Greensboro Daily Photo

Bluebird at Green Hill

Sundays, we like to post something religious or spiritual at Greensboro Daily Photo. We were walking in Green Hill Cemetery yesterday looking for something to post. There is a large tombstone in for form of a cross near the entrance. The name on one side is Rucker and on the back side Fry. We got our picture, and as we were leaving, saw this male, western bluebird on William Francis Clegg's worn tombstone. Sadly, William was born July 17, 1910 and died a little over a year later on September 13, 1911. We have been using the Merlin Bird ID app daily to identify birds in our Greensboro yard. So, somehow, it felt very special to see this bluebird so close and so low to the ground near downtown Greensboro.

When we looked at the other side of the tombstone and saw William's birthdate, we remembered one of our relatives was also born on July 17, 1910. One of many things we love about Greensboro Daily Photo is that it causes us to notice in ways we might not otherwise notice. We hope you, too,  have something that inspires you to notice the beauty in the little things around you. Green Hill Cemetery, located at 901 Wharton Street, is a very special place to walk and reflect on life and the importance of making our time on earth matter. 

Happy Sunday!

Centenary UMC

The Centenary United Methodist Church building always looks so beautiful a the intersection of Ridgeway and Friendly Avenue. The steeple is firmly in place. We remember when it was knocked off by high winds. We remember buying pumpkins from the youth group in many Octobers over the years. We remember the lovely Nativity scene displayed on this side of the church every December. It is so hard to believe that, as of the end of 2024, they held their last church service. We seem to remember Cone Health will put something on the property. For now, we'll just continue to enjoy this view with the lovely church, the North Carolina clouds, and that pine tree on the right.

We'll tag this as "then and now" and show you when it looks in the future "now."

Happy Sunday!

WQFS @ Guilford College

WQFS 90.9  the radio station at Guilford College in Greensboro. Typical of college radiation stations, WQFS provides a wide range of programming and music genres. Serving not just Guilford College but also the Piedmont region of North Carolina, WQFS is a student-run radio station made up of college and community DJs. For those who don't live nearby, the station is also streamed on the internet via Tunein. We stumbled upon a program in progress when we were touring an art exhibit at Founder's Hall on campus. We're not sure who the DJ was that day, but it was apparent she was enjoying herself and receptive to our spontaneous photo shoot. 

Greensboro College is a local treasure. It was founded in 1837 by the Religions Society of Friends (Quakers). Until the the 1920s, the college was largely isolated, west of Greensboro.  However, once the old trail to the college became Friendly Road, Guilford College became firmly linked to Greensboro. Guilford College adds so much to the Greensboro area. Truly, it is a local treasure, as is WQFS. As a local community member, you can even present a program on the station. Whether through education or the airwaves, Guilford College and WQFS continue to enrich Greensboro with opportunities for connection, creativity, and community.

Browns Summit Methodist Church

It has been a while since we've spent much time in the northeastern end of Guilford County. This past week, we drove up to Rockingham County and, on the way home, we got off the highway to drive through Browns Summit and take the back roads back to Greensboro. The town Browns Summit gets its name from the Civil War era when the Richmond/Danville Railway Line was built through John Brown's farm in the area. Likely, the methodist church grew  and established members around the railway. 

The church's official address is 4426 E NC Highway 150, Browns Summit, NC. It is located just west of the Browns Summit Middle School, a school for academically gifted students. The church has the main building with the sanctuary and then an addition on to the right. Since the last time we drove past the church, a Dollar General popped up (see the sign peeking through on the left).  Just to the west of the church are plowed fields. To be sure, this is an area of Guilford County that is undergoing lots of change. We hope to get back to explore some more.

Happy Sunday!

