FMBC Series - #28 Meet the Principal Organist: R. Monty Bennett

     # 28

Meet the Principal Organist: R. Monty Bennett

        The Fratelli Ruffatti Pipe Organ                                                 R. Monty Bennett

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

The Fratelli Ruffatti  Pipe Organ

 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC

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 18^th 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 20^th 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 is 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 principal organist is none other than:

R. MONTY BENNETT

Having been hailed as “one of the country’s top young concert artists” by the Baldwin Organ Company, R. Monty Bennett began musical studies at an early age in his native California.  A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, he was a student of Dr. James Welch, with whom he studied organ, carillon and harpsichord.  Early keyboard studies were under the tutelage of William Bagileo, Herbert Nanney of Stanford University, and Dr. Roger Nyquist, of Santa Clara University.   Always seeking to gain further knowledge of organ music and the instrument, he has participated in master classes with Dame Gillian Weir, Laura Ellis, Bruce Neswick, Gerre Hancock, Joyce Jones, Robert Glasgow and Todd Wilson, and has studied organ pipe voicing in Italy with Francesco Ruffatti.

Mr. Bennett has performed across the United States, Europe and Great Britain as an organist, accompanist and carillonneur.  In 2005, he made his European debut playing a recital for the 22nd International Festival of Organists in Turin, Italy, where he played the European première of a collection of African-American spirituals by Calvin Taylor. Formerly the Minister of Music at Ebenezer Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church, Rock Hill, SC and Associate Minister of Music/Organist at Calvary Church, Charlotte, NC, he is currently the Principal Organist at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC, where he designed and dedicated the Five-Manual Fratelli Ruffatti pipe organ. He also serves as carillonneur for Christoph Paccard Bellfoundries of Charleston, SC.

Mr. Bennett has served on the Executive Board of the Charlotte Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, where he coordinated the internationally renowned Summer Series Organ Recitals and served on the Program Committee.  He currently serves the Charlotte Chapter AGO as the newsletter editor.

In light of his musical accomplishments, Mr. Bennett was chosen to be included in Who’s Who in America and has also been a featured performer on the National Public Radio broadcast Pipedreams.

When asked to assess his experience as the Principal Organist at FMBC, Monty responded in the following manner.  “Being the organist at Friendship has enabled me to learn a wide variety of music and do more than just play the organ.  I have the opportunity to conduct the choirs, work with the handbell choir, organize concerts, be a part of the ICOM Honors Choir of South Africa, play with the Orchestra, as well as select and design our pipe organ.  Friendship is unique among churches in that our music program is so diverse, this allows me to not only play classical music, but also more contemporary styles, as well as spirituals and gospel.”

Monty grew up in Mountain View, CA, where he started taking piano lessons as age 4 ½.  When in 7^th grade, he began organ lessons and played in his first church service on Palm Sunday 1981.  Monty went to the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he graduated with a degree in organ performance, but also studied harpsichord, choral conducting and carillon. 

Mr. Bennett is the only child of his parents. His maternal family is very musical, but he is the only family member to pursue music as a professional career.

TODAY

WE EXPRESS –THANKS

WE RAISE OUR HATS

WE SALUTE

R. MONTY BENNETT-

OUR PRINCIPAL ORGANIST!!!

# 27 Why I Enjoy Membership in FMBC

# 27 WHY I ENJOY

MEMBERSHIP IN THE FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

IN CHARLOTTE, NC

BY

Vernon M. Herron, D. Min.

