depends on the cemetery and the setting for me, but we pay our respects all the same.

[Randy]

Nice post. I love the old headstones.

[t. becque]

Great graveyard and I bet history!

To answer your question, the mural in my photo is changed quite often.

[Living So Abundantly]

Thank you for checking out my blog! :0) With your post of a Presbyterian church, it made me think of one not too far from me. Have you heard of Thyatira Presbyterian Church in Mill Bridge? Very neat picture!

[Owen]

Hi, just wanted to thank you for stopping by, appreciate your visit and kind comment. I do love cemeteries, for whatever reasons, I find them peaceful places, often full of fascinating historical details. Over the past couple of years I've done rather alot of posting about various cemeteries :

http://magiclanternshowen.blogspot.com/search/label/Cemeteries

This one in Greensboro looks like a lovely place, with quite a few famous links there...

[Cheryl Angel]

Lovely tranquil setting.... beautiful photo... beautiful space, and full of history. Greensboro should be proud!