Herron Speaks: Blog 158: The Comprehensive Genealogical Services in Action

By Vernon M. Herron

Photography by William Youngblood

Proofread by Barbara Hendricks

Edited by Joseph Burton

The Board of Directors of The Comprehensive Genealogical Services honored Vernon M. Herron with a reception on Sunday November 3, 2013 for his service as its founder and first CEO at the Beatties Ford Road Library in Charlotte, NC. The community room was filled to capacity; a delicious meal was served; cards, gifts, signed autograph were received; plaques and memorabilia were given; and many pictures were taken with the honoree. Commending remarks were given by Norman Mitchell and Linda Butler, the first two board chair persons.

Ralph Neely, a former board secretary also gave remarks which follows.

Thank you, Ms. Beatrice Cox, for inviting me to share in the celebration honoring my friend, Dr. Vernon Herron, as Emeritus Director of the Comprehensive Genealogical Services.

I met Dr. Herron during his search for his ancestors. That search brought him to Steele Creek Community, Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, and to Steele Creek Genealogical and Historical Society. We became friends. In fact, he is loved by many in the community.

The Isaac W. Herron Family lived just across the road from the old Steele Creek Church and were members of that church. Dr. Herron examined many documents that were available in the church’s vault. He went through the cemetery to see Herron gravesites. Dr. Herron visited the church on several Sunday mornings. I was happy that he sat with my family in our regular seats near the back.

Dr. Vernon Herron was the first African American guest minister to fill the pulpit of the 250-year-old Steele Creek Presbyterian Church. That was an historical event. The pews were full! His daughter sat side by side with the enslaved master’s descendants. The press was there and pictures from the event appeared on the front page of The Charlotte Observer the next day. The pictures showed Dr. Herron in the pulpit. There were pictures of the family members in the pews. There was even a picture of me!

Dr. Herron would later use the press on many occasions to promote the Comprehensive Genealogical Services and the genealogical cause. It was a great day for our church. Since that day, several African American pastors have preached at Steele Creek.

Knowing how I like to ride around in my old truck (Ole Blue), Dr. Herron enlisted me to show him the historical sites in Steele Creek community. Here we go, this distinguished gentleman and farm boy Neely in this raggedy truck over hill and dale. We visited churches (McClintock 1865, O’Zion, Mount Olive and Ramoth 1800). We also visited old cemeteries, old schools and old family home places. One time I showed him the creek “Steele Creek” near its source. At this location it was about a foot wide and had just a trickle of water running through it. Dr. Herron looked down at it, and then said, “that’s it?” We laughed and laughed!

After Dr. Herron finished his family history, he wanted to share his genealogical skills and knowledge with others. Comprehensive Genealogical Services was born in Mecklenburg County. I was lucky to serve on the board of this prestigious organization in the early years. I was the biggest board member, the baldest, and the palest! (It was not so much different from today in this room. I am still the biggest, the palest, but after looking at some of these heads, maybe not the baldest!) CGS is a very well run organization, and I learned a great many business skills by being a part of it.

Under Dr. Herron’s guidance, CGS members and associates discovered and saved from destruction, many enslaved person’s gravesites (about one half of known enslaved in the area). This was a huge accomplishment. Many people were involved in this effort.

In my opinion, the greatest accomplishment of Dr. Herron and CGS is teaching others how to find their roots, their ancestry. I know one African American woman who has been able to trace her family all the way back to Africa! I expect there are many in this room who have done the same thing. I hope that I can do this with my family tree someday.

On a personal note, I received a letter from Dr. Herron which warmed my heart! His pastor at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church suggested to the congregation that they should send a commending letter to three friends. Dr. Herron honored me by sending one of his friendship letters to me. I was greatly appreciative of the sentiments which he conveyed.

Dr. Herron is a great man and a great friend to all. We love you!

I love you, Dr. Herron

With sincere and utmost respect

Ralph Neely

After audience participation, Dr. Herron gave the following remarks:

To the Board of Directors of the Comprehensive Genealogical Services, to my many friends and relatives, I greet you on this auspicious occasion, a reception of appreciation, for the many years of service as its first CEO. Thank you for this experience.

Twenty years ago, in 1993, the Comprehensive Genealogical Services, (CGS) was organized in King of Prussia, PA and sponsored with the support of the Shiloh Baptist Church of Philadelphia, PA. and the Institute for Non Traditional Ministries of Washington, D.C., Sixteen (16) years ago, in 1997, here at this library, CGS was organized and incorporated in 1999. So you see, this is a homecoming for an organization which has come full circle and has meant much to black families in the pursuit of corrective history.

The purpose, mission, and program emphasis of this unique organization can be found in its name, discussed in reverse order: Services, Genealogy, and Comprehensive.

CGS is an organization of services including information, collaboration, inspiration and affirmation. The nature of its work is genealogical, i.e., it deals with the scientific study of family life. It recognizes that accurate and historical facts are necessary due to an enslaved heritage, lost and unrecorded records and a period of family disruption.

The scope of its work is comprehensive, assisting individuals, families and other non-profit organizations in research and development including:

Enslaved genealogy

Pedigree development

Family history

Family reunions

Family organization

Family communiqués

This reception has been eulogistic and gratifying. It does not matter now, that I’ll hear your kind words, like I’ve heard today, to be given at my funeral. But it does matter, to hear my Lord and Savior say at that time, “well done.”

The history of CGS is defined; the present status of CGS is unique; the future of CGS is uncharted. The rest is in your hands. Where do we go?