Page 30 - MOST RECENT

The present edifice was constructed in 1889. During
this period, the church trustees who provided leadership
for the building effort were the late W. M. Phillips,
Joseph Nelson and William Wright.
St. Paul's, being the oldest, was originally supported
by the entire community, including in its membership
such family names as :Matthews, Taylor, Lash, Chavis,
Nelson, Bost, King and Warren.
St. Paul's has had many ministers, but one pianist
and choir director. Mrs. Leone Matthews Friende played
for the first choir, and after sixty years of continuous
service is still pianist and director of the Senior Choir.
Mrs. Inez Matthews Merritt, a member of the original
choir is still an active choir member. An historical ac-
count would not be complete without mentioning the
dedicated, dependable service of Miss Gresley Chambers.
Moravian Easter Sunrise Service - 1955
Providence Baptist Church was founded March 4,
1885 under the leadership of B. A. Brown, J. H. Linville,
The Moravian church in its history has shared with and John Hepler. The Reverend J. N. Stallings was instal-
the community some of its distinctive customs and prac- led as pastor at this time. Three years later Dr. 0. C.
tices in worship and expression of Christian faith. Em- Pope of Greensboro helped to finance another church at
phasis on personal evangelism, Christian Education and which time the Reverend N. W. Johnson was the pastor.
foreign missions has not changed over the years. The This church was completed in November, 1888. The deed
way of life has always traditionally been that of quiet was filed for registration at twelve o'clock noon Decem-
involvement in the life of the community. ber 28, 1888. The church at this time was called the
Some of the unique Moravian traditions which the Colored Baptist Church. The congregation received fi-
townfolks have experienced through the years include nancial help from all of the townspeople in their efforts
the use of a brass band in special services. On Easter to improve their house of worship.
morning, the band goes throughout the community to
announce the Resurrection. In the earlier years, the
band travelled on foot, playing by the light of lan-
te1ns. This was preliminary to the coming together of
hundreds to the Moravian graveyard, there to join the
band and the Church triumphant to proclaim the "Lord
is Risen." The distinctive use of lovefeast services at-
tract many in the community. The serving of coffee and
buns with congregational singing to symbolize unity,
equality, and love has added to the worship life of the
community. The traditional candle light services at
Christmas seem to appeal to the spiritual sensitivity of
the community as growing throngs of worshippers come
each year to participate in these symbolic services.
The Moravians hope that through their church, the
Mrs. Leona Matthews Friende
community of Kernersville has found in their life and
traditions a contribution to what all Christians are try-
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
ing to do. Church Street, 1870's
The St. Paul's United Methodist Church originated
during the 1870's. The original sanctuary was pur-
chased from the Main Street Methodist Church and was
relocated on the site presently occupied by the St. Paul's
Cemetery.
As the residential pattern of members and poten-
tial members began to shift toward the northeastern
section of the community, it became apparent that a
more accessible location of the church was imminently
desirable. This concern precipitated a search for a new
site for the church which culminated in the purchase of
the present property in 1886. This property was pur-
chased from George Taylor, grandfather of Mrs. Inez
Matthews Merritt · and Mrs. Leone Matthews Friende.

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