GREENSBORO — Catholics in the Carolinas interested in learning about how the faith developed in the South have a new book to add to their reading list.
“Pioneering Spirit: The History of St. Benedict Catholic Church from Inception to Restoration” is a labor of love and collaboration that took more than two years to compile.
Author Annie Ferguson and contributor Kimberly Mara Oliver (who grew up at the parish) took painstaking care to create a thorough, engaging history of St. Benedict Church to preserve the story of the evolution of Catholicism in the Triad.
“The Church has a fascinating history. As a journalist I thought it was a great story,” Ferguson said. “There is so much to it. It’s the Catholic ‘mother church of Greensboro.’ We’re talking about the first Catholics in Greensboro. That is why people should be interested. It’s a history of Catholicism in the city.”
The work is a true collaboration, as Ferguson reached out to former pastors, current parishioners and parish council members who all contributed in some way to the book.
“‘Pioneering Spirit’ is 161 pages and features an antique-paper look while including many photos of people and of the church’s priceless stained-glass windows,” Ferguson noted. The work also chronicles the restoration of the church completed entirely by parishioners in 2017.
Parishioner Rachel Martin, of Roost Designs, designed the book and her son Josh assisted with the layout of the restoration section.
Within the pages are recollections of Monsignor Joseph Showfety, who grew up at the parish and was educated by the Sisters of Charity at the former St. Benedict School and served as pastor from 1993 to 2002. Now retired, Monsignor Showfety was also the first chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, serving from 1972 to 1979.
Ferguson said the best part about compiling the book was interviewing Monsignor Showfety.
“He was born in 1927 and baptized there,” she explained. “He made the history come alive. He compiled a history of the parish when he was pastor. I loved all of his stories.”
Monsignor Showfety, 93, told Ferguson that during his youth vocations to the priesthood and religious life were prevalent. He saw the Sisters of Charity’s total dedication to their vocation in how they lived their lives and it made an impression on him. The sisters also saw in him the vocation to the priesthood.
She had the opportunity to review the book with Monsignor Showfety upon its completion.
“I really believed in his story and that of St. Benedict. It needed to be out there,” Ferguson said.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Get your copy
“Pioneering Spirit: The History of St. Benedict Catholic Church from Inception to Restoration” is available for a $30 donation to St. Benedict Church. Contact the parish at 336-272-0303 for details.