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church at Charlotte, NC

Over my life span of 80 plus years, I have been affiliated in membership with six Black Churches and have pastored five congregations. Of the eleven experiences, my membership in the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC) in Charlotte, NC of five years has been most satisfying and noteworthy. Though short in membership duration, my ties and roots with this congregation are deep and intriguing. My late father held membership in FMBC and served as an usher during the late ‘20’s. After his death, the late Zachariah Alexander, Sr. enrolled my three siblings and me in the FMBC Sunday School. I was a “handy boy” in the Liberty Street home of the late Pastor John Lewis Powell and was a pupil of his wife, the late Mrs. Ruth Davidson Powell, in the vacation church bible school class at the Brevard Street address. The late pastor Coleman W. Kerry and I were schoolmates at Shaw University. He was one of the six pastors who signed my Certificate of Ordination. His wife, the late Marizetta Hardy Kerry, her family and the Herron family were neighbors in the Second Ward community. In Baptist circles, I was taught by the late Mrs. Beulah Perry and a Madam Walker. After holding membership in the Ebenezer Baptist Church, in 1995 I joined FMBC under the pastorate of Dr. Clifford Jones.

According to Dr. Charles V. Hamilton, a noted historian, there are more than ten million members of the organized institutional Black Baptist Church in America.

Holding membership in FMBC, Charlotte’s third oldest African American Baptist church has been most rewarding to me for growth and maturity. This declaration is factual and defies the writing of Eddie Glaude, Jr., Ph.D., professor at Princeton University, that “The Black Church Is Dead.” (That is another subject to be addressed later) Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is “alive for Christ” and I enjoy membership here for ten reasons:

First, the church has a “Christo” focus which is Christ-centered and reflects the birth, work, death, and resurrection of God’s Son. It is not a political organization, a social club, a business for profit, a fraternal order, nor a family society. The membership is a Divine entity existing as “the people of God, called…to be the Body of Christ and Inspired by the Holy Spirit.” This focus is on a living organism which confirms my theological perspective.

Secondly, FMBC has a mission outreach which is global and inclusive. As a fundamental unit of mission, the church takes its mission mandate seriously.

It ministers to all peoples at home, abroad and “unto the uttermost part of the earth”. The immediate needs of the community are of a priority, e.g. supporting senior citizen programs for hunger, homelessness and other community issues. That outreach includes supporting Habitat for Humanity, Housing Initiative or Disaster Relief Initiative.

It also takes the form of a partnership with the Winterveldt School in Mabopane, South Africa in the purchase and building of a fully equipped Christian educational center for grades kindergarten through high school; the purchasing of a farm to build three greenhouses to grow vegetables for sale; a brick making machine for building houses and business offices; construction of a sewing facility, all built in an effort to create economic interdependence. That outreach also includes medical and religious mission teams of preachers, doctors, nurses, technicians and teachers going to Jamaica, Africa and Guyana.

The mission edict, to “strengthen thy brother” has never been lost. Because of mission involvement, that makes me feel enlarged. Here, I feel a bonding with my brothers and sisters around the world which confirms my missionary zeal.

Third, I find that the teaching and preaching ministry of the church is scripturally based, is made relevant to the culture of its membership and responds to the meeting of human needs. This ministry constantly points to the incarnation of the eternal Word as “logos,” the Son of God and Himself God. Even though the Word is universal, yet it speaks to our “culture of need” and embraces human concerns.

FMBC teaches and preaches a gospel of belief, eternal life and human services.

When it provides a community table, (food for the poor), provides a transitional facility for the homeless, challenges one’s health status through a parish nurse, develops corporations for housing, the work force and education, etc. one is able to see faith move to action. It is good to be a part of a church which lives out the gospel. Here, I feel a kinship and can identify with this ministry. Following the example of our Lord, I am motivated to “go and do likewise.”

Fourth, the worship experience is inclusive, enabling, and inspiring. Even though the worship is formal in planning, it gives me the opportunity to commune with the Divine, to engage in a holy worship response, to fellowship with the gathered church as a Christian family (koinonia) and to receive Divine inspiration for continued daily living.

The worship experience at FMBC is adaptive. It is not wholly African, Anglican nor Western. It contains a bit of each. It may include preaching, testimonies, hymns, meter singing, use of organ, piano, orchestra music, anthems, drama, dancing, visual-aids, the act of giving, the observance of ordinances and special days, fellowshipping, funerals, etc. Some elements of worship may embrace our racial heritage, cultural or early religious experiences, economic or current realities. Because the services are rich and always relevant, I can hardly wait until the next service! Here, I feel HIS presence.

