The Presbyterian Church in Wilkesboro

In my newly released novel, Sown in Dark Soil in the Appalacian Roots series, the Presbyterian Church in Wilkesboro appears twice. The first time, Luke is showing Ivy, Leah, and Patsy the town for the first time, as they make their way to the mountain farm. They meet Reverend Pharr, who was actually one of the early pastors there. He gives them information about the churches and town and invites them to attend the Presbyterian services anytime they can.

The second time, Leah, Luke, and Clifton are returning to the mountains, when a group of criminals take their wagon. Luke accompanies the sheriff to try to get it back, while Leah and Clifton return to Wilkesboro. Since it's Sunday, they decide to attend the Presbyterian Church service. (As with all my books, all my profits from Sown in Dark Soil will go to a scholarship fund for missionary children.)

The Presbyterian Church was founded in Wilkesboro in 1837 and was the first Presbyterian church in Wilkes County and one of the first in the western North Carolina region. At first, the congregation met in homes until they could afford to purchase land and raise a building.

The builder is listed as simply "Dameron," and he also built St. Paul's Episcopal Church on a hill behind the courthouse to the west of the Presbyterian Church. But the two churches are very different in style. The Presbyterian is Greek Revival and is more in the style of a Greek temple. St. Paul's Presbyterian is Gothic in style. The Presbyterian Church still owns the original pulpit Bible donated by Ellen Tate Finley in 1851. I enjoyed visits to both churches.

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Daily Bible Study

For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth (Psalm 33:4).

Recently, an adult couples Sunday School class admitted that they didn't read their Bibles unless at church - not one out of the whole class. I'm afraid they're typical of Christians today. Not many take the time to study the Bible on a regular basis. The Bible is where God reveals His character and will, so why would Christians ignore it?

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).

Throughout the Bible God gives us His proclamations, principles, and promises. Aren't those important? The Bible reveals God's plans for mankind in general, and it directs us individually in the way we should go at different times in our lives. I always hear people saying they have a hard time discerning the will of God. How often do they read their Bibles? Knowing the Bible will get you a lot closer to knowing the will of God, and it'll bring you into a much closer relationship with Him, as well.

But he [Jesus] answered and said, it is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

I've heard some people complain that the Bible is hard for them to understand. I can remember when I had some thoughts like that a long time ago, but the more I've read the Bible and prayed for understanding, the easier it's become to understand. God rewards perseverance, and He answers prayers. 

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon his house, and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock (Matthew 7:24-25).

Bible study makes life meaningful. Life is short. In fact the brevity of life is one of the the Bible's themes, and, although we don't like to think about it, we know that it's true. Why do we often choose to spend our time in meaningless activities soon to be forgotten? How often do you read your Bible? If it's not daily, make plans to change that.


Since life is so brief, we cannot afford merely to "spend our lives," and we certainly do not want to "waste our lives." We must invest our lives in those things that are eternal (Warren Wiersbe, Be Mature, kindle loc. 1617-1618).

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The Writers' Retreat at Lake Tahoe

Besides the fact that I was up for 25 hours straight on Wednesday for the trip out and the start of the retreat and 21 hours on Sunday for the return trip, I had a wonderful experience. It's going to be hard to cover it all in my blog space, so I may continue some of the story in later blogs.

The gourmet level food was wonderful, the friendships formed were heart-warming, the place was picture-perfect, and the writing information was worth the trip. Since I didn't have a car, I was limited where I could go, so I generally wrote in the afternoons. I am nearing the end of my first novel in the New Mexico series, Second Choice Bride. I did manage to get out and take some photos of the lake once, but the smoke drifting in from the fires in California made it hazier than usual.

The most practical advice for my writing came from learning how to make sure I'm showing and not telling. I had struggled some with that through brief sections of my books. Now I'm clear on how to write the sentences to have it happening from a characters perspective and not told from their perspective. It's actually a subtle change, but it makes a world of difference. If any of my writing friends would like to discuss it, they can contact me.

I came home tired from the time zone changes and long days of travel but relaxed and pleased. When I saw the prices of rooms and food elsewhere in Tahoe, I think I got a good deal, too. I'll show you more of the place and the other authors in upcoming blogs. For now, just suffice it to say the retreat left me feeling greatly blessed.

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The History of the Blount House

While houses in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area were made of logs in 1792, William Blount began constructing his out of milled boards. The prestigious home would serve as the territorial capitol, as well as his family's home. In fact, his wife Mary insisted that he build her a proper house if he expected her to move. He shipped the nails from his family's nailery near Tarboro, North Carolina, and the windows came from Richmond, Virginia. 

At first, the house wasn't so large. A west wing was added in 1810, and the east wing was built sometime prior to 1820. The detached kitchen has been reconstructed on the original site. There was also a common cooling shed and the governor's office, which looked like a typical law office of that time.

Before he settled in Tennessee, William Blount had served as a member of the North Carolina House of Commons, North Carolina's paymaster in the Continental Army, a congressman under the Articles of Confederation, and a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. George Washington appointed him as governor of the Territory of the United States South of the Ohio River. Blount governed from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, for a while, until he signed the Treaty of Houston. Then, he decided to move his capital to Knoxville, a city that had yet to be built.

