A railroad worker; the first black congressman in South Carolina; members of the famed black fighter pilots, the Tuskegee Airmen; a Bishop in the Church Of God In Christ and a mother determined to separate her family for the service of the Lord. These are just a few of the ancestors introduced to Holiness Tabernacle during its annual Black History Month program.
Putting a different twist on the month dedicated to the accomplishments of African-Americans, this year’s Black History Month program focused on the family and the legacies that have been passed down. Running with this theme, the Christian Education Department invited church members to bring old photos of family members to share with the congregation. Members provided background on their family history, an approximate date stamp for the photo and most important, the family legacy that they have carried on today.
Sister Phoebe Wheeler was the first to present her family. Not knowing much about her father’s side, she chose to focus on the one ancestor she was familiar with, her great-grandmother, Gussie Wimpy, who was full-blooded Native American.
For Sister Wheeler, it’s important to know our history. “Once our family members pass on, any info they had is lost. My grandmother just passed yesterday and with her, a lot of history,” Sister Wheeler said.
According to information provided by Sister Delia Pruitte, a co-presider for the event, creating an ancestral chart and interviewing elder relatives provides a wealth of information on our family and our church’s rich history.
“Have you heard of the old adage, ‘those who do not know history are destined to repeat it’? This is why we celebrate Black History Month,” said Sister Pruitte.
Pastor Eddie B Pruitte followed Sister Wheeler. He provided a brief account of his family’s colorful history which included a few deviations in the spelling of the last name. But what held most important to Pastor Pruitte were the first steps his mother took in establishing a legacy that he carries today.
“I thank God my mother pulled us away from our family and provided a life for us rooted in holiness,” said Pastor Pruitte. “For the longest time, our family complained saying we were too hard, too compromising. Today those same family members call on us for prayer. My mother decided to build upon the legacy of true holiness.”
After the presentation, members participated in a Q and A session followed by additional words from Pastor Pruitte, summarizing the importance of knowing our history. “History is being made every day,” declared Pastor Pruitte. “[Unfortunately], no one is writing down what’s being accomplished. Because of this, others are defining who we are and what we’ve done, and the good things are being left out.”
The interactive event concluded with a glimpse into the early church’s history, through the eyes of Elder Joseph Guilford who was ordained as an Elder by Bishop Samuel M. Crouch. Elder Guilford still gets a chuckle out of recalling being appointed to a particular position in the church, early on in his ministry.
“Bishop E.R. Driver appointed me as chair of the Elders Council – and I was a minister,” he said, chuckling as the glow of remembrance fell upon his face. “Those elders were in an uproar and Bishop Driver said he wouldn’t recant his appointment unless I resigned,” Elder Guilford continued, pausing for effect. “I immediately tendered my resignation.”
History is living among us. Unless we take an active interest in revealing all of its sacred secrets, however, we’re destined to forget the sacrifices and great accomplishments those before us made so that we can be here today.