East Market Street Seventh-Day Adventist Church

The East Market Street Seventh-Day Adventist Church, located at 1802 East Market Street, is also listed online as the "East Central African Fellowship" Seventh-Day Adventist Church. We drove by on Saturday after shopping at the nearby Greensboro Farmers Market. We needed a post for today and noticed people were headed in for the service. The lead pastor is John Pooler III.  Online, he is listed as a corporate chaplain, having served as chaplain with Tyson Foods and Wilkes Recovery Revolution. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church is part of the Protestant branch of Christianity with 19 million members worldwide and a million in the United States. * According to their website, their mission is to be a "community centered church with a Christ centered culture, engrafting the Word of God through faith, family, finance, fitness, and fellowship." 

We were struck by the architecture of the building with its square, warehouse look. Without the small sign on the northwest corner of the building, we never would have guessed the building was a church. We were also struck by the fact that it is surrounded by buildings that are part of NC A&T University, and we are wondering if the building will ever become part of the university's property.

For those who celebrate Passover, Happy Passover; and for those who celebrate Easter, it is Palm Sunday. Next week will be Easter for all Christians, including Orthodox Christians.

Happy Sunday!

 

* reference and more information HERE.

West Market Street UMC-a Great Backdrop!

The West Market Street United Methodist Church is one of the oldest churches in Greensboro. The congregation was established in 1830, only twenty two years after Greensboro became a city. While the above location is not the original, the church is one of the closest to downtown. Yesterday, served as the backdrop for the local "Hands Off" protest. About 2,000 people came to town to exercise their right to protest peacefully. There were people of all ages. Protestors were positioned all along Market Street. It will be interesting to see if the protest is mentioned during the service today.

In the meantime, something that will be mentioned is their upcoming Easter Egg Hunt in Lebauer Park on Saturday, April 12th from 3:00 - 4:30 pm in LeBauer Park. Children can not only hunt eggs, but participate in crafts and have snacks, The church is requisition you bring canned food for their food pantry.  As with yesterday's protest, the egg hunt will be open to everyone!

Happy Sunday!

 

First Moravian Church of Greensboro

Today is a special day today at the First Moravian Church on 304 South Elam Avenue. At 11:00 am, they are having a ROCK Praise Band. For the service, musicians will play music from Jesus Christ Superstar. It will be a very different vibe from their December, Moravian tea. (Both equally engaging, however)!

If you want a full day of music, after the event at the First Moravian Church, from 2-9 pm today, bands will gill gather at the Back Table* at 816 S. Elm Street to listen to a dozen bands play music and sing, as a fundraiser to benefit Valley Strong Disaster relief. The event is called "Heartstring for Swannanoa. We would love to see you at both events!

Finally, for Muslim friends, the month of fasting during the day, Ramadan,  has come to an end. Today is Eid, a day prayer, feasting, and fellowship.

We hope you have a great day. If you are Muslim, Eid Mubarak!

Happy Sunday!

*Back Table is on Instagram @backtablegso and on Facebook

The Yellow Door House

Located at 1504 Lovett Street, the Yellow Door House is a community resource for the Glenwood Community. According to their website, The Yellow Door House "seeks to be a catalyst for Jesus-centered development in the areas of Education, Healthy Living, Economic Opportunities, and Spiritual Information. They offer worship nights, a women's clergy retreat, and there are ways to partner.

The Yellow Door House is committed to revitalizing the Glenwood neighborhood.  If we understand correctly, Yellow Door endeavors to educate young and old alike in Glenwood. They also offer neighbors economic opportunities, healthy lifestyles within a spiritual framework. They are located right across from HOPE Academy and we're betting they have great involvement there. If you drive by, the yellow is very noticeable and perfect for spring.

Happy Sunday!

The Difference Church

The building at  4530 Jessup Grove Road has become home to yet another house of worship. February 2023, Michael and Kris Larson founded the non-denominational, Christian church. The religion they practice is Bible based and centered around the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Baptism is the public declaration of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.* According to their website, they offer special ministries for children, men, women, students, and young adults. You can worship in person or through live stream. It seems like they have something for everybody. 

