Greensboro Daily Photo

Palm St Church at Night

Palm Street Church  is located at 1921 Palm Street, in the State Street area. This is the back view from Bradford Street, which looks so serene at night.  The photo was taken earlier in the week, before Friday's snowfall. If you look closely, you can see stars in the east-facing night sky.  This church looks so beautiful against the dark sky.

The church was founded in 1905 and rebuilt in 1950.  The pastor is Dr. Don Clement. According to LinkedIn,  Pastor Clement is not only the pastor of this small congregation, additionally, he is a financial services representative at Lincoln Financial Advisors. He has been a pastor since at least 1987  and holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Rice College and Seminary. This seminary is located in Georgia, just southeast of Atlanta. Here is a photo of the front side of the church that we took in 2012, in the early years of Greensboro Daily Photo.

We hope you are warm, happy, and safe today. Thank you for continuing to read GDP! Happy Sunday!

Collins Grove Church

We were glad to see the Collins Grove UMC van in the Holiday Parade on December 7th in downtown Greensboro. We have featured the church building before. It is located out near the Cardinal neighborhood at the corner of Fleming and Lewiston Roads (see HERE). Hopefully,  the information is correct. Here is the article Jim Schlosser wrote in 2005 about the church and community, entitled, "Grave Times for Collins Grove? Residents Worry Development Is Chipping Away at Black Community." We sure do miss Jim's writing. He is such an intellectually curious journalist.

Other than Jim's article, we don't see much written about Collins Grove online. In looking at the lot (5210 Collins Grove Church Road), it looks like a very generous piece of land. Having driven by, we can vouch for the beauty of the property and the members in the van sure seemed nice.

Happy Sunday!

 

 

HPU Christmas Display

Greensboro/Guilford County is so lucky to have 6 institutions of higher education-- IHEs  (Bennett College, Greensboro College, Guilford College, High Point University, NCA&T, and UNC Greensboro). While not in Greensboro, High Point University (HPU)  is just down the road and still in the same county. In an era when many IHEs are struggling with declining enrollments, High Point University continues to thrive, adding programs, majors, and buildings before our very eyes. They bill themselves as "the premier life skills university" and is ranked as "the nation's #1 best run college."  Located in the heart of High Point, home of Furniture Market, HPU focuses on majors directly related to the 21st century job market, and it is paying off. 

As a way of giving back to community, for a week at Christmas, they host a drive-through light show. It is a fabulous way to see the campus and to celebrate Christmas. The light show boasts more than 100,000 lights, 235 12'tall nutcrackers, a life-size Nativity scene, and the state's tallest Christmas tree, a whopping 70' tall.  Today, we're featuring the nativity scene on this, the 5th day of Christmas on the Advent calendar.

High Point University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, that founded the then-college in 1924. Oh, how this university has grown over the last 100 years. They bill themselves as Christian by tradition and interfaith by vision. We are so glad we finally got to see the Christmas display. It is a fabulous way to tour the campus. Unfortunately, the light show is finished for the season. It will take a while to disassemble and be ready for spring semester. In the meantime, we're wondering where the 235 12' nutcrackers are stored for the year.

Happy Sunday!

Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa Coincide

Today is the fourth day of Hanukkah, the fourth day of Christmas,  and the third day of Kwanzaa. The first day of Christmas is always December 25th. The first day of Kwanzaa is always December 26th. However, Hanukkah does not have a fixed date and this year, the first of the eight days was on December 25th. The last time this happened was in 2005, and the two holidays have only coincided four times since 1900. While all three holidays have a different significance, they all celebrate light. In the northern hemisphere, we are in the darkest days in December and these holidays remind us of the importance of light.

Yesterday was overcast, dark, and dreary. But, if you knew where to look in the Greensboro area, you could find light. Last night was the final evening of the Christmas light display at High Point University and about 800 cars were estimated to have gone through. The Winter Wonder Lights were going strong at the Greensboro Science Center. A Kwanzaa celebration was held at Peeler Recreational Center and continues for all seven days of Kwanzaa. Hanukkah was being celebrated at Temple Emanuel on Jefferson Road. Last night was also the Jewish Sabbath, so the celebration was especially moving. Whatever or however you celebrate, know there is light and it starts from within; however, candles are a warm reminder.

Happy Saturday!

Nativity Scene at Mt. Pisgah Church on Christmas Eve 2024

Happy Christmas Eve. The above photo is the nativity scene in front of Mount Pisgah Global Methodist Church on Pisgah Church Road at Battleground Avenue. The display lights up the corner at Battleground Avenue.  We love how when we zoom out, the scene seen, when taken as a whole, almost looks like a tiny Putz with miniature figures, like the one we saw at the First Moravian Church. Actually, those figures are life-size and lovely in color. If you are local, and you like to see lovely nativity scenes when out admiring Christmas decorations, this one is very nice. 

