Brief History of Peace United Church of Christ

Peace United Church of Christ has had several names since its organization in 1903. Its roots are in the Reformed Church of the United States. In 1934 the Reformed Church and the Evangelical Synod of North America merged to become the United Church of Christ. Our congregation adopted the name Peace United Church of Christ in 1963.

In May 1902 the Classis of North Carolina of the Reformed Church commissioned Rev. J.D. Andrew and Rev. J.C. Leonard to minister to the Reformed people in Greensboro in an effort to establish a church there, and on March 1, 1903, the First Reformed Church of Greensboro was officially organized with seventeen charter members. Rev. Shuford Peeler, who had just graduated from Ursinus School of Theology, was the first minister and served the congregation until 1915.

Property on West Lee Street was soon acquired and an existing building was used until a chapel was built in 1904. Just two years later a sanctuary seating 400 people was constructed. The West Lee Street facility served the congregation for fifty plus years.

In 1950 property for a new church was purchased on West Market Street, but it was not until February 1957 that the new chapel and church school classrooms were occupied. Ground was broken in 1978 for a sanctuary adjoining the chapel, and the new building was dedicated and occupied on March 18, 1979. In just five more years the building costing over $450,000 was paid for in full, and Peace Church remains debt free.

In 1960 an outdoor altar was built on the property in memory of Rev. Hoy L. Fesperman, minister from 1946 until his untimely death in June 1960. In 1961 a house was built on adjoining property for the use of the new minister and his family. Rev. G. Melvin Palmer served the church from November 1960 until his retirement in 1993, when he was elected pastor emeritus.

Having recently celebrated its 100th birthday, Peace United Church of Christ seems to be young again, encouraged and prepared to move forward. God continues to be good. We know our history; now we must plan for our future.