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From
the Back Cover --
The Presbyterian Church in
Ginter Park, the oldest church in that district of Richmond, stands out
because of a unique constituency over the past century. The Church has
been strengthened by its strategic location and the resulting
congregational participation by many individuals who have been
associated with the larger church. Contributions by the faculty,
students, and their families from the neighboring Union Theological
Seminary/ Presbyterian School of Christian Education have been
immeasurable. Families on furlough in Mission Court previously, and
international theological students presently, have added valuable global
perspectives.
"It is a well instructed church. It is a well organized church. It is a
working church. It is a liberal church. It is a sociable church,
pervaded by a delightful spirit of friendliness and Christian
fellowship. Its Sunday school is the banner school of the great Synod of
Virginia."
--Walter W. Moore, the first president of Union Theological
Seminary, writing in 1915 about GPPC where his family were charter
members.
"Bill Phipps' work provides a wealth of detail, not only about Ginter Park
Presbyterian Church but also about Richmond and the Presbyterian Church
in the South over the past century. The detail might well overwhelm the
reader were it not for the author's wit and personal touches throughout.
On the one hand, this history mirrors the triumphs and the failures of
churches in the South in the 20th century. At the same time, we marvel
at the many examples of those who have risen above the constraints of
the times to provide bold and prophetic leadership. For me personally,
Phipps' work is a stirring reminder of what a privilege it was to be
associated with such a great congregation."
--Bob Pierce, GPPC senior pastor from 1991 to 2005.
Dr. Phipps is Emeritus Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Davis and
Elkins College. He has written extensively on Presbyterian history,
including William Sheppard: Congo's African American Livingstone. Bill
and his wife Martha Ann have been part of the Ginter Park congregation
since 1995. He has been serving as a minister member of the Session.
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