The Mount Pisgah Church nativity scenes, we were intrigued to see one in place at Centenary United Methodist Church on West Friendly Avenue at Ridgeway. According to their marquee, they are having service at 5:00 p.m. tonight. Even though Centenary Church has been retired and since the property sold to Cone Health, tonight will be a very special opportunity to enjoy a service there. However you spend Christmas Eve., may it be special in every way.

Part of the Putz at the First Moravian Church of Greensboro

A "Putz" is a depiction of the story of Jesus' birth. It is a cherished Moravian tradition. The above photo features about 1/3 of the Putz at the First Moravian Church of Greensboro, located on South Elam Avenue. The whole display takes up an entire stage. We figured a close up of a segment would be more meaningful than a view from afar where no details are visible. Most of the features are a few inches or less. This tradition dates back to the 18th century.  The word originates from the German word, "putzen" to decorate

The Moravian religion, also known as Unitas Fratrum or Unity of Brethren, dates back to  1457 near Prague. The first Moravians settled in the Piedmont area of North Carolina in 1753.  It was not until 155 years later that the first Greensboro Moravian Church was organized (1908) on East Lee Street, and the church at 304 South Elam opened in 1949. Greensboro has a lot of religious diversity and it continues to diversity. Anyone who is Christian, or likes learning about other religions, should stop by the First Moravian Church for a service and to see the Putz. The Moravians have so many beautiful traditions,

Happy Last Sunday before Christmas!

Candle Tea at First Moravian Church of Greensboro

Today's photo features the December Candle Tea of the  First Moravian Church of Greensboro. We love the muted colors and practicality of of the garments.  According to their website, Moravians are the oldest continuously practicing Protestant denomination in the world today. The above church is located at 304 South Elam Avenue. They have a congregation of members from many religious background. While the congregation is small in size, their outreach supports many programs in the community (see HERE).  Their special gift to the Greensboro community (open to everyone), the Candle Tea event has been a Greensboro tradition since 1962. It is a way not only for the Moravians to give back to the community, but for people to learn more about the religion, see the sanctuary, learn about the old traditions like making candles and displaying a Christmas Putz. The Putz is an elaborate rendition of the Biblical scene of Jesus' birth. We will feature it next Sunday, the last before Christmas.

The origin of the Moravian religion dates back to 1457 in Bohemia sixty years before Martin Luther began his reformation. It started about 100 miles east of Prague and by 1557 had grown to branches in Bohemia, Moravia, and Poland. The earlier name for the religion was Unitas Fratum (Unity of Brothers). Moravians arrived in North Carolina in 1753 with construction of Salem in 1766.  One-hundred forty-two years later, in 1908, the First Moravian Church was established in Greensboro. The Candle Tea is one of those events that heralds the Christmas season in Greensboro. We go every year.

Happy Sunday!

The Worship Place

On Friday, at the Festival of Lights, so many groups were out performing and interacting with the public. The Worship Place sang on the southeast corner of the 500 block of South Elm Street, under Jim Gallucci's 911 sculpture. The Worship Place is a contemporary, Christian church is located at 1808  Merritt Drive. Glenn and Melody Eliseo are the evangelists at the helm at The Worship Place. Glen grew up in California and preached his first service at age 18. They both settled in Greensboro in 1989 and have continued their ministry here since then. Melody is a second generation preacher. Their choice sings with such joy, enthusiasm, and talent, they fill the night with the message of the meaning of Christmas. In addition to Sunday services, they hold midweek services. We think this same group has been on this corner for several years and we anticipate their returning next year.

Happy Sunday-- only two more before Christmas!

Gate City Church of God 200 State Street

The Gate City Church of God (COG)  is located at 200 State Street, near Elm Street. The property is just on the east edge of Old Irving Park. According to realtor.com, this brick church building was built in 1949, when nearby textile mills were still in operation. The church would have served mill workers. The Church of God religion traces its roots back to 1886 in a millhouse in Monroe County, TN,*  near the North Carolina border. 

We're wondering if the above building, currently undergoing renovation would have been the parsonage that goes with the church. It will be interesting to see what becomes of it. Lately, State Street is experiencing a renaissance, so the above house at 208 is prime real estate.. Perhaps the churches near State Street are reaping the benefits of all of the growth in this church that extends from Elm Street to Church Street. If you are interested in attending the Gate City COG, service is at 11:00 am. Sunday is  a great day to stroll the length of State Street to see what new businesses have opened.

Happy Sunday!

*read more about the history of the Church of God,  here.

