TITLE
Title
LEES CHAPEL FACILITY NAMING
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Chairman Skip Alston
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BACKGROUND
Background
Requesting Board consideration to dedicate the Lees Chapel Residential Treatment Center in honor of the late Reverend Prince Edward Graves, a Greensboro native, clergyman, and civil rights advocate.
Reverend Graves, born in Greensboro on November 29, 1921, was a graduate of James B. Dudley High School and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After returning home, he worked as a brick mason and later established his own company. In 1953, he became Pastor of St. James Baptist Church, where he led efforts to establish one of Greensboro’s first meal kitchens (later evolving into Greensboro Urban Ministries), launched a citywide program providing breakfast and coats for children in need, and opened the church basement to house the homeless, starting Greensboro’s first homeless shelter.
During the civil rights era, Reverend Graves was called upon to assist during times of racial unrest and provided St. James as a meeting place for civil rights advocacy. His own advocacy for affordable housing culminated in the development of the Prince Edward Graves Homes in 1980. He also served as chairman of the Greensboro Human Relations Commission, briefly on the Greensboro City Council, and received numerous state and community awards, including the NAACP Economic Development Award and recognition from Governor Jim Hunt. Reverend Graves retired from pastoring after 45 years of service and passed away on January 15, 2005.
Dedicating the Lees Chapel Residential Treatment Center in Reverend Graves’ name would honor his lifelong mission of serving those in need—particularly individuals and families experiencing homelessness, poverty, substance abuse, or mental health challenges. His example of service and stewardship aligns with the mission of the Center to provide recovery care and stability for vulnerable populations.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Approve dedication and naming for the Guilford County facility at 1411 Lees Chapel Rd. to be: The Reverend Prince Edward Graves Recovery and Treatment Center as the name to be used on building signage and County communications regarding the facility.
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