Herron Speaks

Blog 97: Excerpts from My Autobiography

2012-02-23T21:17:00.002-05:00

By Donald W. Jones

(Also, see Blog 73)

I was born the middle child of three children in the mid ’40s to a farm family in rural central Virginia. My father was first a farmer, then a carpenter, then a demolition expert. He built our home from felling the trees to make the lumber, to hand planning the trim work for the doors and windows.

Our farm consisted of a farmhouse with four bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, living room. A barn, grain house, equipment shelter, chicken house and acreage for grain and vegetables rounded out the balance.

Life on the farm was challenging, especially the daily chores that sustained the core family. We’ve often heard about hog killing time. The hog was an essential part of the equation. It supplied all the cuts of pork that were edible. The two things that were not used were the hair and the squeal. The hair was too rigid and the squeal was impossible to capture ( if you did, what would you do with it?). Other byproducts included lard for cooking, cracklin’ for cornpone, fried pork skins, and lye soap.
My paternal grandmother raised a family of seven (7) children. I never knew my paternal grandfather who was murdered in 1929 while working on the railroad (not as a laborer). According to the 1920 census, he was mixed to the point of being questionable as to his ancestry. Upon being identified, thus to his demise, Jim Crow showed its head.


Alice V. Jones, 1871-1958

     My paternal grandmother pictured above was part Native American. The dress and apron worn were made from flour sacks. Flour came in cloth sacks upwards of 50 lbs., normally in solid colors until necessity made them useful for their content. Then, the printed patterns became abundant. My grandma Alice wore these dresses daily.      I have fond memories of my grandmother. Standing next to her, I noticed that most times she would have her hand in her apron pocket. It wasn’t until I grew older and observed her working in the garden, that I noticed she was sporting (smoking) a corncob pipe. This was one of her private pleasures.
     Our church, Union Baptist of Shores, Virginia, had Sunday services on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. Preachers were few and covered other churches on the 1st and 3rd Sunday at those locations. Sunday school was conducted all four Sundays. We lived about 1.25 miles from the church and walked there each Sunday. My grandmother would have on her church dress and newly polished laced-up shoes with her hat and veil. She always walked with a staff (not a cane) and we scurried either alongside or in front of her.
The road was the old gravel washboard type, rough and dusty. People would walk, or drive their horse and buggy, or mule and wagon. Those with cars would offer rides the last part of the way upon overtaking the walkers.
     Revival was the 4th Sunday in August. This was a full day of both morning and afternoon services with a lunch (more like a dinner) served between. All families would bring baskets of fried chicken, ham, potato salad, greens, rolls, iced tea, cakes and pies. Sometimes there would be watermelon. As kids, we knew who made the best of everything.
     Being part Indian, we knew that grandma’ would have some remedy for most colds, flu, cuts, bruises, bee stings and broken bones. The most memorable was her “mixture bag.” It contained a concoction of roots, herbs, grasses and who knew what else. It was placed on a string around your neck and had an odor onto itself. The one thing that it did was to keep everyone else out of your face. They couldn’t stand the smell. Maybe that was the intention. I also recall that for a sore throat she would make you swallow a partial teaspoon of Vicks salve. Ughhh.

Grandmother Alice Jones and grandson Donald Jones, c1954

Blog 96: Black History Month Quiz Answers

2012-02-18T16:23:00.000-05:00

Answer to Blog 95 Quiz 1

Answer to Blog 95 Quiz 2

Blog 95: Black History Month

2012-02-17T17:13:00.000-05:00

Quiz 1

Quiz 2

Blog 94: A Tribute to a Kind and Loving 5-Foot Giantess

2012-02-14T20:23:00.000-05:00

By Attorney Deborah A. Nance (Guest Writer)

The Late Christine Long Nance

     The year was 1938. The event was the birth of a baby girl to a homemaker and a brick mason apprentice. The wonderful thing was that the baby grew up to be a 5-foot-tall giantess. The baby’s name was Christine Long Nance.
     Most would define a giantess as a woman who is super-sized in height. So, how can a 5-foot-tall woman be a giantess? Well, Christine Long Nance was a giantess in ways too numerous to relay here. But indulge me a bit and I will give you several examples.
     First, Ms. Nance was a woman with a giant faith in the power of God. Early in her life, she united in Christian fellowship with Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. She shared her faith with many whom she met during her earthly life journey, including her daughter, the author of this story.
     The elder Nance lived her faith in a giant way. She housed, fed, clothed and/or provided financial gifts to numerous family members. She offered words of encouragement to family members, neighbors, friends, her church family and strangers alike. For many years following her retirement 20 years ago, she volunteered at Crisis Assistance Ministry, a non-profit ministry serving persons facing housing evictions, power turn-offs and other financial woes.
     Second, Ms. Nance was a giant believer in the power of education. She commenced her formal studies at Biddleville Graded School where she was an honor student. She continued to excel in her studies, including advanced math and science courses, at West Charlotte Senior High School. Graduating near the top of her senior high school class in 1955, the giantess aced the national college preparatory test and furthered her studies at Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing.
     In 1958, she embarked upon a nursing career spanning over three decades in which she served in many capacities, including staff nurse and charge nurse, at hospitals in Charlotte, Huntersville and Greensboro, North Carolina and in New York City. She obtained Registered Nurse licenses in two states, North Carolina and New York. A lifelong learner and avid reader, the giantess amassed a giant vocabulary, was well-versed regarding many subjects and enjoyed solving cryptogram and crossword puzzles.
     Third, Ms. Nance was a giant of a parent who provided the author of this story with unconditional love and tremendous joy. The giantess taught the author racial pride by gifting her with books depicting African American history and with dolls of color. The giantess did this even when such dolls cost more than “white” dolls and when such books cost more than books depicting non-African American subjects. As a child, this author happily trailed behind the giantess to public libraries and museums where the giantess reminded this author to always use a “quiet voice.”
     Despite her best efforts, the author was never able to emerge victorious when she and giantess played many word games, such as Scrabble, and other games, such as Checkers. This was true, even after this author obtained two post-high school degrees. Although cooking was not one of the giantess’ passions, the giantess prepared delicious meals in which she had invested a lot of love, soul and energy.
     The giantess stood so tall in this author’s eyes, that the author did not realize until the giantess’ health began to decline that the giantess was actually very short in physical stature.   In November 2011, the giantess departed this earthly life. However, the giantess left a giant legacy of love, faith and life lessons to the author. The author of this story thanks God daily for blessing her with such a giant of a parent.
     In addition, the author prays that you have been blessed with giants or giantesses in your life, including the greatest of them all, God. And if you have not done so, let the giants or giantesses in your life know how much you love and appreciate them.
     The year is 2012. Have you been a giantess or giant in someone's life? Well, my time is up. Thanks for indulging me.

Blog 93: Lord, Teach us to Reflect, Meditate and Pray

2012-02-11T18:56:00.004-05:00

By Vernon M. Herron

     “The Tuesday Morning Breakfast Forum provides an opportunity for all in attendance to learn information of importance to the African American community in particular and the rest of Charlotte in general.” The Forum generally opens with a call to reflect, meditate or to pray. A response to the call is usually given by one of our own, Steve Johnston, Joel Ford, Gyasi Foluke or Vernon Herron.

     Steve Johnston usually offers the Four-Fold Franciscan Blessing:

May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts. Amen.

May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen.

May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. Amen.

May God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.

Gyasi Foluke usually offers a Kushite meditation:

I see good in you;
I see God in you.
For you are a part of me
And I am a part of you.
It matters little what religion or creed you profess;
But it matters much what spirituality or deed you manifest
Therefore , let us see good or God within each other.
For as we think, so we are and as we believe we can achieve;
For I am a part of you and you are a part of me;
What affects you directly
Affects me indirectly,
If I help you, I help myself;
If I harm you, I harm myself;
For I am a part of you and you are a part of me.
Amen

Joel Ford’s leadership is in an affirmation form:

This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it. God's mercy and grace are new every morning in my life.
I rejoice because I am God's child. I have been filled with His Spirit. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. The Holy Spirit is bigger than any problem, obstacle, or challenge. The Holy Spirit will give me wisdom and discernment regarding every decision I need to make today.

When I acknowledge God through prayer and worship, my steps are ordered and directed of Him. The Lord gives me wisdom and insight concerning all the affairs of my life.

     I choose to be a blessing to all those around me.
No matter what happens today, I know God will see me through. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and If God is for me then no one can be against me.
     I choose to honor God today by the words I speak; I will honor God by the way I act. I will honor God by allowing His love, light and truth to shine through me.
     I am the head and not the tail; I am above and not beneath. I am blessed coming in and blessed going out. I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Christ Jesus. He always causes me to triumph. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I am strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Today is going to be a great day!

Amen

Vernon Herron Tells a Bird Story to

Challenge Wondering Minds:

The Bird Story

     A lad tried to outwit a wise leader. So one    day the lad said to the sage, “I have a bird in my hands, is it dead or alive?” If the leader would say, “It is alive,” then the lad would crush the bird to death. While opening his hands, he would say, “See, it is dead!”
     If the leader would say, “It is dead!,” then the lad would open his hands and the bird would fly away, while saying, “See, the bird is alive.”
     So testing day came. The lad said to the wise leader, “I have a bird in my hands, is it dead or alive?”
     The wise leader looked pointed at the lad and said, “The bird is in your hands, my boy, DO AS YOU WILL.”

Amen

Blog 92: In Memory of Tricky and Kate

2012-02-07T14:41:00.001-05:00

By Constance Thornton (Guest Writer)

As I read the blog discussing the humorous antics of Tricky the dog and Kate the cat, I smiled, as it brought back memories of other pets that I have known.

I have seen children and older folk alike interact with pets. Pets become companions, even friends to their owners.

I remember coming home from work one evening years ago to find my two youngest sons sitting on the front porch waiting for me to arrive. Sitting there between them was their dog, Butch. The three of them had lollipops in their mouths. We all went inside. As I was preparing dinner, I peeped into their room and observed "the Three Musketeers" watching Batman on the TV, Butch seemingly as involved in the show as the boys were.

I have read stories and seen the abilities of pets to be anything to you that you need them to be. They are companions for people who need company, protection for those in need of protection. I have often said that the only difference is that pets cannot talk. They understand quite well. They have emotions that they sometimes show even more than humans. They are able to sense danger and are cautious when approaching people until they are sure that it's okay.

My daughter had a two-month-old Lab which she adopted from a local shelter and she named him Ace. He was very playful and chubby. He ran a lot and looked like a fluffy orange ball.

The first time I met him, he was so busy running into the house, I guess he forgot to use the bathroom outside. He ran inside and tinkled under the dining room table. He visited quite often and I grew to love him anyway. I used to speak to him in "baby-talk", which he loved. He would come running at the sound of my voice. He had been so impulsive.