Irving Park United Methodist Church

Irving Park United Methodist Church opened in the 1950s at a time when the Irving Park and Kirkwood neighborhoods were expanding. It is located at the corner of West Cone Boulevard and Lafayette Avenue on three acres. Not only do they have a thriving congregation, they host a boy scout troop and many other groups. The above photo is of the sanctuary one Saturday morning when one person was inside, possibly the preacher or the music director preparing for Sunday service. The stained glass windows were so beautiful and cast a warm glow in the sanctuary. The windows are an abstract design, as opposed to windows that teach about the Bible. The church looks very different when filled with people. With or without people, however, it is lovely.

Happy Sunday!

Mitchell's Grove Methodist Church at the Veterans Day Parade

Mitchell's Grove Methodist Church had the above float in the Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Greensboro last week. Mitchell's Grove, located in High Point, was founded in 1827, making it one of the oldest churches in Guilford County. This church is very active and dynamic.  They have lots of events, including youth groups, a backpack initiative for Union Hill Elementary School, hot dog Thursdays, Bible studies, praise band practices, and more. If you are looking for a Global Methodist Church  in High Point, this is a good one to visit. The height of attendance were the online services during COVID, soaring to over 450 people.

Their impressive Veterans Day float came at the end of the parade, just before the final entry, the police motorcycle quartet. The float was memorable in that participating veterans were listed by name with their branch of service mentioned on the signage. We hope you have a happy Sunday. 

 

St Andrews Episcopal Church Holiday Photo Opportunity

St. Andrews Episcopal Church, located at the corner of Kensington Road and West Market Street, has the cutest little Christmas display. This set up is located on the Kensington side of the church- across from the parking lot where the Corner Farmers Market sets up. It is the perfect place for a family holiday photo shoot. This is such a good idea for a church to connect to the wider community. The part of the door, above the wreath is open, so people can stand behind it. Another cute pose would be to have a child trying to open the door, or knocking on it. Or Santa outside approaching the door and a child looking out the window in wonderment. 

The only thing that would make a photo here cuter would be to have snow. However, it hasn't snowed in Greensboro since January 2022, over 1,000 days, and WFMY-2 is hesitant to predict whether or not it is likely to snow this year. Currently, there is no snow in the forecast. While we are pondering winter weather, we encourage you to attend a service at St. Andrews. Also, mark your calendar for Saturday, December 7th from 10:00 am- 3:00 pm. It is the day of the St. Andrews  annual holiday festival and market. There will be many gift opportunities for everybody. 

Happy Sunday!

Irving Park United Methodist Church

Yesterday was a glorious, fall day. As we stopped at Irving Park United Methodist Church, located on Cone Boulevard, we felt signs of fall. Lovely leaves, in their showy fall colors, gently fluttered to the ground, one by one. The scent of chicken roasting filled the church parking lot. Along the facade, Garcia Paint Company was painting the trim, making ready for winter. The pastor (or music director) was sitting in the front pew with a laptop preparing for today's service. The sanctuary was completely silent, except for the sound of typing. 

We probably have enough photos for a month of Sundays from stopping by the church yesterday. The above photo shows scouts, from Boy Scout Troop 230,  getting chicken ready for their annual Chicken BBQ Sale, held the first Saturday in November from 12noon- 5:00 pm.  This is the 38th year of the fundraiser. They usually prepare about two tons of chicken. 

The church was founded in 1962 and continues to be not only a spiritual home for many, but a place that continues to play a significant role in the community. 

Happy Sunday!

Trunk or Treat at Morehead United Methodist Church

Yesterday was a beautiful, fall day. The sky was blue and the weather warm. The above photo features one small section of the Morehead United Methodist Church on Horse Pen Creek Road. Trunk or Treat is a way for children to interact with a church and get Halloween candy without having to traipse through the neighborhood at night. Earliest records of this initiative date to the early 1990s.*  A popular costume for the adults at their cars was dressing as a hippy. One man dressed as an avocado. The children were princesses, skeletons, dinosaurs, and a little bit of everything. All of the costumes we were store bought.

If you are interested in learning more about Morehead Church, Pastor Shytle would be a good person to contact. Even better, attend one of his services and you will have an even better idea of his preaching style. He took the head pastor position at Morehead about a year ago. Morehead is a dynamic, community oriented church. They have lots of events in the parking lot, open to the public. They are even a polling place. Morehead is likely a second home to Pastor Shytle, as it is for many of the congregants.

Happy Sunday!

If you missed this event, do an internet search for "Greensboro 2024 Trunk or Treat" and others will pop up. On Tuesday there will be one right down the road from Morehead at Cone Health MedCenter on Drawbridge Parkway.

*see HERE.

