Bicentennial section omitted city churches
The following is a Counterpoint:
By Dorothy Schoolfield
I have just thumbed through your edition, "A Bicentennial Celebration -- Greensboro 1808-2008." I became a resident of Greensboro 60-plus years ago, so I find the pictorial history very interesting, but I am puzzled at what has been omitted. There is not one reference to any place of worship. I find this very disturbing.
I am referring to one particular church: Buffalo Presbyterian Church. Established in 1756, Buffalo is one of the oldest churches in the Piedmont. When "the North Buffalo Church," as it was first named, was organized on the present site (16th and Church streets), it was then in Rowan County, making it 14 years older than the county of Guilford. It is 33 years older than our U.S. government and 52 years older than the city of Greensboro.
There have been 15 pastors during its 252 years. David Caldwell was the first pastor, serving for 55 years until he was 95. He was a member of the first state convention at Halifax in 1776 that framed the first state constitution; and he was a member of the state convention in 1788 that approved the federal constitution. A physician at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse and beloved teacher, Dr. Caldwell is buried in the cemetery with his wife Rachel and several members of their family.
The Rev. Dr. Jesse W. Bledsoe serves as our 15th pastor.
One of the great strengths of Buffalo today is its past -- a past that has come down to the present through many families who have been part of the church for decades. This has made for a family church.
However, this has not precipitated an exclusiveness; rather, the church has persistently reached out to involve others in the Buffalo family.
I really can't see how you can celebrate 200 years of "city of Greensboro" without recognizing landmarks such as Buffalo Presbyterian Church.
The writer lives in Greensboro.