Fifth, the church program is designed for the whole family. The holistic approach is followed in an attempt to enlist, service and bless the family as a unit, i.e. father, mother, children, lineal and collateral relatives. It offers specialized ministries for children, youth, adults, senior citizens, men and women. It covers teachings in Discipleship, Christian Education and literary interests. Here, my loved ones and I feel included.

Six, the demographics of FMBC are interesting; its membership is diverse at every level; it provides intellectual comfort, stewardship involvement and cultural enlightenment. FMBC is a mega church with a membership approaching approximately 7,000 members, of which 62% are females and 38% are males. The age groups reveal 8% children and youth; 60% adults 18-54; 23% senior citizens; while 8% is unidentified. According to the Rev. Sandra Williams, it is often commented by person visiting from other areas of the country, that FMBC has the largest male church population in the country they have ever witnessed..

Worshippers and members come from all stations and ranks of life. In church, one may be seated next to or jointly singing from a hymn book with one who is the city’s Mayor, a former Mayor, a legislator, a Judge, an educator, a financier, a doctor, a technician, a retiree, a student, a laborer or a struggler. Since God calls men/women from all walks of life to do His work and to worship HIM, we do so as ONE in the Spirit and as ONE in the Lord.

Whether in preaching, music or art, one can be intellectually stimulated with new insights, questions and resolutions. In stewardship one is taught the meaning of giving as well as being custodians of the spending process. Culturally, one is challenged to “think” and then “do.” Here, I feel a part of the family of God.

Seventh, the church government is scripturally based, legally prudent, morally sound and practical in operation. FMBC is a congregational form of government. It is its final authority under God. It has a budget of approximately seven million dollars for ministry and mission. Its government uses standard accounting practices and has internal controls in place for all employees and officers for accountability and transparency. It has governing boards with term limits. Each board is knowledgeable of the IRS rules. Here, I am confident in the way the church is governed.

Eighth, the church program dictates the nature and structure of the church building and not the church structure dictating the program. FMBC has experienced at least four houses of worship. First, it moved from a small structure as its beginning, to a Brevard and First Street address; on to 3301 Beatties Ford Road address and now to 3400 Beatties Ford Road. In each instance, the church built according to program need. Here, we are beginning to see the causative effect syndrome in action: “Mission determines purpose, purpose determines program, program determines structure and structure determines staffing.”

Today, we now worship, work and play in a spacious five year old building; it was erected at a cost of 25 million dollars; it has an auditorium seating capacity of 3000 , stained glass windows depicting a Biblical and African American history, a huge Fratelli Ruffatti pipe organ with approximately 6,000 pipes, classrooms, conference and service rooms, children’s teaching and play areas, music and dance areas, gymnasium , office and lecture space. In the planning and occupancy of the present structure, church program dictated the structure. Here I recognize structured vision.

Ninth, the ministerial staff is diverse, gender neutral, theologically trained, charismatic and is respected throughout the world. As of this writing, the ministerial staff consists of three females and five males. All staff is college trained, holding earned degrees as Master of Art, Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, or Doctor of Philosophy . Staff members hold leadership positions in national and world church bodies including the Lott Carey Foreign Missionary Convention, The Baptist World Alliance and with alliances in South Africa.

The staff spends much time in prayer, counseling, teaching, preaching, greeting and nourishing worshippers. FMBC is an unusual church with unusual leadership and that blesses my soul.

Tenth, the fellowship constantly lives in a “state of expectancy” and is heaven bound. In this world, the church learns “contentment” but looks toward the promised return of Jesus Christ.

       When Thou, my righteous Judge, shall come
       To take Thy ransomed people home-

The church is waiting to “be caught up.” Come, Lord Jesus.