GUILFORD COLLEGE UMC Pumpkins

GUILFORD COLLEGE United Methodist Church is located at 1205 Fleming Road, near GUILFORD COLLEGE and across from SECU. Their pumpkin patch was glorious yesterday. We got there when lighting was the best, but this photo gives you an idea of their inventory. They have traditional pumpkins and squash of every shape and size. One is called "Elf House" and it looks like an orange-capped acorn. The Gizmo looks like an orange and yellow starfish. Children had a lot to choose from and it was so special seeing them making those big decisions and the joy the process brought to the parents.

The first worship service at the church was on July 12, 1059 and it was held on the campus of GUILFORD COLLEGE in the student union building. This is their 65th birthday year. We wonder about the first years of the pumpkin patch. Here's to many more years of the church, their good work, and their pumpkin patch. The pumpkin patch is something the youth enjoy working every year. It is a way for children to learn about money and sales; one step on the path to financial literacy. We just may have to go back again and get some of those unique squash. Prices range from $1 and up. They are open from 12:30- 7:30 pm today and 10:30 am- 7:30 pm Monday-Saturday, until October 31st.

Happy Sunday!

The Virgin Mary Statue at the Our Lady of Grace Statue

The Virgin Mary at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church stands dutifully, looking over the flowers a member left for her. Likely, the white flowers were from a wedding or funeral. They were so beautiful.  This is the view you see as you drive by on West Market Street. The church was built in 1952  in memory of Ethel Clay Price by her husband, insurance executive Julian Price.  Mrs. Price converted to Catholicism and was said to be an ardent devotee to the Virgin Mary. Although Mr. Price was a devout Baptist and Mrs. Price Catholic, they supported each other's religions.

About two years ago, someone defaced this Virgin Mary statue. However, she was soon restored and returned to her pedestal. On a sunny day, she looks so beautiful. The bench in front of the statue is a great place to sit and reflect, regardless of one's religion.

Happy Sunday!

Yard Sale at Morehead UMC

Morehead United Methodist Church on Horse Pen Creek Road has a dynamic congregation that does a lot of extra events. Yesterday, they had a yard sale in the parking lot and people were jubilant, given the storm had passed and Greensboro was not terribly affected. We did have some limbs down and power outages, but our experience paled compared to western North Carolina. There were a lot more tables set up at the yard sale, but they were mostly behind the camera.

The above church building dates to 1970; however, the original Morehead Chapel dates to 1888 (read more HERE). It has been through relocations, a merger, additions, and more. However, at the end of the day, it is the people that make the church and everyone we spoke to at the yard sale was very nice. People were enjoying the sunshine and the fellowship. 

Happy Sunday!

Fall in Greensboro (and) North Carolina

It is officially fall. Fall in North Carolina ranges from crisp weather in the 50s to mid-80s. The above photo is what we're using for a Sunday more spiritual post. The seed heads remind us of the life cycle and change. Within a few days, they open up and start blowing away, leaving nothing but the stem behind. During the first couple of frosts, the base plant will dry up. Next spring, if left unattended, new weeds will sprout wherever the seeds have landed. 

There are so many fall festivals in North Carolina. Today is the final day of Pow Wow in Country Park. Art in the Arboretum will be Sunday, October 6th. October 12th, Bur-Mil Park will host a fall festival. Soon, in Greensboro, leaves will change colors and the landscape is glorious. Nothing is more beautiful than nature and fall and spring in Greensboro as nothing short of spiritual.

Happy Sunday!

Grace UMC Church, 438 W. Friendly Avenue

This Sunday's spiritual place is Grace UMC, located at 438 W. Friendly Avenue. Grace bills itself as a Lighthouse Congregation, meaning that they welcome all who are seeking a new church, even those who do so due to disaffiliation. According to their website, Grace was chartered in 1891. The Urban Ministries of Greensboro was also founded in this church. They have also hosted Habitat for Humanity and are partnered with Guilford Child Development, offering free childcare to immigrant and refugee families. Located downtown, Grace endeavors to be everything an urban church needs to be.  

A link to their rich history is the cornerstone in from of the church which reads, "GRACE METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH. " The architect of the church, in its current iteration, was Hobart Upjohn. He was a New York architect whose work is attributed to 50 churches and educational buildings. He also designed Temple Emanuel and Holy Trinity in downtown Greensboro and the First Presbyterian Church of High Point. It is so fun to explore the history of our community and those early people who left their mark on the footprint of downtown Greensboro.

Happy Sunday!

West Market Street United Methodist Church

This is the facade of the West Market Street United Methodist Church. This year at the NC Folk Festival, there isn't a stage in front of this church; however, we still ended up walking past it. It is so beautiful by day and by night. With the curve of the roofline on the 0arch and the lighting, it makes us feel as if we are in Europe. The architect was S.W. Foulk and the style is Romanesque. It was constructed in 1893.

