June 21 - 27, 2013
bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996 • nwobserver.com •
Father’s legacy preserved in loving memories by HELEN LEDFORD Jarvis Pardue never ran for office, lived in a mansion, accumulated great wealth, or sought fame. He died in May and is remembered as a kind friend and humble man with a great love for his family.
Pardue was called affectionately by different names – “Papa,” “Grandpa,” “Pops,” “Daddy” – and often, “Moose,” by a special friend. Very familiar to many folks on “the Ridge” is the small brick edifice on N.C. 150 near Linville Road – originally
Linville’s store. There, for 24 years in the 80s and 90s, Jarvis and his wife, Ella, were operators of that quaint, homey little neighborhood business, known then as “WD Grocery.” Those initials represented the names of their
...continued on p. 22
Out of the ashes, congregation rebuilds Church members remain strong after arsonist attack on Dec. 23
Photo by Mike Shaw/NWO
by MIKE SHAW
days before Christmas.
“We are excited about what God is going to bring out of the ashes,” Rev. Wanda Lancaster, the church’s minister, says of her congregation. “Their spirits haven’t been dashed; they continue knowing God has a plan for them.” Michael Smith, who has been attending Gideon Grove since 2006, admits the fire brought anger and frustration to the church in the early weeks. However, he says the tragedy File photo/NWO has since become a memory that continues Gideon Grove Church’s sanctuary was to help church memdestroyed by an arsonist on Dec. 23. bers grow together. A sign stands near the location of Gideon Grove STOKESDALE – Though their faith has been tested by fire, members of Gideon Grove United Methodist Church haven’t wavered since their sanctuary was destroyed by an arsonist just two
United Methodist Church’s former sanctuary.
“The fire made me
IN THIS ISSUE
File photo/NWO
High winds and rain toppled many trees in the northwest area and resulted in power outages on June 13. Read more on p. 3.
News In Brief ..............................3 Your Questions ..........................4 Summerfield Town Council ......6 Community Calendar............10 Bits & Pieces ............................ 11 Opinions .................................. 14 Crime/Incident Report ........... 16 Grins & Gripes ......................... 17 Classifieds ............................... 18 Index of Advertisers ...............23
more aware of the need in the community and world and how we need to reach out to more people,” Smith added. “There are still people who need to know God’s love, mercy and grace.” A member since 2002, Laura Harrell agrees the church has grown through the tragedy. “What we’re saying to ourselves now is that we, the people, are the church,” Harrell says. “We just need a new building. You can’t get
...continued on p. 9