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The Odd Beginning of Play Doh

Play Doh didn't begin as a type of modeling compound or art and craft material at all. In the early part of the 1900's, it was used as a wall cleaner, especially to remove soot stains coming from fireplaces and stoves. At that time, many homes burned coal. which left a dark residue on walls. Noah McVicker of Kutol Products, a soap maker based in Cincinnati, Ohio, had formulated the reusable putty-like cleaner at the request of Kroger grocery stores.

After World War II, however, many homes transitioned from coal to natural gas, and there wasn't as many stained walls. Therefore, the demand for the pliable wall cleaner diminished. Joe McVicker, trying to save his Kutol company, discovered that a teacher was using the wallpaper cleaner for her students to make Christmas ornaments. He took the same ingredients: flour, water, salt, boric acid, and mineral oil and added coloring to sell in the toy market.

Play Doh was marketed as an educational tool in the Cincinnati schools in the mid-50's. In 1956, it was introduced at an educational convention and picked up to sell in department stores. When major childrens' television shows advertised the product in 1957, Play Doh's success was ensured, and it's been around ever since. In 2003, the Toy Industry Association put it on its "Century of Toys" list.

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That Other Type of Throne

Toilets may have been around much longer than you think, because even some of the ancient civilizations had them. For example, they were in the early city of Ephesus, which is in Turkey today. Certainly, the wealthy people in ancient Egypt had bathrooms with toilets in their homes, and early limestone toilet seats have been found there. The Indus Valley civilization (2,600 - 1,900 BC) had sewers under the streets and toilets that were flushed with water (http://www.localhistories.org/toilets.html).

In the Middle Ages, toilets were usually just a wooden seat over a pit. However castles might have a garderobe, which was a stone seat attached to a shaft that emptied outside, maybe in the moat. Hey, they wanted the moat to deter attacks.

For a time, chamber pots were common. Emptying and washing out the pots were not pleasant tasks, however. The chamber pot was sometimes hidden in seats or chairs, which made it more comfortable. Some of these where hard to distinguish from a regular chair a first glance.

Then came the necessary or outhouse. These little buildings were erected over a hole for the refuge. They could have one seat or more. The better made ones had seat edges sanded smooth.

Of course, these types of early toilets overlapped each other in time periods. Chamber pots and outhouses were being used in the same eras. Even in modern times, different cultures have different ideas about what is best. For example, many Asian cultures prefer the toilet be even with the floor or ground, while Western cultures normally prefer raised units. The history of toilets may cause smiles (or snickers, in the case of students), but most of us would admit they're important.

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Rosemary

The use of herbs has a long history, almost as long as man himself. They've been used around the world to treat ailments, and some of our modern medicines include them. Many of these herbs have a long list of things they might help with, and rosemary is no different. As with all treatments, however, you should consult your physician first. For example, rosemary should be avoided for those with epilepsy. 

Rosemary can be used topically for hair loss, to lighten dark age spots, to enhance skin and hair, to ease arthritis, and to soothe aches and pains. Because rosemary increases blood circulation, it can be good for regulating blood pressure, helping with fatigue, and easing some types of headaches. Perhaps this is why it's a favorite of people using essential oils, a growing trend.

Sniffing fresh rosemary is good for the memory. In fact, it's been reported that Greek students braided rosemary into their hair to help them on school exams. I imagine most of us feel that we could use a little memory enhancement.  

And, of course, rosemary is great in cooking, too.  There's many wonderful recipes out there. One of my favorites is rosemary-roasted potatoes:

Easy Rosemary-Roasted Potatoes
Take 5 - 6 medium potatoes, wash, and quarter. Melt 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, remove from heat, and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Coat potato wedges. Mix in 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh rosemary. Add salt, pepper, and garlic to taste. Place in a baking dish and bake in 375 degree oven for about 40 minutes or until tender.

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The Interior of the House in the Horseshoe

Step back in time, as you enter the Piedmont North Carolina farmhouse built around 1770. The architectural style of the Alston House looks more like that of the coastal plains, and the two-story dwelling is a typical eighteenth-century plantation house. It has the gabled roof with large double-shouldered Flemish bond chimneys. The front and back boasts a shed porch.

When Governor Benjamin Williams bought the 2,500 acre plantation as a retreat in 1798, he enlarged the house by adding the two wings, which held a kitchen and the master bedroom. He wanted to become a gentleman farmer and raise cotton, a profitable crop since Eli Whitney had invented the cotton gin to easily extract the tenacious seeds.

The interior woodwork is full of detail, including the doorways, mantels, and wall panels. There are two bedrooms upstairs, plus the master bedroom downstairs. The house is furnished with period Federal-style pieces. It appeals to all of us who love early Americana. (For more on the house, see June 5 blog.)