The sanctuary beautiful, making the church quite a place to experience, from the exterior to the interior to the members. The 68, yes 68, stained glass windows can only be fully appreciated from the interior on a sunny day. They were recycled from the German Pavilion at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. According to the church website, the church is "(a) vibrant urban church creatively worshipping, full of great programs for families, youth and ALL ages, in mission to serve the Lord!" 

Happy Sunday! 

Kallam Grove Christian Church

Since it is a three day weekend, we ventured into Rockingham County, about 20 miles from Greensboro to spend the afternoon on a friend's farm. The winding country roads are beautiful between Greensboro and Madison. Our friend lives at the end of a road that is not paved into her property.  There are still roads like that in Guilford County, but they are getting harder to find.  On the way back, we drove past Kallam Grove Christian Church. It was established in 1865, right in the middle of the Civil War era. The original meeting area was under a brush arbor.Eventually, a small, white, wooden church was built. Since the beginning, they have been a Christian church, operating on a congregational model. All church business is presented to the church and voted on by members.

The church building shown above is the 1992 iteration of the church.  Off to the right is a sanctuary. In the background, you can see the cemetery with graves dating back to the 1800s. Driving on those winding, back country roads in this part of North Carolina, and stumbling upon a country church is such a special treat. They are everywhere with most likely struggling to maintain membership. But knowing all of the history of these churches, and the families that have donated land and supported them over the years, is a special part of the history of North Carolina. We drive around on these weekend jaunts, we are reminded of the second line from J.R.R. Tolkien's poem, "The Riddle of Strider".  "Not all those who wander are lost." Indeed, when we are out wandering, we are not lost. And, we always know that we are only an online search away from getting exactly where we want to go. So, be adventurous and hear out and explore the roads within a 20 mile radius of Greensboro.

Happy Sunday!

Raleigh's Crossroads UMC

Raleigh's Crossroads UMC is located at 715 Guilford College Road, near I-40 and Wendover Avenue and just off Hornaday Road. It is really easy to spot when driving by. We've checked our archives and it doesn't appear that we've featured it in 16 years of Sundays. We guess, in a way, it has been hidden in plain sight. As you can see from the above photo, the building is right at the road. According to the UMC website, the lead pastor is Tamara Ingram, attendance is 77, the primary language spoken in English, and the primary ethnicity is African American/Black. Their Facebook page reveals a men's choir and you can also see sermons by the preacher from a few years ago. An interior view of the church, the sanctuary with an A-line ceiling, can also be seen. The building was built in 1974.

The Northern Piedmont District, United Women in Faith, will hold a Social Action Workshop there on October 5th. The church appears to be an active congregation and willing to open their space to others. We're wondering if, in the church's 50 year history, if it has always been Raleigh's Crossroads UMC; however, we can't find evidence of any other name. Next time we drive by, we'll look for a cornerstone. In the meantime, enjoy the view and see if you can find it next time you are on Guilford College Road headed towards I-40.

Happy Sunday!

 

The Corner Farmers Market at St Andrew's Episcopal on West Market Street

We caught the tail end of the Farmers Market on West Market Street yesterday. We were struck by the community venture it has become. Located in St. Andrew's parking lot at 2105 West Market Street, the Corner Market is truly a community venture. They invite vendors in to sell their bread, vegetables, soups, and arts and crafts. There is a children's art corner, an Australian farmer on Elam Street, who grows produce on not much more than acre of land, a young couple bringing their bread from Virginia. All of these vendors are such an integral part of the market. And then there are the customers, like the people in the above photo, who come to support local farmers and to show their children the source of their food. All of this magic happens on Saturday morning, thanks to the generosity of St. Andrew's.

Today, on Sunday morning,  the 13th Sunday after Pentecost, at St. Andrews Church, people will gather to celebrate Christ, their spirituality, and each other. St. Andres traces it's history in Greensboro back to 1891. The Episcopal has a rich history, over 130 years,  in Greensboro.* The Episcopal church, and especially St. Andrew's, values their relationship with people. As they say on their website, "not artifacts, not architecture, or even such actions as kneeling, singing, or making the sign of the cross."  They are about people in communion with God and each other. As we look at this fine relationship between St. Andrew's and the Corner Market, we realize, this is community at its best and at the core of why Greensboro is such a great place to live. Regardless of what you believe, we hope that you have a spiritual home (even if it is your own home) that nurtures your soul, literally and spiritually. We hope your spiritual home if one like St. Andrew's that allows all people in and believes building community is a big part of their mission.

Happy Sunday!

 

*read more HERE.