Membership in FMBC is a joy with a sacred trust; it requires a commitment to the LORD JESUS CHRIST; it requires a faithful stewardship, “not forsaking ourselves together, as the manner of some is but exhorting one another.” (Heb. 10:25); it offers support for abundant living beyond self existence. Long live Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC “that our joy may be full.” II John 12.

Note:

To visually review my personal testimony, see YOUTUBE CLIPS FROM EASTER 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leTFWXRA6Qw Christ the Lord Has Risen Today
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDQoBAsJE7A It Wasn’t the Nails (Soloist- Mr. Emanuel McAuley and Cliff Harrington)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpoiP3ffUgw Orchestra “An American Spiritual”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo6EI1KVh0k The Blood Still Has Miraculous Power (Soloist- Diatricia Willis and Ensemble)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q9uZ3MY02U Worship Medley (Soloist- Darnetta Richburg)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUuXfGsvGgA That’s Love (Youth Choir)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByHcIIy3_ps Holy Is He (Holy Holy Holy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkbht3ImAi8 Parade of Children J
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOGw6NgJGGY O How Precious (Soloist- Joyce Petty)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIdlhYTGuc4 Just For Me (Soloist- Sam McKelton)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJiU3ChvwOQ Don’t Cry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwO0rryT_XA On The Third Day

These were taken by Terresse Womack of our Drama Ministry.


ABOUT FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARYY BAPTIST CHURCH:

It has three Sundays services; 7:30, 9:30, & 11:30 A.M.
A seven day a week church program: morning, noon, and evening.
See more information at: http://www.friendshipcharlotte.org/

# 26 GREATNESS IN SERVANTHOOD

   # 26 GREATNESS IN SERVANTHOOD

THE STORY OF ANNA MEANS HOOD

By

Vernon M. Herron

In the gospel of St. Matthews 20:26, Jesus teaches that greatness is found in servant hood. “…whosoever will be great among you, let him/her be your ‘servant’. “  Recently, while driving through Charlotte’s Lincoln Heights Community, I was struck by an unusual and impressive sight. I noticed a female senior citizen, using a cane pen nail to pick up trash from the sidewalks and streets and placed the same in a bag. She had parked her car nearby and was conducting a ministry of cleanliness and neatness for the common good, rather than to wait on government or any other organization.

The irony of this experience was the recognition of the personhood of this female senior citizen. It was none other than the distinguished Mrs. Anna M. Hood, a life- long community servant, an educator, political adviser, a prominent Presbyterian, a philanthropist and the widow of the late Dr. Calvin A. Hood (ΑφΑ), who was a distinguished and beloved professor at JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY of Charlotte, NC.

Mrs. Anna Means Hood (AKA)

Anna Means Hood was born in Spartanburg, SC to the late Nathaniel Means and Reavie Alexander Means. She attended the public schools of Spartanburg County and is a 1951 graduate of the former Carver High School in Spartanburg. Mrs. Hood is a 1955 Graduate of South Carolina State University with a B.S. degree in Business Administration.

Anna Hood is the first person of color hired by the Social Security Administration in 1963 in Mecklenburg County and the Piedmont area. Her efficiency and noble courage led to the hiring of additional persons of color by the Administration in 1965. She retired from the Agency in 1990.

Active in the community, Mrs. Hood is the co-founder and a past president of the  Charlotte Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc.  The club emphasizes service to mankind and awards annual scholarships to worthy students. The scholarship program bears her name.

Other involvements of Mrs. Hood include being a former president of the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, an elder in Memorial Presbyterian Church, Oaklawn Park Community Improvement Organization and the AKA Sorority.

Widow Anna Hood has three adult children: Darryl, Rodney and Venita; seven grand children and two great grands.

TODAY

WE SALUTE

MRS. ANNA MEANS HOOD

      

#25 The “GHETTO” Had Culture Too!

