The Historic Chapel in Heritage Village
I’ve issued the challenge to the Press Office staff to each experience something we’ve never done before. Merrie Go Round blogged earlier today about stringing tobacco on opening day, something she’s never attempted before. This morning, I did something that I’ve never done in the 26 Sundays I’ve experienced at the Fair, and that was to attend a church service in the historic chapel in Heritage Village.
I think I picked the coldest Sunday morning in Fair history to go to a church service. I believe it was 44 degrees when I walked down there. The one-room structure was built in 1857, long before central heating and air. It looked like there might be a pot bellied stove in one corner, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t being used this morning. Despite the cold — I had to take a deep breath when I sat down on the freezing cold pew — the service was friendly and the message was good. Rev. Jeremy Troxler, Commissioner Troxler’s son, managed to work in the State Fair theme, “A Whole Lotta Happy.” And while talking about hunger, said that “perhaps the best adjective in the English language is ‘deep fried.'” Now there’s a preacher who knows his audience!
The church stays busy throughout the week with multiple performances from groups and churches from around the state. (You can view a schedule on our Web site.) They will have Sunday services again next Sunday at 8:30 and 11 a.m.
Campers on Mission, along with the Raleigh Baptist Association, stay on the grounds to serve fairgoers and carnival workers. They provide medical and dental care for carnival workers as well as provide a hot meal each day for any worker who stops by.
My wife and I have been attending the historic chapel in Heritage Village for Sunday morning services during the State Fair ever since it was placed there many years ago. The church name is Lincolnville AME and as a child my wife (Vicky) had the opportunity to experience growing up attending the historic church located at that time in her old neighborhood of Lincolnville just down the road from Cary, NC.
Although we can never put our finger on it, there is something extremely special about the way we feel while sitting inside the church. Even if there is no service in process, we both can still feel the same aura that seems to live there and is always at home to radiate hospitality and comfort you when you are visiting.
If you are ever at the NC State Fair, I highly recommend stopping by the old church to experience the peace and tranquility that welcomes you the minute you set foot inside those historic walls.