As people seek out a spiritual home, they seek a sense of belonging, a shared spiritual purpose and meaning, in an environment that fosters a connection other humans in the path to connecting  to the divine- something more powerful than the self.  If The Difference Church nurtures those connections surely their church will be there for a very long time. Let us home they are stewards to the cemetery across the street, that has been part of Jessup Grove since the original iteration of a church.

Happy Sunday!

*See their website, HERE. 

Steeple blown Off Church

With those peak gust winds we've had recently, there has been some damage done. In addition to some fallen limbs, the above photo features a church steeple on the ground. Our friend, local teacher extraordinaire Antonio Powers sent us this photo of a church he took on Gate City Boulevard. He didn't remember the name of the church, but thinks it is a Baptist church.

The scene reminds us to remember just how powerful nature is and to be grateful for every time there is inclement weather and we are spared damage. It looks like this church won't have a lot to do, other than reattach the roof.

Steeple blown Off Church

With those peak gust winds we've had recently, there has been some damage done. In addition to some fallen limbs, the above photo features a church steeple on the ground. Our friend, local teacher extraordinaire Antonio Powers sent us this photo of a church he took on Gate City Boulevard. He didn't remember the name of the church, but thinks it is a Baptist church.

The scene reminds us to remember just how powerful nature is and to be grateful for every time there is inclement weather and we are spared damage. It looks like this church won't have a lot to do, other than reattach the roof.  An early reference to the comment "In like a lion, out like a lamb" is Thomas Fuller in 1792, It appears this old adage may may have truth to in in Greensboro this year. Let's hope that the "out like a lamb" part is true as we've already experienced "in like a lion."

Happy Sunday!

Lenten Roses on the Last Sunday before Lent

Tis the season for Lenten roses, or hellebores. This evergreen, flowering perennial is one of the earliest bloomers, coming alive in late winter. They  bloom from late November until May, depending  location, species or hybrid. Their leathery leaves provide ground cover year-round. White is the most dominant color in the Greensboro area, but they come in a variety of colors. We have friends who take great pleasure in seeing how many varieties they can grow: Striped, yellow, the deep purple, almost black, spotted, some that have a slightly metallic highlights, and double flowers. We get ours from friends when they are thinning their herd. Also, locally, Gethsemane Gardens and Nursery specializes in them. If you want them to proliferate in your yard,  remember most hybrids are sterile.

Hellebores like organically rich soil and grow well under trees. They don't seem to be of interest to deer and rabbits, which is a big consideration in many parts of Guilford County. While they are beautiful, they are toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. They are called Lenten roses because the often grow during the Lenten season. Lent this year is from Wednesday, March 5th to Thursday, April 17th. So, the above crop, thriving in our yard,  is right on time. As you are out and about, or on your way to church today, see how many clumps of hellebores there are along the way. 

Happy 1st Sunday in March!

New Zion Missionary Baptist Church

New Zion Missionary Baptist Church continues to expand not only their physical space, but also their outreach. Above shows the church on Martin Luther King Boulevard. Recently, we shared their Community Enrichment Center (to the left) where there is so much happening for the community, including. community clothes closet. Pastor William F. Wright and his wife have been part of the church since 1980, forty five years ago! Pastor Wright was born in Aiken, South Carolina. His wife is from Henderson, North Carolina. Together, they have watch New Zion grow and expand. The church is not only visible from MLK Drive but is highly visible on East Gate City Boulevard.

We were stuck by the thought of this Corvette sports car racing by New Zion, where the main race is one for salvation.

Happy Sunday!

Skenes Chapel Holiness Church

The East Gate City Boulevard view of Skenes Chapel Holiness Church is spectacular. It exudes strength and presence. Unfortunately, the front of the church is showing a lot of age. The giant white columns could use a paint job, and the porthole windows need to be replaced. The front of the church is located at 350 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in Old Asheboro, just down from Southside.  The building was built in 1915 and currently takes up most of the .45 acre on which it is built. It is one of the first churches in the nation to have an ordained female pastor. It would be so nice to see community organizations rally and help restore this church to its original glory. 