THE STORY OF OUR MAY QUEEN AND COURT

By

Vernon M. Herron

Ghetto is defined as a deprived quarter of a city in which members of a minority group are required to live, especially because of social, legal or economic pressure. I was born and reared in the Second Ward community of Charlotte, NC. Other Blacks lived in the First Ward, Third Ward, Cherry, Blue Heaven, Biddleville or the Greenville communities. A startling reality is that I did not know the community of my birth and childhood development was designated as a “ghetto.” I did know that our community consisted of doctors, lawyers, school teachers, administrators, tradesmen, mechanics, painters, designers, ministers, funeral directors, printers, business, food service, etc.

Shot-gun Houses

 700 block of E Boundry Street

I also was imbued with a self-sustaining philosophy which said:

            Hold your head uprightly

Stand straight and tall

Be clean; be somebody

Learn all you can; then no one can take it from you.

Be honest; learn to save; spend wisely

Trust God for all things

And that philosophy never ended.

The point I wish to make is that the “ghetto” in which I lived had “culture” which took many forms. We had accomplished musicians, singers, instrumentalists, athletes, dancers and even queens.

For example, in 1942 Second Ward High School nominated a “May Queen and Coat” which bring pleasant memories. The story is told by the queen herself, which defies “ghetto” if it means negativism. 

Words by Margaret G. A. Alexander

As long as memory lives, I’ll always remember the privilege and honor of being the 1941 and 1942 Second Ward High School May Queen.  Beyond my expectation, the film became a Documentary, “There Was a Colored School*”, in the year 2000. [*Visit http://www.unctv.org/acoloredschool/resources.html for more information].

I recall the 1941 May Queen election as a competitive contest and school fundraiser.  An official ballot appeared in the school newspaper, “The Herald”.  Students were encouraged to sell “The Herald” and use the ballot to support a contestant of their choice.  A contestants name was written on the ballot and placed in a designated sealed box during the school day.  At a specific time and place votes were counted. 

The contestant with the highest number of votes became the “May Queen”.  The next contestant with the second highest number of votes became the (Maid-of-Honor).  The following six highest numbers of votes were Attendants.

The 1942 “May Queen and Court” were nominated by the student body, voted on and elected in one school day.  They were:  Margaret Alexander (May Queen), Jennie Richardson (Maid-of-Honor), Helen Phillips, Inez Miller, Annie Mae Ivey, Venus Smith, Bobbie Thompson and Ruby Coles.      (See The Court on next page.)

Presently, I am blessed to be 84 years young (Born 9/20/1924).  Unfortunately, I do not know the whereabouts of Jennie Richardson, Venus Smith, Bobbie Thompson or Ruby Coles.  Helen Phillips and Inez Miller are deceased.  Currently, Annie Mae Ivey resides in Charlotte, NC.  She’s well and looks great.

Throughout the years, I’ve frequently heard numerous positive comments regarding “There Was a Colored School”.  It is indeed my privilege to be a 1942 graduate of Second Ward High School.  There were many wonderful experiences at SWHS.  The curriculum consisted of basic courses, as well as, a multiplicity of extracurricular classes and activities.  Upon graduation, we were prepared academically for college or the workforce.  Also, we learned something about social graces, esthetics, the community and the government.

I matriculated at North Carolina College for Negroes (Now NCCU, Durham, NC) graduating June 3, 1946 with a B.S. in Commerce & a minor in Education.  Married Kelly M. Alexander (April 21, 1946).  He died April 2, 1985.  We produced two sons:  Kelly M., Jr. (Born 1948) & Alfred L. (Born 1952) /wife, Helen Anthony; three grandsons:  Nathanael M., Kelly M., III & Desmond Phifer.

Humbly, I am sincerely appreciative and thankful for all the blessings bestowed upon me and mine.  “Cherishing happy moments make a fine cushion for old age.”

May Queen Court

First Row: Annie Mae Ivey, Jennie Richardson (Maid-of-honor), Margaret Alexander (May Queen), and Helen Phillips.