Retiring Centenary UMC

Earlier this summer, Centenary United Methodist Church, located at 2300 West Friendly Avenue, send a letter to the residents of the Sunset Hills neighborhood that the church was closing. They no longer had the membership to be self-sustaining.  We featured them six years ago and referenced an article by local journalist Jim Schlosser. He wrote that the church had been selling pumpkins as a fundraiser, around Halloween,  since 1975.  They would have been about a quarter of a century. We were suspicious this past October when we went to purchase a pumpkin and the youth group was not selling them. 

The building and property was sold to Cone Health. They aren't quite sure what they will do with the property and invited the neighbors to a meeting to provide input. One of the ideas was to turn it into an affordable daycare. The church also didn't say where the congregation would be transferring. Christ United to the west and West Market Street, down the road to the east, are logical options. Perhaps members of the congregation will simply go to the place that is nearest their house. A lot is up in the air. A meeting with the Greensboro Planning and Zoning Commission will be held on August 19th at 5:30 p.m. If you have ideas, want a say in the matter, or just plain curious, that would be a good meeting to attend. Greensboro is known for being #3 in the nation with respect to cities with the most churches per capita. Many religious institutions have been struggling, especially post-Covid. Let's hope that the people who attended Centenary find a spiritual home a that Cone does with the property what is best for the community. It sure is a beautify building in a prime location. If your house of worship is thriving, do what it takes to keep it strong.

Happy Sunday!

Summer Sunset on Lake Brandt

Happy first Sunday of August. This is a recent sunset on Lake Brandt. By the time August is over, all schools will be back in session and summer will be effectively over.  Next time we are at Lake Brandt, we hope to head to nearby Lake Brandt Baptist Church at 1901 Trosper Road. Another church close to the lake is Covenant Church at 4600 Lake Brandt Road.  If you don't make it to an organized house of worship for service today, it is pretty spiritual to walk around the road in silent meditation. See the 10.9 mile Lake Brandt Loop trail HERE. August is supposed to be one of the driest months in North Carolina, so you'd think it would be a good time to plan outdoor activities. However, in Greensboro, August is off to a pretty rainy start. As a farmer would remind us, we need the rain.

Happy Sunday!

New Light Missionary Baptist Church

New Light Missionary Baptist Church has a rich history, dating back to 1891.  In the earliest years, it was in a different location. The above building, that also has a family life center behind is located at 1105 Willow Road, across from Dudley High School. The pastor, loved by the community, is the Rev. Dr. Cardes Brown Jr. who has served New Light since 1975. While originally from Rocky Mount, the son of a preacher, he first came to Greensboro to attend North Carolina A&T State University, and decided to make Greensboro his home.  He is so loved by the community that the City of Greensboro has named the portion of Willow Road where the church is located, Rev. Dr. Cardes Brown Jr.  Rev. Dr. Brown serves community not only in a spiritual way, but also by serving many groups committed to social justice. Read more about him HERE.  His wife, Diane Piece Brown, serves alongside him.

Service times are 7:30 am and 10:45 am on Sunday mornings, with Sunday School at 9:30 am. They also have mid-week opportunities to worship on Wednesday with lunch served at 12 noon and a service at 7:00 pm. And, for those who can't get out, or in need of another opportunity for prayer, there is an 8:00pm prayer line on Thursdays. This is one of those churches committed to helping the community in any way it can. As a missionary Baptist church, they evangelize both locally and globally. In a world where everything is changing so quickly, it is refreshing to learn of a community like New Light that has had decades of stability.

Happy Sunday!

Summer Camps at UNCG

Last week, we featured the Governor's School Program, hosted on the Greensboro College campus. Today's photo features the soccer camps at UNCG. UNCG holds camps for K-12 students all summer long. Topics range from sports and e-sports to camps for children with autism to STEM to academic camps. Last week was a big week for soccer camps. It looked like students os all ages were participating. The above photo was taken on the soccer field at the corner of Spring Garden Street and Josephine Boyd. The baseball stadium was also full of soccer players.

These camps are wonderful on so many levels. First, young athletes, some of whom will be first generation college students, get to learn first-hand about life on college campuses. They even get to eat in the cafeteria- making food choices that their parents may or may not approve of. They have a structured routine and deepen their skills and knowledge of the theme of the camp.  We are lucky to be in a city with so many universities, colleges, and community colleges. If you have pre-collegiate children in your life, you should simply pick a topic they are interested in and see which institution of higher education offers summer programs. The time to plan for next year is now.  The first day for high school students is August 26th. The fall semester for UNCG begins August 12th. So, camps will be winding down... summer, too.

Happy Tuesday!

