Double Springs Memorial Celebration
Flags were placed along the graveyard at the site of the historic Double Springs AME Zion Church in Lewisville, North Carolina for the memorial celebration held each year on Memorial Day weekend.
Remembering, Honoring, Celebrating
On this Memorial Day weekend, a memorial celebration service was held at the site of the historic Double Springs AME Zion Church in Lewisville, North Carolina. Friends, family and a few remaining former members gathered at the church’s graveyard this past Saturday, May 23, 2009 to remember, honor and celebrate.
They remembered those who had gone before them in the founding of the church and in the life of the church until its final service in 1982. And they recounted the efforts that began over ten years ago to clean up, repair and improve the graveyard. (See the previous post, Graveyard Tour – Double Springs AME Zion, for additional coverage of the church’s history and graveyard renovation efforts.)
They honored the remaining living members of the church. And they celebrated with song, fellowship and good food.
To access the PHOTO GALLERY, as well as to hear a 10-MINUTE AUDIO RECORDING of the service highlights, please continue to the NEXT SECTION.
Audio Recording of the Service
I recorded the latter portion of the service and combined excerpts into a single audio file that’s just under 10 minutes in length. I believe you’ll really get a sense of the service by listening to the recording, along with viewing the photos.
In the recording, you’ll hear some history, as well as prayers of celebration and gratitude. And you’ll hear what I think is the highlight of the recording — a five-year-old girl singing in honor of her great-grandmother.
The audio excerpts begin after Rev. Morgan A. Glenn’s words of inspiration. To help you identify the voices in the recording, a list is provided below of the individuals, in the order in which they’re heard.
- Jettie Hart Perry (provided history)
- Rev. Tom Alberts (Member of the Lewisville Historical Society — led in prayer)
- Fay Shore McCauley (gave special recognition of Lena Kimbrough Hill and Nicie Lambeth)
- James E. Campbell (Master of Ceremony)
- Ilana (five years old, singing in honor of her great-grandmother, Lena Kimbrough Hill)
- Ted Kaplan (Forsyth County Commissioner)
- Rev. Robert H. Bailey (the last preacher at Double Springs AME Zion Church — provided the benediction and led in the blessing)
Photo Gallery
To see more photos of the memorial celebration, please visit the Double Springs Memorial Celebration photo gallery.
Double Springs Memorial Celebration 2009 (MP3, 10 MIN.)
Share Your Thoughts or Memories …
Please share any thoughts or memories you have regarding Double Springs AME Zion Church in the comment section below.
- Did you attend Double Springs’ service this past Saturday, or have you attended in previous years?
- Did anyone in your family attend Double Springs AME Zion Church and/or go to the school that was held in the church?
- Did you help in the efforts to renovate the graveyard?
- Is there more that you would like to see accomplished, as far as improving the site or preserving the church’s history?