He had a female dog friend next door named Rose. She had a habit of running away from home and Ace left home with her. However, Ace was back before sundown without Rose. On one warm day, the children at Rose's house were cooling off in the pool when Ace, with my daughter in tow, ran through the fence and jumped in the pool!

He ignored my daughter's pleas for him to come back. He had a way of ignoring you when there was something that he really wanted to do.

Unfortunately, my daughter had to return the Lab to the shelter because they did not have the yard space that he required. After they returned home, I started watching the government channel that features the adoptable pets on TV. Confused, I called the shelter and inquired as to why I had not seen Ace.

After a few questions, I was informed that Ace had been put to sleep. To my own surprise, I started screaming and crying. My two grandchildren tried to keep me from seeing them laugh, they ran into the other room. They talked and laughed about this for months to come.

A friend once told me a story about her family's dog named "Fluffy". Her story, I have to admit, I initially took with a grain of salt. She crossed her heart that it was the truth.
She said her mother fried chicken every Sunday for dinner after church. She would place it in the oven until they returned to eat dinner. For about four times, they noticed exactly two pieces of chicken missing from the pan. They suspected the dog since no one else was home. On the other hand, they told themselves, "no, it couldn't be". The fifth Sunday someone stayed home and caught Fluffy red-handed – or “red-pawed,” I should say.

Because I know of relationships with pets, I think it’s cute when I see people shopping for pet clothes that include coats, sweaters, shoes, hats etc. I smiled when I read my brother's obituary two years ago and at the very end was acknowledgement of his cat that he had for years. He was listed as one left to mourn my brother's passing. His name was Cat Banks, who passed two months later; we feel from a broken heart.

Thank God for pets, they mean so much to so many.

Blog 91: I See a Pattern

2012-02-05T16:09:00.005-05:00

By Vernon M. Herron

Recently, I read an interesting account of the Rev. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, 93, now in retirement, who once was the pastor of the historic Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn, NY. He was a close advisor to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bill Clinton; received more than a dozen degrees; and was named by Baylor University as among the dozen most effective preachers in the English-speaking world.

Behind this public figure, many younger ministers sought this pastor as a mentor, teacher and inspirational leader for shared experiences, coaching and insight. The young would engage the elder in a round of golf, drive the same to a regular Ministers Conference meeting or engage in a serious “bull” discussion.

The elder Dr. Taylor is now in a convalescence center, but younger men still seek “to milk” this sage of his wisdom on preaching, pastoring, politics, writing, publishing and on life’s experiences for continued existence.

I see a pattern of keen-minded young men who seek the benefits of life’s experiences from older men. Let me cite an example. After I turned 80, a young man offered to teach me how to “blog,” including correcting whatever mistakes were made or technical problems ensued. Once his teaching was done, the remaining time was spent in sharing, discussion, and picking my brains, regarding the secrets of life. Apparently, he learned much but one thing is sure, I gained new ideas for blog writing.

There are others who keep in touch with me even unto this day, seeking wisdom, advice and offering opinions and gratitude for mine. Following the pattern of Dr. Taylor, who was the father of a girl, I too could say to a neophyte, “you gave me the son I never had.”

Blog 90: Five Minutes Before Midnight: Doom Day or What?

2012-02-03T18:02:00.002-05:00

By Vernon M. Herron

The world could be shaking in its boots, if it realizes that the symbolic doom day clock shows only five minutes remaining before midnight, signaling how close we may be to a global catastrophe.

     Recently, Atomic Scientists issued a Bulletin informing the public about pending threats from nuclear weapons, climate change and enlarging technologies. The Bulletin was established the year I finished high school, 1947, by scientists and engineers who worked on the Manhattan Project, which created the atomic bomb. It has taken 64 years for the clock’s hand to move forward 55 minutes.

     It is noted that “the world still has about 19,500 deployed nuclear power to destroy the world’s inhabitants several times over.” Countries that possess nuclear arms include USA, China, France, India, Pakistan, South Africa, United Kingdom and others.

     Research shows that climate change is a factor to be handled responsibly. One major environmental concern is that human activity may be changing the global climate. Research also shows that the burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil and natural gas – to power motor vehicles, heat buildings, generate electric energy, and perform various industrial tasks, is increasing the amount of carbon dioxide, gas carbon and burning them produces carbon dioxide. This gas slows the escape of heat released by the earth into space. Thus, an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide may cause global warming– a rise in the temperature of the air next to the earth’s surface.

     Global warming could change rainfall patterns, leading to shifts in plant and animal populations. It could also melt enough polar ice to raise the sea level and it could increase the frequency and severity of tropical storms.

      Five minutes before midnight stresses the approaching danger of annihilation, if there is no control on the maintenance of the nuclear race. One theory contends that inaction on key issues, including climate change and rising international tensions, motivates the movement of the clock.

     Most experts believe that since the end of World War II, the threat of Nuclear War probably has helped keep the peace between the world’s major nations. However, all experts agree that extensive use of large nuclear weapons would cause heavy damage to many nations. Nations have long sought ways to control nuclear weapons and reduce the risk of nuclear war.

Thank God for Al Gore who says, “Unless global leaders throw their weight behind alternatives to carbon-emitting energy and technologies over the next five years, the world is doomed to a warmer climate, harsher weather, drought, famine, water scarcity, rising sea levels, loss of island nations and increasing ocean acidification.”

     At that point, the “on the hour” tone will strike! After the last five minutes before midnight are consumed, which shall it be, doom day or what?

Blog 89: Henry, the Leather Specialist

2012-01-27T17:44:00.000-05:00

By Vernon M. Herron

When I lived in Joliet, IL, I went to Henry Shoe Shine Parlor to get my shoes shined weekly. Henry Hammond was his full name. He was somebody!! He knew who he was; why he was there; where he was going; and how to get there. I call that process identification, purpose, and destiny. Henry impressed me greatly with his self-worth concept; his business vision; and the recognition of his father’s teachings.

I understand that Henry passed a few years ago. I wished that I had a picture of him and the volume of shoes awaiting his service. Since I don’t have such documents, let me tell you the story for your consumption.
The location of Henry’s Parlor was on Chicago Street, which runs from the business section into the Black community. Hence, Henry’s business catered to the business community as well as to local citizens.

I never saw a shoe shine cost amount posted in the Henry’s Parlor, so I generally left $1.50 for the shoe shine cost and a 50-cent tip, totaling $2.00. I thought that amount was generous but later understood that amount to be an insult to Henry’s integrity. He later told me the meaning of his service.

Henry announced that he no longer services the average shoe customer. “I leave those shoes to my helpers. Those customers pay less than $3.00 for service. I have a selected clientele. You see, I am more than a shoe shiner. I am a leather specialist who knows the art and treatment of shoe leather; one who knows the differences in shoe materials, which requires specific polishes, brushes and treatments. As a result, the shine is a professional treatment of leather which lasts and preserves the shoe longer. There is no fixed cost as my customers pay for my knowledge and professional service which generally is in the four figures. I have more work than I can do.”

The specialist shared with me a poem which has served as a guide throughout his developmental years:

If you cannot be a tree on the mountain top

Be a scrub in the valley

If you cannot be a moon, be a star

But whatever you do,

be the best wherever you are.

Even though Henry was limited in formal education, he excelled in every respect as a citizen who supported worthy causes, Civil Rights, and local churches.

Henry gave his father credit for his growth and development. “My father should have been paid the salary of a Ph.D. because he knew the subject matter, he taught it to me, and was one who watched my growth and development. I am indebted to him.”

This closing story fits Henry’s father well.

Father Hammond applied for a job as a janitor of a local school with the School Board. He was refused the job because the father could neither read nor write. So he bought a box of cigars at wholesale cost and sold them at a resale price, making and banking the profit. The process was repeated and continued until Mr. Hammond sought to open a cigar stand with a bank loan. When attempting to borrow $5,000 from the bank to start a cigar business, he was informed that the banking customer had more than enough in his saving account to open a cigar concession without borrowing.

Then the banker asked, “If you have this amount of money in the bank, not able to read nor write, what would you be doing if you had those skills?” Father Hammond answered, “I would be the elementary school janitor.”

Today, we salute the Late Henry Hammond, the leather specialist and his father.

Blog 88: My Elementary School Teachers, Too, Were 'Cute' and 'Fine'

2012-01-25T17:53:00.004-05:00

By Vernon M. Herron

I can relate to the verbal experience of a 9-year-old male student of the Brookside Elementary School in Gaston County, (Gastonia) NC, who was suspended for three days for using the words “cute” and “fine” to describe his teacher; words which were interpreted as sexual harassment.

A 65-year-old former principal, who worked with the Gaston County School system for more than four decades, and for 15 years as the school principal was forced to be demoted or to retire “within an hour,” over his decision to suspend the “youngster.” He is now appealing to the school board and to the public for reinstatement support. While the third grader has been reinstated with an apology, the “fired” principal has not been rehired (at this time.)

I had six elementary school teachers who were “cute” and “fine.” I prefer saying that they were “beautiful” people,” as some of them resembled my grandmother. Never-the-less, my calling them “cute” or “fine” would be no justification for my being fired from retirement nor for being unfrocked.

To confirm my opinion, looking through my scrap book, I found pictures for four of my six elementary teachers. Here they are:

Not only were my elementary teachers “cute” but they were “beautiful.” Here is where the 4^th grader and I may vary in opinion a “little bit.” Beauty is skin deep. I say that my teachers were beautiful because they saw ‘potential’ in students. They went the second mile to cultivate the “diamond in the rough.”

I remembered a fifth grade episode in which the teacher used warm water from a radiator can, to remove dirt caked on a classmate’s face and body, then continued her teaching. That brother is a retired M.D. today. She saw a diamond in the rough. I wonder what would have been my lot had I openly called my teacher “cute.”

I was privileged to meet two of the most beautiful women in the world; one was Black, the other one was White; both had distinguished inner qualities of purpose, refinement and personalities. They were Mary McLeod Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt. Their beauty still radiates within my mind, heart and being today because they touched the intangibles of my soul. They along with my elementary teachers were “cute,” “fine” and “beautiful.”

Blog 87: What helped me through the grieving process

2012-01-17T18:31:00.004-05:00

By Vernon M. Herron

Approaching and during my retirement years, I have lost several family members in death, which is defined as a separation and is a certainty for all. A family member who was aware that death was approaching asked, “Am I going to die?” Whereupon the nurse answered, “We all are going to die.”

Physical death is a separation of life from the body. It is a separation from the physical existence as we know it today; from loved ones, environment and possessions. Spiritual death is separation from God which is eternal. By grief, I mean a deep distress caused by bereavement.

Yes, recently I have lost in death six family members which left me in grief: an aunt, a mother, a sister-in-law, a sister, and two brothers. I often wake up in the mornings thinking about their famous sayings, their laughter and their contributions to others.

I remember that after each death, I would say to myself and to others, “Give me three months and I’ll get over it.”

