Footstones mark beginning of commemorative year for Grace Lower Stone’s building
Published 12:00 am Thursday, August 1, 2019
This is a closer look at the German poem in place above the south door of Grace Lower Stone Reformed Church, built in 1795 by German settlers. The church building has German poems above three different doors going into the church. Submitted photo
On this footstone, one of three which will be dedicated Sunday, is inscribed a translation of the German poem above the south door of Grace Lower Stone Reformed Church. Submitted photo
This is a southern view of Grace Lower Stone Reformed Church, which was finished in 1795. Submitted photo
By Kevin Sloop
For the Salisbury Post
ROCKWELL — This Sunday’s homecoming service at Grace Lower Stone Reformed Church, outside Rockwell, will be the beginning of a yearlong celebration commemorating the 225th anniversary of the completion of the building.
This is a southern view of Grace Lower Stone Reformed Church, which was finished in 1795. Submitted photo
The stone structure, finished in 1795, is the oldest house of worship in continuous use in Rowan County. It is at 2405 Lower Stone Church Road, at the intersection with Old Beatty Ford Road.
The early German settlers who constructed Grace Lower Stone carved poems in slate stones above each of the building’s three doors.
A footstone, with the English translation of these poems inscribed on it, has recently been placed beside each of the three doors.
These translation stones will be dedicated at the beginning of Sunday’s homecoming service. Former Pastors Kevin Gilliam and Jay Whitley will lead the dedication, and Gilliam will deliver the sermon.
The greater Rowan County-Cabarrus County community is invited to bring a potluck lunch and join in the homecoming service and the meal that will follow.
Kevin Sloop is music director for Grace Lower Stone Reformed Church.