The Giving Tree

This past week, the above red oak tree at the southeast corner of Fernwood and Fairfield Avenue was removed. It carried with it a tremendous amount of church history for Guilford Park Presbyterian Church.  It was the location where the church first began. Members worshiped under the oak tree until McGinnis Hall was completed on the property in 1947. The oak tree has long been a symbol of Guilford Park Presbyterian,  appearing on church stationery and other church documents. Arborists determined  it couldn't be saved and it was not safe. The tree has meant so much to not only church members, but also community members. It carried with it church history and provided great shade for the park and the neighborhood.

The stump reminds us of the brevity, yet generative nature of life, nothing living lasts forever. But one living thing dies and another comes along. It also evokes the message of Shel Silverstein's, "The Giving Tree", reminding us of the gift of giving and loving. The old oak gave and gave for years and was there for the milestones of many people. When we were visiting it, just yesterday, an elderly woman who had lived in the neighborhood her whole life, stopped to tell us of how many memories the tree held for  her. She lives a few houses away on the same street and, a while back, had to have an even larger white oak removed from her yard.  Perhaps a new tree can be planted in its place and future generations can build memories around the new tree.

Have a lovely Sunday!

 

Brokenness Ministry in Summerfield- just North of Greensboro

According to their website, the Brokenness Ministry is a non-profit based in Greensboro. The above branch is located in Summerfield, in the same plaza where Golden Antiques and Treasures is located, on the Summerfield Road side of the plaza. Brokenness Ministry was established in 2010 with the mission of evangelizing in different cities and countries. They even  have a prison ministry, and are committed to helping children and veterans who are experiencing homelessness. Their website explains that Brokenness Ministries works hard to help heal those who have been broken by life's circumstances. Their main studio is located in Revolution Mill.

You know the old saying about not spending money to look all fancy when the money can be channeled to doing good.  This ministry is committed to working hard to help others get back on their feet. Members work together to meet their goals. Members even travel together. Sometimes we get to know and trust each other by building memories, not just by work, but also by play. We hope to learn more about them and to meet some members. Here is another website to get more information about Brokenness Ministry.

Happy Sunday!

Temple of Prayer and Worship

Temple of Prayer and Worship is located at 2319 Randleman Road at the corner of Concord Street. It is a church in an old strip mall. They have Sunday services from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon and Thursday Bible studies from 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. On the door a phone number and contact email are listed. However, that is about all we could find out about this church as we couldn't find an online presence. Often, churches start out in empty store fronts and when the congregation gets adequate funds, they transition to a stand alone building.  Let's hope this church is successful and that members are happy with their spiritual home.

They say Greensboro is #3 in the nation per capita for number of churches. Plus, we have many houses of worship of other religions. May we all find our spiritual home.

Happy Sunday!

Community Garden at St. Phillips AME Zion Church

Today's photo features the greenway side of St. Phillips AME Zion Church on 1330 Ashe Street in the Warnersville neighborhood of Greensboro. In the back of the church, they have a community garden. The garden is called the St. Phillips Garden of Peace and it was first started on 2/27/21. This is Year 3 of the garden, and it appears to be thriving. This garden is an example of the "un-lawning" initiative to replace manicured lawns with raised beds and edibles. It is also shows how churches work with community organizations to make great things happen. Read this article to learn more about the early beginnings of the garden. This YES! Weekly article talks more about the urban farm initiative to cultivate underutilized land. We also learned from YES! Weekly that the UNCG Communication Studies Department made this initiative possible. Read more here. If you can think of somewhere that would be a good site for a community garden, there are plenty of organizations willing to help. Thanks you St. Phillips for continuing this project!

Happy Sunday!

Donna Barrier: Member/ Historian, Guilford Park Presbyterian Church

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.

Stained Glass Windows at Guilford Park Presbyterian

In early May, we published an exterior photo of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church (see post HERE), commenting that we'd love to get inside to see those beautiful stained glass windows. Well, Guilford Park has a fabulous historian and archivist, Donna Barrier, and she reached out and invited us to come see the sanctuary.  Not only did we receive a personal tour and a couple hours of questions and answers, Donna shared with us the original 1955 contract from The Willet Stained Glass Company for the agreement to make and install the twelve windows. Collectively, it is a twelve panel chancel window, depicting the symbols of eleven disciples and Paul. (Judas is noticeably absent). The technique used was one perfected by medieval glass artists.  

From a distance, the overall impact of the windows is spectacular. However, the close-ups are breathtaking. See below the panel honoring St. Paul the Apostle to appreciate more fully the vibrancy of the painted and kiln fused slabs. As we sat there in awe of the windows the and acoustics of the sanctuary, we were even more impressed with church members giving so freely of their time. In addition to Donna Barrier, Linda Fitts, wife of  Brian Fitts, Director of YES Music for Casual Worship, and Church Administrator Jane Sharpe were there. It was a special treat when Director of Music Ministries Dr. Bill Allred came in to practice the organ. We left with enough information for at least a month of Sundays!