That did not happen, so I changed the time span. Then I said, “Give me three years and I’ll get over it.” Well, that helped some, but let me tell you of three good things which helped me through the trenches – (the grieving process.)

One – My Faith

Death brought my faith in an omniscient God, my theological views, the word of God (Holy Scriptures) into a focus which helped in the understanding of a “provided eternal life,” and a church ministry called “H.E.A.L.” God is the giver of life who determines our end. Our final destiny is dependent upon our relationship with Christ as Lord and Master and from whom we receive an Everlasting life, then at death, Eternal life. The scripture teaches much about life and death:

Gen. 3:19 speaks of our origin and destiny.

John 3:15 and Romans 6:23 speak of our source of everlasting and eternal life.

I Corinthians 15 speaks of our resurrection and immortality.

According to the Rev. Michelle Jones, “HEAL is a fitting acronym for Helping Others with the Acceptance of Loss through Spiritual Affirmation. … It is a grief and loss ministry, people sharing a “living” death as well as the loss of a loved one. The ministry facilitates “becoming whole” through God’s healing.”

Two – Time

Time is a great healing source. Initially, I thought a three-month period was a sufficient time to heal, not knowing, that was naivete. Many years won’t do the job either, if grief is not correctly challenged and channeled.

Only time, which differs in duration, heals well. It gives space for adjustment; it slowly fades the freshness of memory, association and earthly relationships; it provides the opportunity to increase one’s dependence on God and His healing power. I can handle a death experience three years after the fact better than I could have three months after. Yes, time is a great healer.

Three – A Family Joke

The third thing which helped me through the grieving process was a family joke. It was originally told as “a Moms Mabley” joke.

At one time, my brother, sister and I walked together with the aid of canes. I would often say, “I generally hang out with young people. If you ever see me hanging out with older folks with canes, they are my relatives.” That would tickle me but not them!

Even though they are now “asleep” in Jesus, that joke helped me through the grieving process.

Blog 86: A Salute to Connie J. Dillon: My Alter-ego

2012-01-11T20:13:00.008-05:00

By Vernon M. Herron

There are many good people in the world today and Constance J. Dillon of Joliet, IL is one of them. Let me put my claim in first.

Connie is my alter-ego and is a supportive friend of the Herron Speaks blog and has been through the years. As an “alter-ego,” Connie is my counterpart who shares my thinking and conviction and someone who speaks well on my behalf.

Connie J. Dillon

As such, Miss Dillon has served well as our first field reporter of the Herron Speaks blog. A former parishioner and a native of Joliet, IL, the daughter of the late James B. and Roberta Dillon, Constance was educated in the Joliet public school system, a graduate of Joliet Junior College and employed by the US Federal Government before retirement.

     Connie contributed to many of the popular subjects covered in the Herron Speaks blogs. She is noted for her unique and creative subjects. Her writing style is Socratic in form yet practical in nature.
   Connie is strong in religious conviction and service. Her church membership is with the Second Baptist Church of Joliet, IL which is the oldest African American Church in Joliet where she was baptized at the age of 9. There she served in many ministries including Children, youth and adult ministries, music and church education, church administration including Boards of Directors.
   It is fitting and appropriate that we honor Constance J. Dillon for her work as our alter-ego and her service to the Herron Speaks blog. The entire readership salute you, Connie.

Blog 85: Answers to Fun Quiz

2012-01-06T11:36:00.009-05:00

(In blog 84, the following test was offered. See answers below)

JUST FOR FUN TEST

Answer the questions below, but remember, the obvious answer is not always the right answer!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. How many birth days does the average man have? (1)

2. Some months have 31 days; how many have 28? (All)

3.    In baseball, how many outs are there in an inning? (6)

4.    If there are 3 apples and you take away 2, how many do you have? (2)

5.    A farmer has 17 sheep standing in a field and all but 9 drop down and died. How many sheep are left standing? (9)

6.    How many members of each animal did Moses take on the ark? (None; think Noah)

7. How many two-cent stamps are there in a dozen? (12)

8. A clerk in the butcher shop is 5’10” tall. What does he weigh? (Meat)

9. Do they have a fourth of July in England? (yes or no) (Yes)

10. How many 9’s are in the range of numbers 1 to 100? (20)



(Here is the process to # 10):

9-19-29-39-49-59-69-79-89-99=11; 90-91-92-93-94-95-96-97-98= 9; total 20.

(YOUR RESPONSE)

This blog project is interactive. Therefore, tell us about your answers.

How many questions did you answer correctly?

Which one(s) gave you trouble? Do you need help in understanding?

How do you plan to further use this game?

Blog 84 - The Game Which Stole the Christmas Party

2012-01-02T12:30:00.002-05:00

The Game Which Stole the Christmas Party

Vernon M. Herron

Recently, I attended the Annual Christmas Breakfast Party sponsored by the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Forum. It was well planned and executed. It was attended by former presenters who are making a difference in the world, politicians, elected officials, singers, musicians, Santa Claus and his helpers, food caterers, the “Tuned-In” choir from the McCreesh Place (a residence for homeless men) under the direction of Dr. Thomas Moore. It also included exchange of gifts for everyone and the recognition of our long time leader, Mrs. Sarah Stevenson.

Mrs. Sarah Stevenson

But the best part of the party was the game, “Just for Fun” quiz taken by everyone. Since there were no “winners,” nor “losers,” everyone had fun. I was so impressed with the game, I now invite you to participate with the quiz. Answer all questions, keeping your responses as a matter of record and note the correct ones in the next blog.

All comments are welcomed.

JUST FOR FUN TEST

Answer the questions below, but remember, the obvious answer is not always the right answer!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. How many birth days does the average man have? __________

2. Some months have 31 days; how many have 28? __________

3. In baseball, how many outs are there in an inning? __________

4. If there are 3 apples and you take away 2, how many

do you have? __________

5. A farmer has 17 sheep standing in a field and all but 9

drop down and died. How many sheep are left standing? __________

6. How many members of each animal did Moses take on

the ark? __________

7. How many two-cent stamps are there in a dozen? __________

8. A clerk in the butcher shop is 5’10” tall. What does he

Weigh? __________

9. Do they have a fourth of July in England?(yes or no) __________

10. How many 9’s are in the range of numbers 1 to 100? __________

Note:

For answers, see next blog

Recognition to:

Laura McClettie, Andrea Huff, Jackie E. Walton, Steve Johnston, Lucy Carter and Carlenia Ivory.

Blog 83 - Meet the Late Leila McPherson Davis

2011-12-31T09:41:00.000-05:00

Blog 83

Meet the Late Leila McPherson Davis

Vernon M. Herron

The Late Leila McPherson Davis

“She is not dead who is remembered”

Herron Speaks blog honors the late Mrs. Leila McPherson Davis, my beloved aunt and sister of my mother. She was born 1907 and passed 1990 at the age of 83 after 20 years of illness. She was the youngest of 13 children and the only one to finish high school and college.

Leila attended the Myers Street School which was the first school established for Blacks in Mecklenburg County, NC where she taught for 40 years. She was my second grade teacher. She also taught for one year at the First Ward Elementary School and for two years at Lansdowne.

Having attended Second Ward High, Winston Salem Teachers College, Johnson C. Smith University, Leila received a Master of Arts Degree from Columbia University in New York in 1958. In 1935, Leila was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Alexander Davis who preceded her in death in1983.

At an early age, Leila was a member of the Galilee Baptist Church of which her father was a deacon. In adulthood, she was a member of the Grace A. M. E. Zion Church for over 55 years. She was an ardent supporter of her family, humanitarian causes and her church. She is remembered because of her ministry to others. How well has it been said, “she is not dead who is remembered.” Then again-

One has but one life to live.

What one does with it determines

Whether one lives or dies

If one decides to serve others and give-

No death but immortality.

Leila used her education, resources and influence to enable others and this had a trickle-down effect on other family members. She was an unstinted supporter of her sister and family (my mother). She underwrote the educational cost of her nephew who along with the help of his late wife underwrote the cost of educating three daughters, one of which is named “Leila McPherson.” “Aunt Leila” further underwrote the educational expense of a niece in nursing education which tripled in many respects. She contributed to the music education of a great nephew who is a Ph.D. and is the father of two highly trained children.

In a 1970 interview, Leila revealed the following:

Her most rewarding Moment:

“To see the molds which I have made developed into productive citizens…paved the way for progress, good human relations, and a better

World.”

Her great hope:

“ I want the family members to do great things for themselves, the race and the nation; always being successful and respectful.”

Her wish for posterity:

“I would want them to be honest, courteous, truthful and hard-working with a sense of need to save a portion of earnings; strive to make other

happy, to eradicate hatred and to love all.”

Her conclusion of life:

“Live day by day in such a way, that you will know that you have helped someone. Do good now because once you are dead, that’s it! We will not pass this way again.

THANK GOD, I HAD AN AUNT LEILA

Blog 82 - The Power of Reflection

2011-12-19T11:46:00.000-05:00

Blog 82

The Power of Reflection

Vernon M. Herron

The Case

Reviewing graduating high school statistics has caused me serious reflection which is powerful and intriguing. When I finished the Second Ward High School at Charlotte, NC 64 years ago, I was 19 years of age in a class of 78. Of that number, 62 persons have passed, while 16 persons still live including 6 males and 10 females. Percentage wise, this means that of the 100 % graduating class, 80% has passed while 20% remains. I am one of the six males still living along with Willie Davis, T. B. Haynes, John Massey, Connie Patton and John Robinson. The living females include Bertha Dancy, Mary Grier, Julia Howey, Rose Jefferson, Imogene Kendrick, Hattie Leeper, Marion Manigault, Willie Pinckey,Sidney Stewart and Elizabeth White. And oh yes, our homeroom advisor, Mrs. Alene McCorkle is still with us, along with Mrs. Bernidene Pinkney. The question is—why are 16 persons still permitted to live while 62 former classmates have fallen “asleep?”

The Arbitrator

The answer rests with a Holy God who is the maker, the giver, the sustainer of life and the One who settles differences. This leads us to the attributes of God. With His omnipotent power, God in his omniscient love made us all subject to no limitation or external determination. He knew our destiny and end from the beginning.

I cannot expound a theory nor logic for this disparity but only can give a reflection of a holy and just God who shows love, mercy and grace. All that I know is that,

Our Times are in Thy Hand

Our times are in Thy hand,

Father, we wish them there;

Our life, our soul, our all,

We leave entirely to thy care.

Our times are in Thy hand,

Whatever they may be,

Pleasing, or painful, dark or bright,

As best may seem to Thee.

Our times are in Thy hand;

Why should we doubt or fear?

A Father’s hand will never cause

His child a needless tear.

Our times are in Thy hand,

We’d always trust in Thee,

Til we have left this weary land

And all Thy glory see.

The power of reflection not only produces a sense of gratitude with awe but encourages one to make a difference in this world through creative change. People are still hungry, homeless, without comfort of family or friends and above all mankind is still unsaved.

