A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with Donna Barrier who is a second-generation member of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church. Donna, a Page High School graduate, was a lifelong educator in Greensboro. Now, in retirement, she dedicates much of her time serving her church. Donna is the archivist/historian, documenting all the major events of the church each year.*
Above, Donna is standing beside one of the carvings made by her dad, Harold A. Barrier. Her dad made more carvings because every pew has a different wooden carving at the end. There is documentation for each carving, the symbolism, and carved did it. According to Donna, woodcarving provided many hours of fellowship for the men involved in that project. This carving by Mr. Barrier is extra special because it is the descending dove. It is the symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence, and the story of the descending dove and Jesus' Baptism is found in all four Gospels. The carving is actually the seal of the Presbyterian Church of the United States. The four symbolic elements are a dove, the cross, a book symbolizing scripture, and flames. When we find a person who values documenting history and archiving, we know we have found a kindred spirit. It is the people that make Greensboro a special place to live and people like Donna who make Guilford Park Presbyterian a special place to worship. May we all have a "Donna" in our life.
Happy Sunday, this the first Sunday of Summer!
* See the yearly history HERE.
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