According to the sign out front, Sunday school is at 10:00 a.m. and the Sunday worship service is at 11:00 a.m., with Bishop Lawrence S. Tate leading the service. We stopped by yesterday but the church was locked up and there was no way to see past the small ante-room that leads to the sanctuary. Someday, we'd love to get inside. Here is a photo of the church we took 14 years ago.

Happy Sunday!

Christ Covenant Church

Christ Covenant Church is one of those churches that looks deceptively small from the street view and extremely large when you drive around back. It is located at the corner of Friendly Avenue at 811 Jefferson Road; near Friendly Avenue Baptist Church and Formation of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church. Christ Covenant  was established in 1981 and is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America. On Sunday's, morning worship is at 11:00 am and evening worship is at 5:30.

This dynamic church has high visibility in the location and is usually a great place to stop and purchase Girl Scout cookies.  In addition to the Presbyterian congregation, a smaller church also holds services there. Based on photos online, the sanctuary appears to have an A-frame roof and lots of wood. We're betting the acoustics are lovely. The church absolutely glows at twilight with the vibrant blue sky as a backdrop.

Happy Sunday!

New Zion Missionary Baptist Church

The New Zion Missionary Baptist Church is a very large part of the footprint between Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and East Gate City Boulevard (formerly Lee Street). The above photo features the Greensboro Fire Department Hose Company No 4, Southside, which the church now owns and uses for community outreach activities. The building appears to have been nicely restored and the sanctuary is located to the right of the above building. 

William F. Wright, Jr. is pastor and services are held Sunday mornings and evenings, and there is Wednesday Bible Study. The origins of the church date back to 1897 in the nearby Warnersville community. The church is known for working hard to meet the needs of the congregation and the needs of the surrounding community.  It is hard to believe that the multi-million dollar sanctuary (to the right), built in 2016 is already almost ten years old. In checking our archives, we see we featured it under construction in 2016. (see HERE).  It is fun to look back and see these changes to Greensboro over the years.

Happy Sunday!

Pfeiffer Chapel at Bennett College

Annie Merner Pfeiffer, born in Ontario, Canada, in 1860, was a philanthropist who later moved to the United States after marriage. She became affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1941, the chapel was built at Bennett College, and the college awarded her an honorary degree. Pfeiffer attended the dedication of Pfeiffer Chapel, which was named in her honor. See the order of service from  when the chapel was dedicated . The above photo shows a view of the chapel,  located on the quadrangle of Bennett College’s east Greensboro campus.

On February 11, 1958, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at Pfeiffer Chapel when he was 29 years old. His speech, titled "A Realistic Look at Race Relations," focused on the importance of the ballot and discussed the limitations of the two major political parties. If you're interested, you can also read an interview with Dr. King conducted by student reporters from The Bennett Banner, archived at Stanford University. Here  the interview with Dr. King. It is just one example of the many significant Civil Rights events, issues, and conversations that took place in Greensboro.

Read more about Annie Merner Pfeiffer HERE.

Happy Sunday!

 

 

A Simple Cross

Religion can be represented by a community of believers, buildings, symbols, individual actions and more. The above photo, taken in May of 2023, shows a single cross placed on a wooden marker, almost as if the spot is sacred; possibly someone died there. Perhaps they did. The above photo is of the lot on Chapman Street, specifically 507 South Chapman, the home where Jack True, Sr. and his family lived. They decorated every holiday for all of the Greensboro community to enjoy. Mr. True  died in 2003 at the age of 71 (see the house here).

Fast forward to today and you will see two structures, which, are either duplexes or quadplexes. on the lot. (We need to get by for a then and now shot of what has been built on this lot). Jack died in '03,  and twenty years later, the house was razed. However, someone remembered Mr. True, the Santa of Chapman Street, and his love of God and community enough to mark the spot with a cross. Anonymous acts that are done in love are in the true spirit of religion. Let all of us, in Greensboro and beyond, regardless of religion or beliefs pause for a moment of silent reflection and think about why and for whom we are thankful.  

Happy Sunday!

 

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!