The Resolve

We who remain are privileged not because of good works, rank or luck but because of His grace and mercy. (God’s unmerited favor.)

The Finality

Your grace and mercy, brought me through,

I’m living this moment because of you.

I want to thank You and praise You too.

Your grace and mercy brought me through.

Blog 81 - Historical Sites Destroyed on NC Rt 160

2011-12-10T11:35:00.000-05:00

Blog 81

Route 160 Expanded and Improved

But

Historical Sites Destroyed

Vernon M. Herron

As a part of the orientation for the new Herron family griot (family historian), a tour of the original community of the Herron family’s ancestors as located in the Dixie-Steele Creek area was suggested to the neophyte. The suggestion was accepted with glee. A Saturday date was established and the Friday before was used as a “dry-run” time to refresh my memory before the grand finality of revelation.

Twelve years ago, Friday 26 November 1999, I conducted a historical tour of the Steele Creek community for the Mark Woodson family (cousins). The tour program listed 14 sites which gave “the eager-beavers” a good educational view. It was my intention to follow the same route with the new griot.

I remembered that NC Rt. 160 ran from Charlotte’s West Side community into the heart of Dixie. But what I did not know, was that N.C. Route 160 had been expanded and changed, Urban Renewal was now in affect; the Charlotte-Douglas Municipal Airport had redeveloped communities, land and streets into new run ways and landing strips; while business and highway construction had replaced the heart of the Steele Creek community.

I literally got lost and had to return to familiar territory just to get home safely, to e-mail the following to the new griot. “I have just returned from making a “dry run” to the Dixie-Steele Creek community paving the way for our proposed visit scheduled for tomorrow. However, because of development and expansion by the airport, business and community, many of the historical sites which I wanted you to see, have been destroyed…Considering the above, let me suggest that our planned trip scheduled for tomorrow be cancelled until I get a better bearing…. Wisdom dictates this action.”

Changes Noted

The Mt. Olive Presbyterian Church is an integral part of the Dixie community. It was co-founded by the Rev. Samuel C. Alexander, the former pastor of the Steele Creek Presbyterian Church (See blog 20). Many people with the Herron name still live in Dixie; lived, died and are buried in the Mt. Olive Presbyterian Church cemetery. I am sure that Church still stands but now, highway construction has cut off direct access to the church community with no posted directional signs on how to get there.

The main plantation house of the late Dr. Isaac Herron, the slave master and many surrounding slave huts had given way to new home development. The burial ground of our forefathers, is now new run ways for the airport. What I did find, still standing and intact, were the Steele Creek Presbyterian Church (home church of the slave master) and its cemetery with the tall monument at the grave site of Dr. Isaac Herron and his family.

McClintock Presbyterian Church (see blog 20) plays another big part in our family history and undoubtedly still stand in the southern part of the city. But because of heavy business growth and development, I could not find the church, nor did I see any guiding markers to this historic site.

Maybe, I will soon find some knowledgeable person who will refresh my memory on “what’s happening.”

I fully understand that the “march of science” continues; that urban development and highway construction are here to stay but not at the expense of desecrating the graves of our loved ones. Yet, in that process, family history must continue to be researched, rehearsed and preserved.

Blog 80 - New Griot is Designated for The Herron Family

2011-12-03T22:59:00.001-05:00

Blog 80

New Griot is Designated for

The Herron Family

Vernon M. Herron

“In preparation for death, the aged family ‘griot’ (French: pronounced, gree-o) selected a younger person to learn the family history. After the family’s logs and stories were told and learned, that younger person became the new griot, thereby preserving many years of family history.” Such was the recording of the renowned Charles Blockson, retired professor of genealogy at Temple University.

I, Vernon M. Herron have served as family griot for 62 years. When my family had its first family reunion in 1949, I set out on my own, to make that occasion, “more than a picnic.” I insisted on learning the “origin and descent” of our family. That determination paid off.

Several attempts were made to find interested family members to take up the mantle but to no avail. In depth genealogical study has been made, (including conferences, workshops, classes, structured courses) much traveling at my expense, significant and powerful relatives found, books published, great reunions held but found no one willing nor interested in succeeding me as family griot. Then as last, the story broke, a great discovery was made. (See blog 76 for details.) Felicia Thornton Moseley agreed, with commitment, to become the new griot for the Herron family.

Felicia Moseley

Recently, once identification was made, relationship discovered and verified, and interest shown, Felicia Moseley, the great, great, great granddaughter of Richard and Minerva Herron has been designated the new griot of the Herron family.

Vernon and Felicia

Such person should have knowledge of the 201 years of family history, including the pre-Civil War, the enslaved and the antebellum periods. This historical coverage reviews a statistical summary of more than 10 generations and over 500 line- descendants. It also shows the birth, rise and growth of the Catawba Presbytery, USA., while family members run the gamut in Service Occupation and Professions, including Mel Watt, US Congress representing the NC 12^th Congressional district.

Felicia was born in Queens, NY in 1972 and grew up in the Bronx. She was reared by a single Mon, who is now a retired school teacher, with six children. She moved to Charlotte, NC (Mecklenburg County) in 1998, not realizing that her ancestors settled here and her possible relation to the city’s name sake. Felicia now lives in Concord (Cabarrus County). She is married to Brian Moseley. Zaniya is the daughter’s name.

Vernon and Felicia Vernon and Felicia

Vernon and Felicia

As an act of transference of designation, Vernon Herron presents to Felecia many of his family reunion and genealogical related books and posters. Felicia has agreed to enroll with the National Genealogical Society’s study course in American Genealogy: A Basic Course as a way to serve her family more efficiently.

Blog 79 - The Genealogy of Jesus Has a Twist

2011-11-28T20:47:00.003-05:00

Blog 79

The Genealogy of Jesus Has A Twist In It

Vernon M. Herron

There are two Biblical accounts of the genealogy of Jesus. Genealogy is the study of the origin and descent of family. Family history is the ascent study of family life starting with oneself. Biblically speaking, these two styles can be seen in St. Matthews 1:1-17 and Luke 3: 23-38. Matthews’ account is in a descent fashion (From Abraham to Jesus), while Luke’s account is in an ascent fashion, (From Jesus to Abraham- God).

There are technical and theological differences in both versions, not to be discussed here, because I want to use these “teachable moments” to show a theological “twist” given to us in Matthews’ account. This account is methodical and systematic in pattern. In that process, it shows a profound theological truth which portrays the relationship of a Triune God in which Jesus is the Son.

The Pattern and Twist

Matt. 1:1 opens a genealogical pattern of Jesus, “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, The son of Abraham.” Now the pattern continues: “Abraham begat Isaac.” (begat means to procreate as the father) The father’s name is given first, then the son’s. The pattern continues in like fashion until verse 16, which presents a “twist” in the genealogy of Jesus. Please notice, “and Jacob begat Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.” The pattern did not say, “Joseph begat Jesus.” If so, Jesus would be fully human. Luke 3:23 makes the point clear, “and Jesus being…as was supposed, the son of Joseph.” In the Matt. account, the pattern-twist shifts from the listing of the father’s name to that of the mother’s, thereby preserving His divine nature as prophesied in Isa.9:6 “of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ,” the Son of God.

Blog 78 - I Am Glad That Mary Did Not Have An Abortion

2011-11-21T15:49:00.002-05:00

Blog 78

I Am Glad That Mary Did Not Have An Abortion

Vernon M. Herron

Had Jesus been born in the 21^st century rather than the 1^s century, HE might have been aborted. There is a distinction between the two centuries. In the first century, life was simple, sacred and secured. In the 21^st century, life is complex, secular, and insecure.

In the 1^st century a super natural phenomenon took place which reaches into the 21^st century, even to this day. The Holy Scriptures record events in the following manner; Isaiah 7:14 tells of a prophecy which says “Behold, a VIRGIN shall conceive and bear a SON, and shall call His name IMMANUEL,” meaning God is with us.

The New Testament gives further enlightenment in St. Matt. 1: 18-25. “Now the birth of Jesus was on this wise.” This 13 to 15 year old virgin was a “parthenos”, a Greek word meaning- never touched by a man. Verse 20 continues the saga. “…the angel of the Lord said…that which is conceived in her (Mary) is of the Holy Ghost….and she shall bring forth a son and Thou shall call his name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.” The complete story with a heavenly-kept secret with an ending is given to us in Luke 1:26-38. The point is that Mary was obedient and allowed her body to be used of God.

Now, by way of contrast, the cult of the 21^st century and the formal expectation of the traditional family is defined as a married male and female with off spring. This description is Biblically based and has been traditionally accepted. But exception to the rule has recorded untold abortions as seen in research journals.

I shall not cite the abortion statistics of the 21^st century as given on the Internet but note a conclusion that abortion is a private matter between a female and her doctor; that abortion is a convenience, a way of life and a procedure here to stay.

But I am glad that Mary (of the 1^st century) did not have an abortion because…

My salvation from sin is contingent upon the sacrificial and redemptive work of her Son at Calvary. His birth, life and death were a fulfillment of prophecy, “He shall save his people from their sin.”

Then too, I am glad because of His abiding presence. “His name shall be called Immanuel meaning God with us.” Without His daily and constant presence, what protection do we have in this dangerous world?

Thank God for His

Salvation

Presence

Sustainability

Again, let me say that I am glad that Mary did not have an abortion!

Blog 77 - An Identity Crisis

2011-11-14T08:34:00.004-05:00

Blog 77

“Hi-Yo, Silver!---The Lone Ranger Rides Again!”

An Identity Crisis.

Vernon M. Herron

Let me tell you about a disappointment which I still harbor from my childhood until this day! This childhood experience takes me back to the “radio listening days” when I strongly identified with the Lone Ranger-riding horse-adventure program. It portrayed a conquering hero, who rode a horse into the wild terrain of the mountains and deserts; one who fought the odds; fought wars and was always “a conqueror.” This masculine program challenged boys to be manly in thought and noble in deeds. This program usually finished with an invitation to boys to become a Lone Ranger club member just by sending one’s name and address to a headquarters and to wait for an acknowledgement letter.

Well, this I did. It pleased me to no end. For the first time in my life, I would receive mail addressed to me alone! Such mail would affirm my personhood as a respected and bona-fide individual with rights and privileges.

I could hardly wait to receive that letter addressed to:

Master Vernon M. Herron

410 S. Long Street

Charlotte, NC

Just to think of it: a forthcoming letter addressed to me! Well that letter finally came along, confirming my identity and recognizing my personhood, though only 12 years of age. My first letter was opened by an adult family member, whom I shall not name, then passed on to me. The bottom of my heart dropped. Was that an “identity crisis?” What do you think? Have you ever experienced an identity crisis?

