Peter Doub
A Man of Great Faith

"For more than half a century, Peter Doub was identified with North Carolina Methodism. The life Doub lived, and the contributions he made to the religious and cultural development of North Carolina were significant."

Excerpt: From Ms. Margaret Ann Hites 1969 thesis entitled "Peter Doub, 1796-1869: His contribution to the religious and educational development of North Carolina."

Background and the Origin of Greensboro Female College

The youngest of nine children, Peter Doub was born in Stokes County, N.C., on March 12, 1796 to John and Mary Doub. His parents were very religious people, who gave the North Carolina Methodist Episcopal Church their wholehearted support after becoming members in 1792. Within his strict, religious family sphere, young Peter learned many important lessons about order, respect, and religion. While his educational instruction was very limited due to the lack of good schools in the area at that time, Peter's religious instruction was thorough and shaped the direction of his life.

Even at the tender age of six, Peter knew his life's calling. Of a camp meeting that was held on his father's land when he was six, Peter Doub recalled in his diary,

"At that meeting I was considerably impressed with the necessity of serving God. The day after the Camp-meeting concluded, (I recollect distinctly), one of my brothers who was about 4 years older than myself, entered into a conversation on the subject of Religion; and we both concluded that we would try to live better lives than we had done before."

In 1818, at the age of 21, Peter Doub began his long career as a preacher and educator. Known for his lengthy sermons (up to four hours), Peter Doub spent the next twenty plus years traveling circuits for the North Carolina Methodist Episcopal Church and lecturing on the virtues of temperance. In 1830, Rev. Peter Doub founded the First Methodist Church (now the West Market Street United Methodist Church) in Greensboro, N.C. Perhaps Rev. Doub's own lack of a formal education as a youngster inspired him, for in 1832 he opened a school for Methodist children in Greensboro, the First Methodist Preparatory School. Rev. Doub's desire to provide others with a sound education was not limited solely to men, for it was in 1832 that he first began to advocate the creation of a college for women. In 1838, Rev. Doub's dream and efforts were realized when a charter for Greensboro Female College was secured.

Peter Doub died on August 24, 1869 at the age of 73.

Peter Doub's Baptismal Dress

Rev. Peter Doub's baptismal dress During worship service at Elm Grove United Methodist Church on May 9, 1970, the then 174 year old baptismal dress of Rev. Peter Doub was presented to Earl G. Hunt, Jr., the presiding bishop of the Western North Carolina United Methodist Conference. The presentation of the dress was made on the behalf of Rev. Peter Doub's direct descendants. Bishop Hunt then transferred the dress to Greensboro College and the museum.

Bas-relief of Rev. Peter Doub
Made of bonded Bronze
By Mrs. Earline Heath King (Class of 1934)

"The Peter Doub Society recognizes individuals of similar vision and dedication whose financial gifts have kept the College strong. The bas-relief of Peter Doub, presented to each member, is bonded bronze and was created by Earline Heath King, Greenboro College, class of '34."

Copy of a program from the April 12, 1994, inaugural gala of the Peter Doub Society of Greensboro College. The Peter Doub Society of Honor was begun in 1982. In 1994, the requirements for membership were modified and the name was changed to the Peter Doub Society of Greensboro College. On April 12, 1994, the Peter Doub Society of Greensboro College held its inaugural gala, a black tie dinner and an evening of music, at the Greensboro Country Club. Now an annual event, the celebration is an opportunity to recognize those individuals who have qualified for membership in the Peter Doub Society of Greensboro College. Membership is limited to those supporters who have made one-time gifts of $10,000 to the College, or planned gifts totaling $25,000.