wfn.org | "Reunion of Reunions" Highlights General Assembly

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13-June-1998 
GA98011 
 
    "Reunion of Reunions" Highlights General Assembly 
 
    by Julian Shipp 
 
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Responding to a call to fellowship, inspiration and 
education, hundreds attended the "Reunion of Reunions," a special, 
pre-Assembly event for the alumni, faculty, families, friends and 
supporters of historically African American, Presbyterian-affiliated 
schools and colleges. 
    Under the theme "Bringing Forth the Fruits," the event featured 
outstanding preaching, singing, worship, exhibits, college tours, 
educational workshops and more.  Opening on June 11  at the Marriott 
Executive Park Hotel with a colorful precession of banners bearing the 
names of the institutions, the Reunion resumed on June 12 with a joint 
worship service at the Charlotte Convention Center.  On June 13, a banquet 
featuring the presidents and representatives of the schools was held and 
the Reunion culminated with Assembly opening worship on June 14. 
    The group of predominantly black participants were able to see, hear, 
and share an integral part of their history.  They were also encouraged to 
recognize the accomplishments of former slaves, conduct evangelism and 
commit themselves financially to support the PC(U.S.A.)'s eight 
racial-ethnic institutions for future leaders. 
    Patricia Brown, moderator of the 209th General Assembly (1997) and one 
of the guest speakers, said black Presbyterians have a "moral, financial 
and cultural" obligation to the denomination's racial-ethnic schools and 
colleges since the educational mission of the institutions has shaped much 
of their heritage. 
    "Strength is knowledge, knowledge is power," Brown said. 
    Sermon presenter on June 11, was Bishop John Hurst Adams, senior bishop 
and presiding prelate of the 7th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church. 
Hurst said the denomination's racial ethnic schools can expect "a future 
better than the past," but only if black Presbyterians have vision, 
practice better stewardship and claim a "faith made powerful by 
persistence." 
    "We must do better with our resources," Hurst said.  "Our forefathers 
spent their money building churches, colleges and cathedrals, not on 
clothes, cars and casinos.  All of our history should be the launching pad 
of the hope for our future."  Hurst said racial-ethnic higher education is 
essential to creating generations of people who are "free, smart and equal" 
in society. 
    On June 12, the Rev. John M. Buchanan, moderator of the 208th General 
Assembly (1996) and a presenter during  Pre-Assembly worship, reminded the 
audience of the incredible educational achievements slaves and descendants 
of slaves made in the area of education in 1867 following the end of the 
Civil War. 
    Starting with an initial commitment of $100,000 from the Presbyterian 
Freedman's Commission, 61 black schools were established by 1868.  By 1870, 
85 black institutions were established and by the 1870's, 130 institutions 
had been built.  Buchanan said it is a significant achievement given the 
fact that blacks were enslaved by whites for more than two centuries and 
strictly forbidden to learn during that time. 
    "Presbyterian Church schools paved the way and set the standard for our 
nation's public schools," Buchanan said.  "Thanks be to God for the courage 
and grace of (all who helped make this possible)." 
 
     Dr. Thelma Davidson Adair keynote speaker and former moderator of the 
188th General Assembly (1976) of the United Presbyterian Church in the 
U.S.A., challenged the audience to renew their commitment to the 
denomination's racial ethnic schools as they prepare to enter the next 
century.  She encouraged black Presbyterians to cultivate  a "nurturing 
attitude," and a "respect for differences" within the church. And she 
denounced the stereotype that historically black schools are educationally 
inferior to traditionally white institutions. 
    "I have never had to unlearn anything that I learned at a black 
school," Adair said, adding she recently received her seventh distinguished 
degree. 
    There are eight historically racial-ethnic schools and colleges 
affiliated with the denomination.  They are Barber-Scotia College, Boggs 
Academy, Johnson C. Smith University, Johnson C. Smith Theological 
Seminary, Knoxville College, Mary Holmes College, Sheldon Jackson College 
and Stillman College.  Although represented during the Reunion, Lincoln 
University is now a private institution that is no longer affiliated with 
the denomination. 
    The "Reunion" also provided an opportunity to uplift the church's "Year 
With Education" emphasis, since four PC(USA) colleges are located in or 
near the city -- Barber-Scotia College, Davidson College, Johnson C. Smith 
University, and Queens College. Each school arranged opportunities for 
visits. 

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