Blog 76 - Researcher Uses the Internet to Find Vernon Herron

2011-11-05T18:34:00.003-04:00

Blog 76

Researcher Uses the Internet

To Find Vernon Herron

In Search of Her Roots

(A Journey in Genealogical Research)

Vernon M. Herron

Genealogy is the study of the origin and descent of family life. It is the identification of one’s beginning (ancestors); one’s present status (relationship to relatives); and one’s destiny, (the projection of self-fulfillment through the study of family history). Such was the plight of Felicia Thornton Moseley, a 39 year old researcher who “left no stone unturned” to find her maternal ancestor (dead relative), Sally-Sallie-or Sarah Herron. (“Sally” or” Sallie” seems to have been a nickname for “Sarah,” a tradition of the slave and the post slave period.) Felicia had a desire to know her maternal ancestor and the roots of her beginnings.

Felicia Thornton Moseley

Felicia is a native of Bronx, NY where she was born nearly 40 years ago as the daughter of Constance Faye Banks-Thornton, but relocated to Concord, (Cabarrus County) NC in 1998. Much work has been done tracing her paternal history of Ned Hearon of Choctaw County, Mississippi. From the 1910 census, much has been learned of Felicia’s great-great-great-great grandfather. She knows of his wife, their 15 children and their offspring.

Felicia Thornton Moseley

But the challenge was to find and trace her maternal origin. According to the census record, Felicia knew that Ned Hearon, (pronounced Herron) married Sallie Herron c1873 who was born c1854 to Richard and Minerva Herron in Mecklenburg County, NC. When Sallie married Ned, she officially became Sallie Herron Hearon. (Double pronunciation)

Ned and Sallie Hearon

Journey in Retrospect

The 1870 census shows Sallie as the 6th child of Richard and Minerva’s 13 children. The record also shows that Richard and Minerva constituted the first known structured Herron family of African descent in the Piedmont region of the Tar Heel State (NC) in 1870. Now, the question is: where does one turn to find what research has been done on the life and times of Richard and Minerva Herron? Felicia began to search for living Herron relatives in the Charlotte, NC area. Browsing and surfing the Internet, Felicia found that Vernon Herron had made a presentation to the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Forum, (TMBF) on “How the Richard Herron Family and Johnson C. Smith University are Related”(Blog 20). Computer surfing focused on seeking contact with the TMBF and Vernon Herron. Felicia e-mailed Mr. Steve Johnston the following:

“I am a descendant of Dr. Vernon Herron’s relative, Sallie Herron-Hearon. Sallie was the daughter of Richard and Minerva Herron...I would love to meet Dr. Herron and learn more about the Herron side of my family. Please give him my address and ask him to contact me.”

Steve Johnston, media specialist for TMBF responded to Felicia and proper contact was made. Comparing of notes shows Felecia to be related to Richard and Minerva through the lineage of their sixth child Sally, while Vernon is related to Richard and Minerva through the lineage of their seventh child Lawrence. Thus Felicia and Vernon are cousins.

“I shall always be grateful to the World-Wide web,” said Felicia. “It is a blessing. It has allowed me to meet relatives on social and ancestry websites that I did not know existed, living in [the] Charlotte Mecklenburg [area], the birth place of my roots.”

“All of this information will enhance our first Hearon-Herron reunion scheduled for May 25-27, 2012 in Chicago, IL.” said Felicia.

Blog 75 - Respect & Courtesy Shown to an Octogenarian

2011-10-31T15:53:00.000-04:00

Blog 75

The Cult of Respect and Courtesy

Shown to an Octogenarian and

The Physically Challenged

Vernon M. Herron

Just a few days ago, I observed 83 years of God-given life on this earth. It was a day to be remembered. It was a time for reflection, recording and expression of gratitude. Reflection because of a recent popular circulating view that—“all old people should be killed and buried because of being a burden on society.” This shocking statement contended for a society of the young and restless; a point of view which contradicts the teaching of scripture “to honor” the aged and the African “griots” who taught reverence and respect for the same.

The word “cult” is a devotion to a person, idea or a thing. Add “respect” and “courtesy” to the definition and you will have a vivid picture of my daily experiences as both an octogenarian and as a physically challenged individual.

As I constantly strive to maintain personal independence in dress, driving and negotiation, I totally depend upon my two canes, chair lift and a push seat for walking, movements and achievements. The one thing which is always touchy and makes me want to cry, is the kindness and courtesy of the public in assistance even before being asked.

When the public sees me walking with “assistance,” they volunteer to share the walk way, open doors, offer to put packages and grocery in my car, teach their children the many acts of kindness, sharing concerns by e-mail while offering other acts of social and computer technology, always asking, “do you need help, sir? Or how may I help you?” One brother, John Frieson and his sons, always meet me at the church’s entrance and accompany me to my seat while others form a line for greetings.

Still another group constantly engages me in conversation as if they are seeking words of wisdom from a sage or an octogenarian. I find myself constantly saying, “thank you.” But the most dramatic experience and fantastic story comes from and about a young man, named Lewis Brooks of Gaston County, NC, who was nurtured as a beloved male parishioner of mine, 59 years ago in my first pastoral charge. One birthday night, thinking that all of the celebration and telephone calls were done, I settled in my bed room chair for relaxation, prior to bedtime. (Here is where the unusual drama begins)

The phone rang and I answered. The caller identified himself as one who was blessed by my ministry years ago and he wanted to come and take me to a late night snack. I said, “oh no! I am relaxing and soon will be going to bed.” Just then, the door bell rang. I would not move, allowing a family member to answer the door while I continued the telephone conversation. The caller continued, “Well, since you won’t go for a night snack, I’ll come to you.” Not realizing that he was conversing with me on his cell phone, the next minute he entered my bedroom with a lighted candle and cake singing, “happy birthday” and wishing me a long life with happiness. What a surprise!!!!

But more than that, what an antithesis! Instead of hearing, “all old people should be killed and buried,” I experience respect and courtesy. May God continue to bless all who honor the aged with His “promise.” (Deut. 5:16 & Eph. 6:2)

Utilizing a Unique Strategy for Spiritual Growth and Development

2011-10-22T13:05:00.000-04:00

Blog 74

Utilizing a Unique strategy

For

Spiritual Growth and Development

Vernon M. Herron & Patrena Rice

With Photography

William C. Youngblood

By now, I assume that you recognize my delight reflecting on the 100 plus ministries of my church, The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC. This time, let me reflect on its unique strategy of utilizing three popular engagements to advance spiritual growth and development.

Traditionally, the Homecoming Celebration was a gathering of members and friends, under a big tent to provide “a meal” and fellowship to “kick off” the annual revival. But recently, both the Homecoming and the Revival have been incorporated into a strategic planning process, resulting into spiritual growth and development. The process resulted in an understanding and expansion of knowing what it means to be a Christian.

The three major membership engagements prior to the Revival/Bible Study are the Jericho walk, the community Tailgate Party without alcohol and an Automobile and Truck Classic Show. Let me explain the “Christ-centered” engagements of a mega church toward its common objective.

The Jericho Walk:

The Jericho Walk is a 12 hours walk in prayer around the church’s premise, when meditation and petitions are offered to the Devine for the ministries of the church and community engagements. Based on the Biblical Jericho walk, (Joshua 6: 3,4,20, & Heb. 11:30), the local walk is conducted around the clock, resulting in fellowship, health benefits, morale and spiritual benefits to the walk’s goal.

The Tailgate Party:

Charlotte is a football town. Every game is preceded by a tailgate party i.e. the serving of food from a truck bed, a camper or a tent area. In like manner, one of FMBC’s Home Coming activities is its Tailgate Party for the community, held on its huge car parking lot.

Below is an array of circles of members engaging in "circle" prayers.

This is not a fund raising affair. The food is provided by each ministry and their respective families. Concessionary stands and open tent areas with grilled foods and drink (non-alcohol) for relaxation, fellowship and fun.

The festival is conducted on a Saturday preceding the revival from 12 noon-4 p.m. Other program activities include a musical, an art show and a provision of organic foods including fruits, vegetables and water melons. The Immobilized senior citizens are accommodated in the church’s Conference Center with the same program.

The Classic Automobile and Truck Show:

The Classic Automobile and Truck Show attracts men and women from far and near. This is a display of restored trucks and automobiles which were popular in former years.

If motor biking were to be added, I suppose there would not be room enough to accommodate the same!

Now here is the spiritual point. This celebration is in keeping with Homecoming which starts the Annual Revival the next day. People are now motivated toward spiritual oneness, which renews/revives the church. This is strategizing for spiritual growth and development. As a result, we noted:

Mass attendance in Bible Study

Souls added to the church family

Growth in church fellowship

Blog 73 - My Church Administers to the Physically Challenged

2011-10-13T06:11:00.000-04:00

Blog 73

My Church Administers to the

Physically Challenged

Vernon M. Herron

The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC in its diversity of ministries constantly administers to the physically challenged. This mega church has more than 7,000 members of which approximately 25% are senior citizens, including the handicap, with its own focused minister, under the leadership of a senior pastor.

Facility, worship and program wise, The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is handicapped equipped. It should be noted that the ministry to the physically challenged is an integral part of the Senior Ministry yet addressing the needs of the handicaps has its own priority. In senior church ministry, the handicapped is encouraged to participate in the normal Senior Bible study, Care Team Ministry, Resource Fair, Monthly Health Emphasis, Valentine Fellowship/Fashion Show, Movie Day, Annual Picnic, Pre-Thanksgiving Service and Fellowship and Pre-Christmas Service and Fellowship. But the church also provides the following for the physically challenged, special handicap parking with ramps and automatic door openings, a handicapped auto entrance, wheel chair equipment, elevators and personal attendants, a Deaf Ministry with sign language classes and services interpreted for the impaired hearing, a doctor, a nurse and security on duties at all times.

Donald Jones is one of the many physically challenged members of FMBC who writes on his experience, faith and resolve. He is a 67 year old Christian believer, born in rural Virginia, a graduate of Virginia State University, a Captain in U. S. Army, married to Diana P. Jones, experienced as a Civil Engineer, seven years membership in FMBC. and life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Here is Brother Jones’s testimony entitled:

Christian Faith Tested & Accepted

Donald Jones

When asked by Dr. Herron, to write an article on the difficulties I faced as a handicapped person coming to church, I reflected on my first conversation with him. I’d seen him walking, leaning into his walker, in front of the church toward his parked car. I often admired him for his tenacity. His first question was about my red scooter. I gave some of the features, and from there a friendship has occurred. In preparation for this article, a visual assessment was made.

The gamut of disable persons at 9:30 a.m. service, runs from those with a walking cane, to those with motorized wheelchairs and scooters. Each disabled person faces his/her own specific set of obstacles we encounter as we attend services. I am a Vietnam combat veteran. Until 2007, I was able to work with constant back pain, then in October, 2007 I became paralyzed from mid cheat down. Since then, after two spinal surgeries and a total knee replacement, I am able to drive and get about on my own with the help of my scooter. I have gone from using a manual wheelchair (pushed by my wife and others) to using hand crutches and the scooter. To God, be the glory. Each change has mirrored a change in my physical condition.

