Through the Word was life,
and the life was the light for all people.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.
(John 1:4-5)

First-time visitors to Howard Memorial are struck immediately by the beauty of the light in the sanctuary, the way the morning sun filters through the 1909 stained-glass to illuminate the space with a golden, muted iridescence.

It is a glow that tells the story of how light entered the world through the birth and life of Jesus Christ, and also how light continues to be refracted and multiplied through the lives of those called to be Followers of the Living Way. The power of this story is told not just in the meditative receiving of light in the sanctuary, but also in the intentional living that comes in response to worship, and to preaching, and to listening, and to prayer.

It is our call to shine, and this congregation’s enthusiastic faithful response, that marks Tarboro’s Presbyterians. HMPC is as much defined by action as meditation. But the signal beauty of this sanctuary is a strong invitation to reflection and prayer. Walk into the sanctuary one weekday morning, when it is not crowded with people, then spend some quiet time alone with God.

It is not too much to say that — in the right context — great architecture helps facilitate faithful discipleship. Regardless, Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church is blessed. A blessing translated both into meditation and outreach. Amen.