Jackson, Tennessee,
women sponsor 
Black History Month

JACKSON, Tennessee—In February, the Jackson women’s ministry sponsored presentations during worship services in observance of Black History Month.

This year the focus was on the WCG’s black leaders and a few members of our own congregation. Guests also performed.

On Feb. 2, Johnny Chandler shared his memories of members Charles and Corinne McDearmon, and the positive influence they had on his life. He said he had learned much from Mr. Mac, as many called him. Mr. Mac was a source of wisdom and guidance for the youths of the congregation for many years.

Johnny and others were often invited to the McDearmons’ home for lunch and conversation. He would drive young people to youth activities and even lend his truck if they needed it. Johnny invited several other members to share ways the McDearmons affected their lives.

Mr. McDearmon was responsible for building a senior citizens center in Jackson, and the mayor proclaimed Charles McDearmon Day in honor of this achievement.

On Feb. 9, Buni Wendt shared information about the life of the late Harold Jackson, a leading minister in the Worldwide Church of God. She included her memories of Mr. Jackson as a pastor when her family lived in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Jackson was known as a loving, caring man who affected the lives of those he served in this country as well as in Africa.

On Feb. 16, Lois Watkins spoke about her mother, Beatrice Watkins, a longtime member of the Jackson congregation.

Mrs. Watkins never knew her father’s family, as he had been sold on the slave block when he was young and had no more contact with them. As a young girl she was nicknamed Stinger Bee, and was known as one who could handle herself in any situation.

She was married at age 16 and bore 10 children, only to lose four of them as babies and little ones. She said that God had given her a dream about a girl baby she was to have before Lois was born, and that Lois looked just like the baby in the dream. Mrs. Watkins had many talents and would share her blessings with neighbors and deliverymen. Her love for Jesus grew and her faithfulness was a fine example to everyone.

On the same day, Forrestine Gray reported on Sojourner Truth, a 19th century African-American devoted to the antislavery movement and an advocate of women’s rights. Forrestine had invited Essie Johnson to present a dramatization of Sojourner Truth and her life as a slave and a woman.

On Feb. 23, Gladys Anderson gave a report about Curtis and Jannice May and their work: his as director of Reconciliation Ministries, and hers devoted to pastors’ wives through Connecting & Bonding. Gladys also spoke of her own fond memories of being a member of a congregation pastored by Mr. and Mrs. May and knowing them personally.

In addition, Margaret Brooks led several of the children in shaking to the music, "Shake the Devil Off," by Dorothy Norwood.

Also, Margaret had invited Angela Jarmon to perform for us. Angela sang "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," and "He Looked Beyond My Faults and Saw My Need" a cappella and received a standing ovation from the congregation.

Bessie Wilder read a poem written by an African-American.

After the worship service, members enjoyed a potluck featuring soul food, accompanied by soft jazz music. Forrestine Gray.

JACKSON WOMEN—From left: Angie Goodman,
Angela Jarmon, Margaret Brooks, Forrestine Gray,
Mary Britt and Bessie Wilder on Feb. 23.
[Photos by Ezell Wilder]

DRAMATIZATION—Essie
Johnson portrays Sojourner
Truth, Feb. 16.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2003