There are six steps I encounter in attending service each Sunday: Each step has its own pros and cons.

Arrival:

We utilize the handicapped parking on the North side of the building (McAllister Dr.).There is a group of about eight vehicles queuing for the parking spaces. Usually the first in line arrives about 8:25 a.m. Those in line appear to be pre 70’s and 70’s to octogenarians. These people have ambulatory abnormalities, breathing problems requiring octagon tank, etc.

Parking:

As a space opens up from patrons exiting from the 7:30 a.m. service, those in line fill those spaces. Courtesy has always been shown.

Offloading the scooter:

Offloading takes several minutes. Maneuver from the driver’s seat to the lift is difficult on wobbly leg. Getting the basket (with my Bible) from the back seat along with my crutches is challenging. Lowering the lift and offloading the scooter must be done quickly in order to not block the walkway.

Entering the vestibule:

I am greeted with many warm and friendly smiles.

Elevator ride to the balcony:

The elevator does not allow turn around, therefore, only pull-in and back-out.

The walk to my seat:

My scooter is parked outside the balcony and I use my forearm crutches to walk to my seat. I sit on the end of the pew in order to facilitate placement of my crutches and to aid in standing.

Taking my seat for worship.

Approaching the FMBC edifice, brother Jones shares with brother Herron , three pet peeves, which he encounters weekly.

1. People who use handicapped placards because it was easily obtainable.

2. People who want to park close to the entrance.

3. People who try to bypass the queue line

I thank God for all that He has brought me through...

Blog 72 - One Up on the Angles

2011-09-17T20:15:00.001-04:00

Blog 72

One Up on the Angles

Vernon M. Herron

Dedicated to

My friend

Dr. Gregory L. Wallace, Pastor

Ebenezer Baptist Church

New Brunswick, NJ

The study of angelology is interesting and fascinating. Early on, I learned that angels were simultaneously created as fiery ministering servants of God; in

existence since the foundation of the world was laid; that they do not marry nor live a family life with children; that they are innumerable, invisible, invincible, immortal, sexless, ageless and are intrigued by salvation.

Even though initially, I will briefly mention a bit about the nature, rank, attributes, and appearances of angels, my focus is on the “upper hand” of the redeemed over angels. Scofield Reference Bible gives the following description on angels:

A Summary of Angels

Angel, “messenger” is used of God, of men and of an order of created spiritual beings whose chief attributes are strength and wisdom (2 Sam. 14:20). The word “angel” is used of men in Lk 7:24. Sometimes, angel is used of the spirit of man (Matt. 18:10). Though angels are spirits (Ps.104:4), they were not created as, nor made as sinners; power is given to them to become visible in the semblance of human form (Gen. 19:1). The word is always used in the masculine gender (Matt. 26:53); their power is inconceivable (2Ki. 35); their place is about the throne of God (Rev. 5:11); their relation to the believer is that of “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation,” and this ministry has reference to the physical safety and well-being of believers (I Ki. 19:5).

Angels observe us (I Corin.4:9) and they receive departing saints (Lk. 16: 22). Man is made a “little lower than angels,” and they are to accompany Christ in His second advent (Matt. 25:31).

An archangel Michael is mentioned as having a particular relation to Israel and to the resurrection (Dan. 10:13) The only other angel whose name is revealed is Gabriel who was employed as the most distinguished service (Dan. 8:16).

The Hymn

In 1924, Johnson Ottman Jr. and John Sweeny produced a hymn entitled,” ‘Holy, Holy’ Is What the Angels Sing.” Read the four standards and chorus of this great declarative hymn and note, with explanation how the redeemed have the “upper hand” over angles. Shall I sing it for you? Oh, no!

‘Holy, Holy’ Is What the Angels Sing

Johnson Ottman, Jr.

John Sweeny

1924

There is singing up in heaven such as we have never known.

Where the angels sing the praises of the Lamb upon the throne.

Their sweet harps are ever tuneful, and their voices always clear,

Oh, that we might be like them while we serve the Master here!

Chorus:

Holy, Holy, is what the angels sing,

And I expect to help them make the courts of heaven ring.

But when I sing redemption’s story, they will fold their wings

For angels never felt the joys that our salvation brings

But I hear another anthem, blending voices clear and strong,

“Unto Him who hath redeemed us and hath bought us” is the song;

We have come through tribulation to this land so fair and bright,

In the fountain freely flowing He hath our garments white.

Then the angels stand and listen, for they cannot join the song.

Like the sounds of many waters,, by that happy, blood-washed throng.

For they sang about great trials, battles fought and vict’ries won

And they praise their great Redeemer, who hath said to them, “well done”

So, although I’m not an angel, yet I know that over there

I will join a blessed chorus that angels cannot share.

I will sing about my savior, who upon dark Calvary

Freely pardoned my transgression, died to set a sinner free.

Since man is made a “little lower than angels” (Ps. 8:5), it is ironic that the redeemed have an upper hand over angels. There are differences in status, experience and message.

The Differences According To Hymn

The Angels:

In heaven (over there), angels constantly sing the praises of The Lamb (Christ/God) sitting upon the throne. They sing songs of adoration like “Holy, Holy, Holy” and hymns of victories fought and won.

The Redeemed:

Will sing about the joy of redemption, (which the angels cannot do), a savior who died at Calvary, pardoned sin and set men free with garments made white with blood.

The contrast:

When the redeemed sing the redemption story, angels will stand, listens and fold their wings, for they never felt the joy that salvation brings.

The Declaration:

The redeemed have one up on the angels.

Blog 71 - Meet the New Organist: A. Nathaniel Gumbs

2011-09-12T10:01:00.000-04:00

Blog 71

Meet the New Organist: A. Nathaniel Gumbs

(This is a modification of blog 28)

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC has a Fratelli Ruffatti Pipe Organ and a new organist. Unlike the sermon building process which generally has three points, this story has two: The Fratelli Ruffatti Pipe Organ and the new organist A. Nathaniel Gumbs. The organ is described very well in a document written by the previous organist, Monty Bennett and is used in its entirety.

Sadly, it is a rare occurrence in the life of many modern churches when they acquire a wonderful new pipe organ. Gone are the days when the pipe organ was the instrument by which a church was judged. However, we celebrate both the legacy and the vision of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church as this new Fratelli Ruffatti pipe organ is shared with the community. Part of the heritage of Friendship has always been a strong music program. From the days on Brevard Street, the Friendship family worshipped to the sounds of a Pilcher pipe organ. Moving to Beatties Ford Road, through the tireless efforts of Gerado Stroud, the church replaced the Rodgers electronic organ with a large four-manual pipe organ. Many famous organists have played that instrument as staff members, in recital and as guest musicians. The new pipe organ is not only “Friendship’s organ,” but it is for the community. The music it provides is for all. It is a unique arts presence in Charlotte, from its dulcet tones that comfort those as it plays hymns of promise to the grand blaze of sound that heralds wedding processions forward. It will ultimately bring worshippers closer to the presence of God. Mozart proclaimed the pipe organ the “King of Instruments” and it is only fitting that a house of God should have such a magnificent vehicle to worship the King of Kings.

With approximately 6,000 pipes ranging in size from ¼” to 32’, the organ is capable of a larger range of sound than any symphony orchestra. The organ is also capable of a wider range of dynamics than any other musical instrument, or group of instruments. Thanks to research and development by the Ruffatti Company on winding and expression, any musician who plays the organ installed at Friendship has a greater control over the range of dynamic expression than on any other pipe organ built in the world today, due in part to the Hyper-dynamic ™ expression shades—the first of which are installed here.

All the interior woodwork of the organ is handcrafted of Sipo Mahogany from central Africa and is finished both inside and out to furniture grade. This strong wood is selected for its straight grain, but the finishing process eliminates any warping or being affected by humidity or other climactic conditions. Wooden pipes are also made of the same wood and finished inside and out and are built with tongue and groove construction.

Metal pipes are made from either 95% pure Malaysian tin, or from tin/lead alloys of 70% tin or 50% tin. The Herald Trumpet, located on the rear wall of the church, is made of polished, spun brass. Each trumpet pipe is constructed like an orchestral trumpet with a flared bell which adds great visual beauty, but also helps with the tonal quality of the stop.

The solid cherry wood console is a marvel of modern technology. With over 225 stop knobs and over 150 pistons and toe studs to control all the pipes, it is run by several computers. A computer controlled record/playback system is built into the console and recordings may be saved via the USB port onto a flash memory stick and saved onto a computer for later editing and printing in music software.

Some stops that are on this organ that should be noted are:

SWELL 4’ Flauto Veneziano—this is a copy of an antique rank of pipes by the 18th century Venetian organbuilder Gaetano Callido and is characterized by a clean, clear sound.

CHOIR 4’ Flûte d’Amour—made of solid mahagony, this stop was common in organs in the early 20th century and features a unique design and the time taken to construct it truly was a labor of “love.”

CHOIR 8’ Dulciana/Unda Maris—these soft undulating stops are purposely tuned flat from each other in the Italian manner and the slight beat that results is said to resemble the “waves of the sea.”

CHOIR 8’ Tromba dell’Amicizia—the “Friendship Trumpet”, a hooded, high pressure reed, enclosed in the Choir

GREAT 8’ Harmonic Flute—this is a copy of the Harmonic Flute that Ruffatti built for their organ in the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Fatima, Portugal.

SOLO 8’ Tuba Mirabilis—this is a replica of a 1926 WurliTzer tuba and is characterized by a rich, smooth reed tone.

USIGNOLO—the “nightingale”, five pipes submerged upside-down in oil that all play at once and replicate the sound of birds

In terms of size and cost, noted pride is evidenced that the FMBC pipe organ is the second largest in the city of Charlotte (following Calvary Church) but it is the largest musical instrument in an African American church in the nation. It is similar in size to Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church Naples, Florida and John’s Creek Baptist Church, Alpharetta, Georgia. Ruffatti’s largest organ is the instrument at Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Ca. where Robert Schuller was pastor.

According to brother Ed Holland, the Church Administrator at FMBC, the Ruffatti Pipe organ was installed at a cost of approximately 1.5 million dollars. Considering its value in glorifying God, the enhancement of worship and community, its value is more today.

Describing the organ is only a part of the story, now the second part. A church once found itself in a heated debate as to whether the church should purchase and install a “chandelier.” One ‘attempted peace-maker’ raised the question, if the church purchased a chandelier, who would play it? That settled the question. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church never had any difficulty locating an accomplished organist.

Today, our new organist is none other than A. Nathaniel Gumbs who is a native of the Bronx, NY. He currently serves as the Interim Associate Director of Music and Arts at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. Nat is a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia where he received the Bachelor of Music Degree in Organ Performance, Excellence in Organ Award and was a student of Dr. Steven Cooksey. Recently, he earned the Master of Music degree in Organ Performance from Yale University, Institute of Sacred Music in New Haven, Connecticut, and was a student of Martin Jean. Nat has served as the conference organist of the Hampton Ministers’ Conference in Hampton, VA since 2009. He received both the Service Playing and Colleague Certifications from the American Guild of Organists.