Second Row: Venus Smith, Bobbie Thompson, Ruby Coles, and Inez Miller.

#24 The Medulla Oblongata Overlay

# 24 The Medulla Oblongata Overlay

(The Herron Knowledge Bump)

By

Brother Edward Robinson, Ph.D.

With introduction

By

Vernon M. Herron

Introduction:

When visiting my paternal never-before-seen relatives in Pittsburgh, PA in 1950, a cousin Waddell Herron, Sr. demanded a quick examination of my head to determine whether a “Herron Knowledge Bump” was present at the base of the skull. According to family tradition, this was the “mark” of all true male Herrons. While family members accepted this tradition as a jovial tongue-in-cheek gesture and with some degree of pride, the truth of the matter is that which we called the “Herron Knowledge Bump,” is in fact the “medulla oblongata overlay.” Let us turn to Dr. Edward Robinson of Philadelphia for further enlightenment:

Dr. Edward Robinson

(click below to enlarge and read entire document)

#23 A DESCRIPTION AND DEFINITION OF THE HERRON COAT OF ARMS

#23  A DESCRIPTION AND DEFINITION

OF THE HERRON COAT OF ARMS

by

Ione  D. Vargus, Ph.D.

and

Vernon M. Herron. D. Min.

A DESCRIPTION AND DEFINITION

OF THE

HERRON COAT OF ARMS

AS FOUND IN

BURKES’S GENERAL ARMORY

AND AS RECORDED IN

ANCIENT HERALDIC ARCHIVEST

The McPherson-Harris-Herron family had a description and definition of the Herron coat of arms as found in Burke’s General Armory and as  recorded in ancient heraldic archives. Taking the crest very seriously, the fifth family reunion in 1992, commissioned African American modification of the Herron coat of arms. They took parts of the white family coats of arms, maintained their motto, but superimposed shields with the continent of America and the continent of Africa. A broken chain shows that they are no longer enslaved. Crossed quills and ink represent a continuing quest for knowledge and the flaming torch is a symbol of enlightenment. Then they added representation of a free farmer which was the family’s occupation after enslavement and roots of the past and a graduate student designating today’s accomplishments in higher education and roots of the future.¹   A thirteen-page booklet contains the description and definition of the Herron Coat of Arms as recorded in Ancient Heraldic Archives and the African American modification as approved by the family.

(Illustrations Follow)

<sup>1 Document from Vernon Herron, Family Griot. McPherson-Harris-Herron Family. 


Please click each image to see entire image (including text).</sup>

# 22 MEET THE MOTHER OF FAMILY REUNIONS

# 22 MEET THE MOTHER OF FAMILY REUNIONS

DR. IONE D. VARGUS

In June 1990, Claude Lewis editorial writer of The Philadelphia Inquirer Newspaper wrote, “If Alex Haley can be called the Father of Family Reunions, Dr. Ione D. Vargus can be called the Mother of Family Reunions.” In that same year, The Family Reunion Institute emerged because of the many requests for information after two previous African American Family Reunion Conferences. The conference planning committee recognized from the responses and from requests for service and information, that it could begin to work with families outside of traditional family agency structures. However, it would need to have a more organized and permanent existence. Thus, the Institute was formally established at the School of Social Administration at Temple University. Its administrator was Dr. Ione D. Vargus, Professor Emeritus, formally the acting Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at Temple University, the School of Social Administration for a total of seventeen years.


She was Temple’s first African American as well as the first female academic Dean. Dr. Vargus now serves as a volunteer to the organization.


Dr. Vargus began her research on African American family reunions in 1986. She traveled the east coast, north and south to attend family Reunions for Conferences on African American Reunions. She continues collecting information about families and their reunions.


Dr. Vargus has published a number of different topics and has been profiled and/or quoted in many local and national magazines and newspapers.

Links:
http://www.temple.edu/fri/familyreunion/founder.html
http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/biography.asp?bioindex=1413&category=Educationmakers