If you are looking for a church that will be a spiritual home, this inviting, social-justice-minded gem of a church in the Kirkwood neighborhood is a good one to consider.

Happy Sunday!

Sears Demolition Is Well Under Way- 2024

2024 has been a year of change in Greensboro. We already showed you a photo of the razing of the News & Record building downtown. Today's photo is of demolition in progress Sears in Friendly Center at 3200 West Friendly Avenue. This is the east side with the main entrance. When it closed in 2023, the Friendly Center store was the last remaining Sears store in North Carolina. Nationally, Sears has roots dating back to 1892 (see history HERE). The year 1928 was a banner year for Sears in North Carolina when the first Sears opened in North Carolina. In that year, Sears stores opened in Greensboro, High Point, Asheville, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem- a year before the stock market crashed. In Greensboro, Sears relocated in 1934, 1940, 1948, and 1973.*

Sears remained in Friendly Center for fifty years, from 1973- 2023. In 2012, Whole Foods took over part of the Sears building in Friendly. At one point, there was discussion of renovation of the above building, but as it stands now, it looks like it may be headed for total demolition. D.H. Griffin has the contract. We are wondering how they will address the common wall, shared by Whole Foods and Sears. While we are sad to see this business close, it is always refreshing when a lot gets rebuilt, as opposed to destroying unimproved, rural land.

What Sears memories do you have? Likely it will date us, but yes, we have great memories of looking through the Sears catalog to pick out school clothes and Christmas toys. We remember going to the catalog department and picking up (and returning) items for our grandparents and parents. For many, there is some real nostalgia associated with Sears. Here's to new beginnings.

Happy Tuesday!

 

*read the timeline for Sears stores in North Carolina HERE.

Union Memorial United Methodist Church

The above photo features Union Memorial United Methodist Church located at 1012 East Gate City Boulevard at the corner of Bennett Street.. The church resembles  a two-story apartment complex. The church lawn is expansive. The cornerstone dates the church to 1951, with W.E. Hairston listed as pastor. Timmothy Fitzgerald is the current pastor. The cornerstone above it says High Street M.E. Church, Organized December 2, 1902.

Union Memorial offers a free breakfast every 3rd Saturday, which will be next weekend at 8:30 am. If you are interested in the church, that would be a good time to attend.

Happy Saturday!

Knights of Columbus

Knights of Columbus is a fraternal benefit society. It is a  Catholic men's group with the purpose of serving and doing charitable deeds. The organization dates back to 1882 and today,  boasts nearly 2 million men worldwide. There are different councils in Greensboro. St. Mary's council is located at 1414 Gorrell Street.  There is a council at St. Pius X. There are more Knight of Columbus groups in Greensboro, dating back to 1904. There used to be a clubhouse on Horse Pen Creek. It is no longer there.

The above omit if the Piedmont Council stone was taken in 2018, over six years ago. Traditionally, the Knights of Columbus have held a wreath laying ceremony at Forest Lawn Cemetery on Memorial Day.

Happy Sunday!

 

Greensboro History Museum, Former First Presbyterian Church

Yesterday, the Greensboro Bound Literary Festival held sessions at the Greensboro History Museum. Formerly, the History Museum was the First Presbyterian Church. Seeing this view of the entrance of the museum, filled with people, reminded us of what it must have looked like when the building was a church. It was built in 1892, 84 years after Greensboro was established. First Presbyterian relocated to 617 North Elm Street in 1929.

One of the sessions held in the history museum was, "Calling on Ancestors: Writing the Past into the Present." Tyree Daye, Zelda Lockhart, and David Nicholson shared stories of ancestors across generations. The presentation seemed perfect for the history museum where past meets present on a daily basis. The audience listening to  the session in the intimate auditorium is not unlike what it must have felt like to attend a church sermon in the building. The space is a Greensboro treasure.

Happy Sunday!

Chestnut Grove Church

Chestnut Grove Church is located in King, North Carolina, which is located north of Winston Salem, off of Highway 52. A few weeks ago, they were in Greensboro and their activity bus was parked down near the train depot. We loved the fact that the Lincoln Financial Group building was in the background, firmly anchoring the photo in Greensboro. 

Chestnut Grove Church was founded in 1974. This is their 50 year anniversary year so maybe the congregation is doing something really special. Congratulations on hitting that milestone year, and come back and visit Greensboro often. This is a part of town that is really starting to grow. The train depot area may have a completely different look, next time you are in town. Read more about the initiative for the depot HERE.

Happy Sunday!

Chestnut Grove

Chestnut Grove