We welcome and salute A. Nathaniel Gumbs, Interim Associate Director of Music and Arts of FMBC.

My Final Words With A Spiritual Flavor (by Alene Kate Stewart McCorkle)

2011-09-01T09:20:00.000-04:00

Blog 70

My Final Words With A Spiritual Flavor

Alene Kate Stewart McCorkle

(This is the fourth in a series of articles written by Mrs. McCorkle

as promised in blog 67 which you should read first for background.)

I’ve been thinking hard about my final words for the last edition of the Second Ward High School NEWSLETTER. First, I thought about telling you why it is so great to belong to the Black Race. This is the greatest race on earth with experiences and accomplishments. We are not surpassed by anyone. We have endured slavery, been to outer space and now can identify with the President of the United States of America who in my opinion, is the most important person in the world..

I am omitting sports, music, art, inventions, etc. It used to be, lets get a foot in the door first, now it is getting a toe in. You already know about these things. So, I have turned my thoughts to other things you may know about as Christians. I am giving you a list of spiritual telephone phone numbers which you can use at any time. These numbers may be dialed directly, no operator’s assistance is needed, the line is opened 24 hours- 7 days a week.

Special phone numbers:

1. When in sorrow= John II

2. When men fail you= Ps. 27

3. When you have sinned= Ps. 51

4. When you worry=Matt.6:19-34

5. When you are in danger=Ps.91

6. When God seems far away=Ps. 139

7. When your faith needs stirring=Heb. 11

8. When you are lonely and fearful=Ps.23

9. When you grow bitter and critical= I Corin. 13

10. When you feel down and out= Rom. 8:1-30

11. When you want peace and rest= Matt. 11: 25-30

12. When the world seems bigger than God= Ps.90

13. When you want Christian assurance= Rom. 8:1-30

14. When you leave home for labor or travel=Ps. 121

15. When your prayers grow narrow and selfish= Ps. 67

16. When you want courage for a task= Joshua I

17. When you think of investment and returns= Mark 10

18. When you are depressed Ps. 27

19. When your pocket-book is empty Ps. 37

20. When you loose confidence in people= I Corin. 13

21. When people seem unkind= John 15

22. When you are discouraged about your work= Ps. 126

23. When your self-pride or greatness takes hold= Ps. 19

24. When you need understanding of Christianity= II Corin. 5:15-19

25. When you need to be fruitful= John 15

26. When you need to know how to get along with fellow men=Romans 12

27. When you want to know Paul’s secret to happiness=Col. 3:12-17

28. When you are dealing with fear=Ps. 3:47

29. When you need assurance= Mark 8:35

30. When you need reassurance= Ps. 145:15

Feed your faith and doubt will starve to death. Norma Cornett Marek wrote a beautiful poem, “Tomorrow Never Comes” which can benefit us all. Maybe you would like to read and live by it.

Tomorrow Never Comes

Norma Cornett Marek

If I knew it would be the last time

That I’d see you fall asleep,

I would tuck you in tightly,

And pray the Lord your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time

That I’d see you walk out the door,

I would give you a hug and a kiss

And call you back for just one more.

If I knew it would be the last time

I’d hear your voice lifted up in praise

I would tape each word and action

And play them back throughout my days.

If I knew it would be the last time

I would spend an extra minute or two,

to stop and say “I Love you.”

instead of assuming you know I do.

So just in case tomorrow never comes

And today is all I get

I’d like to say how much I love you

And hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone

young or old alike,

And today may be the last chance

You get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you are waiting for tomorrow

Why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes

You’ll surely regret the day

That you didn’t take that extra time

For a smile, a hug or a kiss.

And you were too busy to grant someone

What turned out to be their one last wish

So hold your loved ones close today,

And whisper in their ear,

Tell them you love them very much, and

You’ll always hold them dear.

Take time to say, “I’m sorry,”

“please forgive me,” “thank you” or “it is O.K.”

and if tomorrow never comes,

you’ll have no regrets about today.

The following are scenes from the 96^th birthday luncheon

Pictures by William C. Youngblood

Life After 90: What I am Doing Now

2011-09-01T09:13:00.000-04:00

Blog 69

Life After 90: What I am Doing Now

Alene Kate Stewart McCorkle

(This is the third in a series of articles written by Mrs. McCorkle

as promised in blog 67 which you should read first for background.)

If one lives to reach 75 or 80 years of age, his/her life is not exciting as it once was. One finds him/herself sitting at home more; missing friends who have gone the way of all the earth; trying to remember if they were going upstairs or coming down; what they went into the room to get and many other odd things. Then, some find themselves giving up their homes and living with their children; living in Assistant Living quarters; in nursing homes and some on the streets.

One thing is true, if one does not suffer from Dementia or Alzheimers, one will constantly think of one’s past life. One remembers little or big things which happened to oneself or things which one did. They all made us feel the need for a closer relationship with God. I wonder why. Perhaps, it is an awareness to the fact, that one’s days are numbered and soon after, called to a reward.

At my age of ninety-two, [now 96] , I have done some serious thinking about the past. I have come to realize that GOD has performed many MIRACLES in my life. The first was the blessing of my parents to birth another baby girl after losing the first one early in a tragic accident soon after their marriage. The second one was the unique and odd position of enrolling into grade school at age five without name and not being counted until enrollment in the second grade. The third miracle happened when I was in the fifth grade at Myers Street School. I fell from the second floor onto concrete, knocked unconsciously, but suffered no broken bones, nor ribs, and returned to school the next day.

At age eleven, the fourth miracle occurred. I was able to play the Church’s organ and help the choir. Here is the irony of it all, most of my musical education was giving to me by my father who never had a musical lesson.

Graduating from high school at age fifteen was the fifth miracle, while the sixth one was the giving of a scholarship for college by a principal who did not know me nor had ever seen me. The college was NC College at Durham for Negroes. The seventh miracle was the revelation of a cousin who learned of my plight, gave me room and boarding in her home, gave me funds and clothing the first year I was in school, now North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC.

The eighth one was my writing to two loan companies asking them for special consideration, telling them that I would make payments on my parents’ home loans after I finished college and secured a job. To my knowledge, no payment was made for the four years I was in college. After the completion of four years training and got my first job at Second Ward teaching, I paid off both loans. I urged my parents to deed the lots to my brothers who were interested in the property and who promised to repay me a portion of the loans I had assumed.

The ninth miracle was when I asked God for guidance at a time I was about to set my niece’s house afire. The tenth one was when I got stuck in an elevator in Puerto Rico and was rescued. The eleventh and final miracle was when I found myself driving a car in Puerto Rico during election time, not knowing where I was, neither knowing how to get back from whence I came. Heavy and crowed were the streets, but was rescued.

I do not remember all of the miracles I had, but there were many. If you sit and recall, you will remember ones you had long ago. Three score-year and ten have passed us all. (One score year is twenty) Be thankful.

This is my fourth article which I promised to write. Now, I can continue the thought pattern on what keeps me going at the ripe old age of 92. Please know that I engage in mental gymnastics and so must you. I play euchre, hearts, spades and solitaire on the computer. I crochet, play single and double pin chic, cook, clean, attend Sunday School and Church, pick and preserve what comes in my daughter’s and husband’s garden. In fact, I do as I please. My family is extremely kind to me.

One of the biggest things I do is the cultivation of my spiritual life. I pray not only for myself but for others. (That is called intercessory prayer.) I not only beseech God but I constantly praise HIM and give thanks. I pray and give thanks for the class of ’47 and ask His blessings upon all of your needs and more.

I love all of you even though you are grown now, I always did. I still call you my children. Be good to yourselves in your old age; keep holding your heads high; encourage those about you to do the same; pass along words of encouragement and love. May the God of Peace bless and be with you all. A-men.

(THIS A GREAT ARTICLE! WHAT MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID?)

The following are scenes from the 96^th birthday luncheon

Pictures by William C. Youngblood

Blog 68 - Keeping Alive by Keeping the Mind Occupied

2011-08-22T10:42:00.000-04:00

Blog 68

Keeping Alive by Keeping the Mind Occupied

Alene Kate Stewart McCorkle

(This is the second in a series of articles written by Mrs. McCorkle

as promised in blog 67 which you should read first for background.)

I get pleasure out of reading my NEWSLETTER from Vernon Herron. He keeps me aware of how great the students are who finished Second Ward. I just can’t imagine the great information he is sending us. It looks like he is trying his best to keep all of us ALIVE. I just wonder if it might have helped some of our deceased ones had this wonderful NEWSLETTER been sent before they passed on to the great beyond.

I have an addition to make to Vernon’s recommendations. It is not only exercise and proper eating but it pays to KEEP THE MIND OCCUPIED. Think positively. We have come a long way. Thousands of people are living to be over a hundred. Come with me as I hope to celebrate 100 years [2015]. My mind is busy. I wish that I could show you some of the things that I have done or made since I became 90 years of age.[Now 96].

I sew and crochet. When I was 91 years of age, I crocheted over 100 snow caps for members of the family and their friends. Two years ago, I did 11 jigsaw puzzles, 5 with 500 pieces, 5 with 1,000 pieces and 1 with 1500 pieces. The one with 2000 pieces is still under the bed in a shoe box. I think that I will let it stay there.

I read, do jigsaw puzzles, play pinochle, single and double. I learned double after reaching the age of 92. I play euchre double hearts, scrabble and spade on the computer. I do at least half of the cooking in our house. I can’t work in the garden but I freeze what comes out of it. I make juice from the oranges that grow on our tree in Puerto Rico.

I go to church or I listen to sermons on TV. I keep up with my little money and I pray mightily. Sometimes I wake up about 1 or 2 a.m. and send up prayers of Thanksgiving because I realize that even though I lived through the great depression, God has been GOOD to me. So you see that I am busy everyday. I even cut some hedges the other day. I was sore for a few days.

When I feel like I don’t want to do anything, I go to my “music box” collection. .I turn them all on at the same time. That is great noise and I love it. I collect music boxes.

I love Obama. I listen to him every time I know when he is speaking. He is having a hard time so we must pray for him and his family. He has a big job. Many people hope he will fail in his efforts. He is where we thought we would never live to see one of us. We helped him when he was running for President, so let us help him now that he is President with the highest rating of any President. Prayer is a little thing that helps us all. We, as Second Ward grads and supporters know what prayer can do. We have lived by it.

It looks like that I am bragging about my activities, doesn’t it? Well, I guess that I am, since I thought about it. I am doing this to let you know that as you get older, there are still lots of things you can do to help you live even longer.

I have a little message which I’ve placed some where, the lack of which I don’t remember. But when I read it, I thought how any one over 75 could certainly agree that it is all good and could see all of these things in their lives. I think it is called…

…GETTING OLDER.

Everything is getting father away now than they used to be.

