Simple Yet Powerful message, MACU Unveils Peace Pole, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, USA.
April 8, 2026
A new Peace Pole is seen on the campus of Mid-Atlantic Christian University on Wednesday, April 8. The Elizabeth City Morning Rotary Club has plans for five Peace Poles around the city.
“We should make every effort to do what leads to peace,” he said.
Maurice was speaking last week at the dedication of a new Peace Pole raised on the MACU campus in front of the Mustang Cafe, off Poindexter Street. The symbol is meant to spread the word of peace, joy and unity.
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“This location allows the Peace Pole to be seen, as patrons and students come and enter our cafeteria,” Maurice said. “I pray that it’ll be a visible reminder to all to break down any barriers that would divide us and to build a bridge of friendship to all.”
The Peace Pole was installed in partnership with the Elizabeth City Morning Rotary Club, who was represented by club President Bob Pippen.
Maurice and Pippen ceremoniously removed a MACU flag to unveil the Peace Pole, which bears in writing in three languages–Greek, Hebrew, and English—the phrase “May peace prevail on earth”.
The fourth side of the pole states in English, “May peace be in our communities.”
“This simple yet powerful phrase transcends all boundaries of language, culture and belief,” Pippen said. “It serves as a daily reminder that peace is not just a hope, but a responsibility we all share.”
The MACU Peace Pole is one of five the Rotary Club plans to install around Elizabeth City.
Maurice said the Greek and Hebrew languages were included on the pole because they were the original languages of the Old and New testaments.
“The Hebrew word shalom carries an expansive meaning that includes peace, sweetness, wholeness, well-being and harmony,” Maurice said. “Rather than signifying only the absence of war, or the absence of conflict, it reflects a holistic state of flourishing in every aspect of life. In the New Testament, the primary Greek word for peace is eirene, and it refers to rest and tranquility.”
The MACU Peace Pole is the second pole the Rotary Club has donated in Elizabeth City. The first one, according to Pippen, was placed in Veteran’s Park nearly 10 years ago. Now, club members are looking forward to placing one on four other locations—Elizabeth City State University, The Pines, the Elizabeth City Regional Airport and a fifth at Montero’s.
“With each new installation, we expand that message, reaching more people, inspiring more acts of kindness and strengthening the bonds that unite us,” Pippen said.
Pippen said that he feels the world’s current strife makes the Peace Poles especially important.
“I think in the wake of what’s going on in our world right now and also in our communities, this is probably a really good gesture,” he said. “Hopefully it inspires somebody.”