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Another Favorite City

By Linda H. Barnette

Charleston, S.C. was another one of our favorite places to visit. We usually went there 2 or 3 times every year. We both loved history, and Charleston is rich in that. In the early days it was a major spot for slave trading, and its geography made it perfect for growing rice and other crops. Because of that, there are several beautiful plantations open for tours. The most beautiful to me was Middleton with its huge English gardens. However, Drayton Hall was interesting because it is completely unfurnished. Note that both the Middleton family and the Drayton family were involved in American politics, at that time pretty much controlled by wealthy men.

Another piece of history was Fort Sumter, a sea fort near Charleston. Its original purpose was to protect the city from a possible naval attack during the War of 1812. But its real fame came about because it was there that the first shots of the Civil War were fired. The fort at that time belonged to the United States, and on April 12, 1861, the South Carolina militia shot from shore onto the Union garrison.  A battle followed, and the Union won.

You have to take a boat out to the fort, and then a tour guide takes over after you reach land. The most interesting thing on the entire tour was the United States flag that hangs in the entrance of the building. It is diamond shaped and has a field of 33 stars. When you look closely at it, there appears to be a visible human form. As a born skeptic, I had to see it before I believed it.

Charleston is also famous for the beautiful homes on the Battery, the town marketplace where you can buy almost anything, the South Carolina Aquarium, the Citadel, and some fine restaurants.  We usually went to Hyman’s and split a seafood platter, but there are some 5-star hotels and restaurants too. Once I discovered the shops at Charleston Place and all the outlet stores on King Street, history was once again a thing of the pas.

One Hundred Fifty Years

By  E. Bishop

“The sweetest years I know were when I used to go

To the old country church on the hill

To hear the people sing, their voices clearly ring

in the old country church on the hill.

How they prayed, how they sang, in the old country church

   on the hill

I would like to go back to the old country church on the hill.”

Let this be an invitation to all to come to the little white church on the hill that we call Cherry Hill (Cherry Hill & Point road,s just off 601 South in Davie County, NC).

Built on a solid rock foundation by dedicated community worshippers, it has stood the test of time to meet this amazing milestone of 150 years.

About 1760, a number of Lutherans from Heidelberg, Germany settled in what is now Davie County and formed the Heidelburg Church. It was a log structure therefore succumbed to decay and by 1815, the congregation decided to relocate in the Jerusalem settlement. Then again, in 1873, the congregation decided to relocate. One of the leading Lutherans, Mr. Matthias Miller, offered land where long ago stood a cherry orchard, thus the naming of the church (Cherry Hill). The cornerstone of the present day church was laid August 22nd, 1874, by Rev. S. Rothrock.

Years, 150 in fact, have definitely taken a toll on this little church but it still stands as a sentinel for the descendants of the church and community that we may realize the importance of her heritage.  Through the years, neglect, vandalism and misuse almost destroyed this treasure until Historic Davie, Inc., along with the community, helped bring it back to its unassuming beautiful glory.  As you read this, many in the community are volunteering their time and efforts to readying the church and grounds (which has been done since the 1940s) so the homecoming tradition stays alive.

As with everything, there are expenses required to keep the church and grounds in good shape, protected from vandalism, power, alarm system, insurance, etc.  Any donations will be helpful and are urgently needed.  Donations may be sent to Michael Miller, 2995 Miller Rd. Salisbury, NC  28147 or at the homecoming service.

The church and shelter are available to rent for weddings, reunions, and other community events.  The Christmas service is always the second Saturday in December.

The little church on the hill has been through an incredible journey; it can still bring back precious years of memories for many and hopefully make new memories as well, especially if you stay for the ‘picnic on the grounds.’

    Cherry Hill Church Homecoming

Celebrating its Sesquicentennial

      Point Road, Mocksville NC  27028

      Sunday, July 28th

      10:30 AM  — covered dish to follow

Seeing Eyes

By Stephanie Williams Dean

Everyone sees differently – we all have different vision and visions. Even so, not everyone “sees.” Recently I was chatting with a friend about road trips when I realized that, in her mind, a road trip was nothing more than getting from point A to point B.

There was little more to a road trip than reading and posting to Facebook, texting friends, talking on the phone, studying GPS maps, and listening to music between the trip’s starting point and destination. That’s what the road represents to many – a way to get from one place to another. Nothing more.

But for me, it’s an opportunity to see beauty. From my perspective, the “road” is a big part of any road trip – and the sights along the way. I especially love our state’s backcountry roads and scenic highways. Many state paper maps have the state’s scenic byways printed on them – travel those roads. Slow down, put your devices down, and enjoy living in the moment – a moment you might never have the opportunity to enjoy again.

I like to drive along and imagine what farmer once cured country hams in an old weathered, fallen barn. I wonder about the granny who once stood over her old stove cooking a fantastic country supper for her family in an abandoned home with busted window panes.  There’s beauty in a rusted-out car with flat tires parked roadside and bunches of pretty, golden lazy Susans that have sprung up alongside it. The juxtaposition is the beauty.

To have the eyes of an artist and truly see – sometimes we have to look through what seems like a microscopic lens to truly appreciate the many, small beauties of which we are always surrounded. Like a camera, zoom in and focus on the scene from a closer perspective. Allow yourself the time – and enjoy. The ability to truly see is like any other spiritual practice of self-discipline – you have to cultivate the practice. Stop and smell the roses – all of God’s creation.

I’m such a stickler for beauty – I want to see beauty wherever I go – even if it’s a short trip to the grocery store.