It is twice as far to the corner and I notice that they have added a hill.

I have given up on running for the bus, it leaves faster than it used to.

And it seems to me they are making stairs steeper than they did in the old days.

Have you noticed the smaller print they are using in the newspaper?

There is no sense in asking people to read aloud.

Everyone speaks in such low voices, I can hardly hear them.

It is almost impossible to reach my shoe laces.

Even people are changing. They are much younger than they used to be when I was their age. On the other hand, people my age are so much older than I am.

I ran into an old classmate the other day, and she had aged so much.

I did not even recognize her.

I got to thinking about that poor thing while I was combing my hair this morning

And in so doing, I glanced at my reflection.

You know, they don’t even make mirrors like they use to.

I did not recognize me in that mirror.

Have you looked in the mirror lately? I have and I don’t know who that lady is looking back at me!

Smile and be happy!

The following are scenes from the 96th birthday luncheon

Pictures by William C. Youngblood

Blog 67 - A Beloved School Teacher Is Honored

2011-08-12T11:24:00.000-04:00

Blog 67

A Beloved School Teacher Is Honored

Vernon M Herron

Let’s switch this time from an essay narrative style of writing to a news reporting style to report how a biblical mandate is obeyed. Ephesians 6:2-3 say, “Honour thy father and mother, (which is the first commandment [Ex.20:12, Deut.5:16] with promise) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” “Honour thy father and mother” means to honor the elderly of the community, all ancestors, your teachers, those who molded your thought patterns and your social and moral behavior. That biblical injunction was observed recently when a beloved teacher was honored. Recently, approximately thirty persons, including the Second Ward High School National Alumni Foundation, Inc., former students and friends of Mrs. Alene Kate Stewart McCorkle celebrated her 96th birthday with a luncheon at the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, in the North Lake Shopping Mall at Charlotte. The retired Mathematics’ teacher taught at Charlotte’s Second Ward High School for 31 years and is one of two survivors of the 1947 faculty.

The beloved teacher was showered with roasts, toasts and gifts. The luncheon guests were presented with a gift-package containing six articles written by the honoree, (see her writings in the next four blog postings) including her life history, educational and life experiences, goals and a blue-print for longevity, pictures of the ’47 class and faculty, and three blog postings.

The school was built in 1923 and Demolished by the Urban Renewal Program in 1969.

Mrs. McCorkle addressed the luncheon guests with words of gratitude and wisdom. (See last page for pictures of the luncheon). An example of her writing and speaking follow:

FROM BIRTH TO COLLEGE: MY JOURNEY IN RETROSPECT

I was born in Mecklenburg County to the late Brown and Roxie Stewart, farmers who moved to Charlotte when I was 6 months old. I was fortunate to have five brothers, four older and one younger than I. I enrolled in school at age five but was not counted until the next year. There was no school for five years old. So when I was counted, I was six years old and in the second grade. I enrolled in the Biddleville Elementary School, a four room school on the railroad tracks, a few steps off Beatties Ford Road. It housed grades 1-4. After grade 4, you went to Fairview School which was located in Greenville. My being only eight years of age, I could not walk that far. I had to ride the five cents street car to Myers Street Elementary School located in Brooklyn or ride in the buggy, with my father to school. Usually, he was going in that direction (Dilworth) to pick up dirty clothes from white folks’ homes for my mother to wash and iron. At the age eleven, I went to Second Ward High School which was just about one block from Myers Street School. I was still riding the street car. That was the only school to attend which had its highest grade level at eleven. So at the age of fifteen, I graduated from high school, with not a penny to go to college. I spent my first year out of high school working as a maid and as a cook for a family in a section called “Elizabeth.”

The going may be “tough” but if you want a “college education,” you can get it. I wanted it and I got it. Look how it came! You have experienced getting an education or seeing that your child did. This is how I got mine and what I did to get it.

A new principal, (J. E.Grigsby) came to Second Ward High School the year after I finished. He knew nothing about me. He had never seen me. North Carolina Mutual Insurance Company was offering a scholarship of $75.00 to a graduate of Second Ward High School. To this day, I do not know why that scholarship was given to me. I have an idea but I don’t really know.

The $75.00 would pay my tuition but where would I eat? I discovered that I had a cousin living in Durham, NC. She told my parents that I could live with her and her daughter. I grabbed the offer with both hands; caught the train in September; went to Durham; lived in a four room house with my cousin and her daughter; slept in the same bed; walked three miles to school every morning, rain or shine, sleet or snow; and was always on time for my 8 a.m. class. I lived there for nine months without going home because I did not have enough money to ride the train home.

I won’t tell you about all of the problems because you might become sad. I was not sad. I was glad to get the opportunity including hardships and all. I won’t tell you, how I got to live on the campus. I was telling my daughter about it which was the last story which I told her as a child. She guessed that the story was about me.

I was an honor student at North Carolina for Negroes, now NC Central University. At that time, the Founder of the College, Dr. James E. Shepard, was the president who loved my independence, outspoken attitude, love for everybody and one who enjoyed a job given to me so I could live on the campus. Recognized as a good student, I remained there until my graduation.

It was not all books. I had a strong love affair; more than one. A teacher paid for me to become a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. I was a cheerleader, sang in the college choir, worked in the Dean of Women’s Office and the Registrar’s Office where I kept the records of all students attending NCCN. Never once did I tell a student what his or her grades were. That was not my job. They got that report in writing from the registrar.

Even though I am a Methodist, during my college days in Durham, I sang in the West Durham Baptist Church choir [I knew it!] and the NCCN choir. When I returned home on vacation, I sang in the Gethsemane A.M.E. Zion Church choir.

Sometimes, teachers have a hard time getting an education but you can. If you are willing to work hard, hold up your head high, treat everybody right and serve the ONE ON HIGH, success is yours.

Take time to say, “I’m sorry,” “please forgive me,” or “it is o.k.” and if tomorrow never comes, you’ll have no regrets about today.

The following are scenes from the 96th birthday luncheon.

Pictures by William C. Youngblood

Just Stand Up and Yell when We Do!

2011-08-09T09:42:00.002-04:00

Blog 66

“Just Stand Up and Yell when We Do!”

Vernon M. Herron

This blog 66 represents the third in a series of experiences about which I promised to write. Blog 64 was a childhood experience; blog 65 was an experience of my youth while blog 66 was a young adult experience. These three experiences represent aspiration, information and perspiration. Let us begin by setting the context stage.

This story is about two homeys, who during the Fall of 1947 went off to college, (Shaw University) to begin their post secondary educational pursuits with a maternal hug, kisses and a promise. Anonymity suggests the name of my school friend to be Ruth Green but the experience is true.

Ruth and I had much in common. We were neighbors; attended and graduated from the same high school; attended the same church; had a strong brother/sister relation and had common goals. Ruth’s mother, known in the community as “Miss Green” was the “bread winner” of her family as papa Green was an invalid. So was my mother the chief family supporter, as my father was deceased.

With limited funds and a bright future, off to college Ruth and I went, but not without maternal blessings and a promise of a visit soon. The two mothers had said, ”once you get to school and settled, we will come to visit you.” My! What a great incentive! No description is needed for parental hugs and kisses but the “promise” needs to be elucidated. College life was not in the experience of either parent. They had never been on a college campus, no experience in the classroom, chapel, dining room, a campus Inn, a Student Union, nor college sports.

There are two other factors in the “stage setting” that you need to know about. One factor is that three or four of our high school mates had gone on ahead of us to join the Shaw University National Championship Football Team. The football players were known as “The Mighty Eleven of ’47” and were the CIAA Football Champions of that year!

The other factor is that our mothers visited us at the time of our school’s Annual Homecoming, when the football team would be contending for the CIAA National Championship. It was Ruth’s and my responsibility to give both mothers a “crash course” for a typical football game. Cramming was required at this time!

We explained the essentials of football in the follow manner:

A football field.

Goal-post zones.

Yardage-footage.

Penalty.

Teams-dressed alike-running in opposite directions, like they are trying to

avoid “stepping in something.”

Making a “touch-down” for points and a goal.

Extra points.

A victory and a Winner.

Yet, when the two mothers showed visible signs of incomprehension of this mass material and the inability to “cram,” we quickly thought of and suggested an easier way. Our proposal was, “just stand up and yell, ‘hoo-ray’ and ‘right-on’, when we do.” They did! They enjoyed the game, especially being on the winning side.

Leaving the stadium, we overheard conversation between the two mothers: they said, “the football game was a thriller and a diler.” “It was the first and only one I have attended.” “We did not know the game at first, but we learned fast.” “God is good to allow us to be here this day to see our children start their college life with a ‘bang.’” “It is our hope that they will succeed.”

Yes we were limited in resources but rich in parental love and support.

By the way, if you have never taken your parents or any senior citizen to a football game, I urge you to do so. Even though they may not know the game, tell them to stand up and yell when you do! They will enjoy it!

Blog 65 - Tell Him "I'll Be There"

2011-07-22T13:40:00.000-04:00

Blog 65

Tell Him, “I’ll Be There”: A Mother’s Love

Vernon M. Herron

For those of you who have read my life’s story, you may know of my humble beginnings. My father died when I was one year of age, leaving my mother with six children to rear alone. The achievements of my siblings were noteworthy: one did construction work, two worked for the Federal Reserve System, one was a cosmetologist, one was a trained nurse and one was/is a minister. Regarding the engagement of each sibling, the pursuit of each was noteworthy with accolades. However, one sibling was called the “black sheep” of the family, I suppose because he was always getting into trouble and not following “the law.”

For the sake of anonymity, I will call this sibling “sheep.” This story is about “sheep,” a mother’s love and is the second in a series of reported childhood experiences.

As an early teen-ager, I assumed many male adult functions of the home, as most of my siblings had left the homestead. I remember one day a portion of the bedroom ceiling fell to the floor, narrowly missing my head. I quickly learned how to plaster and to repair the broken ceiling. My! that made me feel like a helpful child taking on adult responsibilities.

Let me give you another example. My mother chronically had back pain suffering from degeneration of bone and muscles. Heat seemed to have given some relief. After heating irons at the open fire or on the heater, I would apply the same to her back for ease. This seemed to give her some temporary relief.

One day as I was administering to my mother with a hot iron, the phone rang and I answered. The caller said, “your brother was in a fight and was almost killed, he wants his mother to come and help him. He wants to know, will she, and how soon?” I thought that I was speaking for my mother when I said, “tell ‘sheep’ mother is sick in bed with pains in her back. I am applying heat with a hot iron! and besides, tell him to call his friends with whom he has spent his life’s substance for help.” Just at that moment, mama jumped out of bed, snatching the phone away from me, saying, “you are beside yourself boy! That’s my child too.” Then she said to the caller, “tell ‘sheep’ that I’ll be there shortly.”

This was a demonstration of a mother’s love.

Mother O’Mine

Rudyard Kipling

If I were hanged on the highest hill,