“For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake his saints; they are preserved forever…” (Psalm 37:28)

Sunday February 11, much to the delight of worshippers, a small detachment from “The Great Cloud of Witnesses” made their way to Tarboro, where they attended services at Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church.

The illustrious band of saints comprised five men and five women, including the legendary “Three Annas” and the inimitable Sally Drew. All ten were instrumental in establishing 1874’s original iteration of Tarboro’s Presbyterians.

One by one, and with the help of an admirable narrator (Kate Brittain) the visitors told inspirational stories telling how the love of Jesus had shaped their lives and the beginnings of this church.

The ten shared a compelling message about the passion that gave birth to the vision that is now HMPC, and the faithfulness that has sustained it. Our 19th Century forebears may be numbered among the saints, but their story is less about the spectacular and more about the real. For they are the Presbyterian Church, women and men who are being transformed daily by genuine faith, regular people building a community where love and grace and acceptance and generosity and service continue to define life together.

The vision our time-traveling visitors shared remains as vital, as alive, as true, as compelling, as charged with life and as flat out necessary today as it was in 1874. Fortunately, we are still equipped with the mighty power of God, the deep deep love of Jesus, and the animating breath of the Holy Spirit.

Check back soon for more reporting from this yearlong celebration of not only our history but our future too.

– Derek