The State Historic Site is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m - 4 p.m.
288 Alston House Road, Sanford, NC
910-947-2051

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Christian Troublemakers

That's an oxymoron, isn't it? Christian and troublemaker should be opposites. They certainly don't go together. As Warren Wiersbe says in Be Mature, "It is a serious thing to be a troublemaker in God's family" (kindle loc. 1402). Yet, some "Christians" try to do just that. They are turning to their wisdom and not God's. They justify their actions by telling themselves they're right.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned and avoid them (Romans 16:17).

Most churches have to contend with a troublemaker at some point in time. It's important to use God's wisdom and Word in dealing with them, and not our own. Our natural inclination is probably to tell them what we think, but that only brings us down to their level. God commanded that we treat everyone with love, even the troublemaker. He made no exceptions.

These things I command you, that ye love one another (John 15:17).

Several years ago, I was teaching an adult Sunday school class. One of the men in there took exception to some of what I said, and often tried to start an argument. For example, when I was teaching the Great Commission, he said he didn't think we should go into other countries, because there was enough that needed doing right here in America. I asked why we couldn't do both, but I kept my voice tone pleasant. Later another member of the class asked me why I allowed someone to challenge me like that. I tried to explain that I wanted to act in kindness no matter what others did. I knew in my heart I was following what God wanted me to do.

But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matthew 5:44).

There was a member of another church who became obsessed with politics, and one of the political parties seemed to be his religion. He took exception to what the pastor said, because the minister tried to be unbiased in pulpit and didn't overtly favor either party. The man stood before the congregation and called for the pastor's resignation. The people unanimously supported their minister.

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another,,, (Hebrews 10:25).

Another time, a man got angry with his pastor and church and declared he would see that the church closed its doors. Declaring war on God's church seems awfully scary to me and is certainly not a wise thing to do. That church is still holding services years later, by the way.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

God doesn't want his people behaving like this. When they do, they're not loving others as themselves, but putting themselves and what they want first. In fact, when a believer makes trouble, he or she is outside of the will of God. He calls us to be peacemakers, not troublemakers. Let's heed that call.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9).

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A New Writing Experience

I've always wanted to go to a writers' retreat with a chance to write in different surroundings, often a quite pretty one. When I was single, I even gathered information about various retreats, especially those with grant opportunities. However, because of extenuating circumstances, I never ended up attending one.

Now, however, I've come to one, and I'm writing from Lake Tahoe led by the top Christian writer, Mary Lu Tyndall. Tamara Leigh, famous for her medieval series, is also attending. How exciting is that! I've been looking forward to meeting everyone, absorbing as much as possible, and having a great time with fellow writers. Although I've been to both California and Nevada, I've never been to Lake Tahoe before.

I left very early Wednesday morning. By the time I arrived in Stateline, Nevada, where the house is located, I'd already been up for twelve hours, and it was only 2 p.m. here. I had a car and driver pick me up at the airport in Reno and bring me out, because that was actually cheaper than renting a car. I plan to check into that option more often when I travel.

I managed to get everything packed into one carry-on bag and a small tote bag, even with some of my novels. You can imagine how tired my Eastern-time body was when I got to bed on Pacific time. I had been up for 25 hours straight. However, I'm a seasoned traveler, and I adjusted. I'll write more about the sessions and retreat itself in another blog, so stay tuned.

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Turn-of-the-Century Fashion

As the 19th century began and rolled along, the cumbersome hooped-skirts had left, and the ridiculous bustles were on the way out. Women once again preferred dresses that emphasized their hourglass figures. Trains that brushed the floor were common, even among day dresses. Blouses, skirts, and jackets were worn for travel or sometimes other events. Most necklines were high and often trimmed with lace or embellishments. Corsets didn't put so much pressure on the abdomen and were considered healthier than earlier ones. 

Accessories, like hats, fans, and gloves remained important, but styles changed. Hats with big brims were favored, as well as those with large embellishments, like flowers or feathers. Capes were still used, but fitted coats and jackets were favored. Bathing suits that covered well and came at least to the knee were just coming into vogue, but stockings were still used to cover the legs, so no skin showed.

Men like to appear elegant, if they could, but they tended to choose less fussy clothes with a tailored look. Bowler hats became popular for part of the time. Canes and gloves were other important accessories.

Early bathing suit

Afternoon dress

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Badin School

The town of Badin, North Carolina, was established to be a company town for an aluminum plant in 1913. The original owners and builders were French, and the town was named for Adrien Badin, the company's president. (See blog of June 30, 2015, for more about the town.) Badin School was established in 1916, and the building was completed late in the summer of 1917 on eight acres of land. Remarkably, it's still in use as a public school today.

The building has many special features, including the cupola on top, beautiful brickwork, inviting entrances on the front and back, and exposed woodwork under the eaves. The fact that it's been in use since 1917 attests to the quality of its construction. It's also quite unique.

Of course, there's been renovations and updates through the years, but much of the outside remains original. Even inside, some of the earlier features, like the tiled floors, remain. I hope the students, teachers, and residents of Badin appreciate what they have. I spoke with the principal, and she certainly seems to.

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