Lezli Davis; photos Tia Goodloe
The weekend of the 4th of July 2014 ushered in the celebration of the 91st Annual Roberts Settlement Homecoming in Atlanta, Indiana. Descendants from Michigan, California, Iowa, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Alabama, Missouri, as far as the country India and all points in between gathered to celebrate their heritage at this occasion steeped in tradition.
The event was ignited Friday night, July 4th, with the hotdog roast/ hayride. President, Paula Gilliam greeted eager arrivals while the charcoal and hardwood simmered in the barbecue pits. Shortly, everyone was ushered into the chapel to view the recently created documentary short film: Southern Seed, Northern Soil: The History and Legacy of Roberts Settlement based on the book written by Dr. Stephen A. Vincent. After the viewing, young and old(er) folks headed outside and skewered a hotdog which was charred to the proper degree of doneness. It was a time to chat and catch up on life’s events since the last homecoming. The fellowship continued under the big white tent. The hotdog feast was capped off with the marshmallow roast in which some went a step further, adding a Hershey’s chocolate bar sandwiched in between two graham crackers creating a delectable s’ more.
The weekend of the 4th of July 2014 ushered in the celebration of the 91st Annual Roberts Settlement Homecoming in Atlanta, Indiana. Descendants from Michigan, California, Iowa, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Alabama, Missouri, as far as the country India and all points in between gathered to celebrate their heritage at this occasion steeped in tradition.
The event was ignited Friday night, July 4th, with the hotdog roast/ hayride. President, Paula Gilliam greeted eager arrivals while the charcoal and hardwood simmered in the barbecue pits. Shortly, everyone was ushered into the chapel to view the recently created documentary short film: Southern Seed, Northern Soil: The History and Legacy of Roberts Settlement based on the book written by Dr. Stephen A. Vincent. After the viewing, young and old(er) folks headed outside and skewered a hotdog which was charred to the proper degree of doneness. It was a time to chat and catch up on life’s events since the last homecoming. The fellowship continued under the big white tent. The hotdog feast was capped off with the marshmallow roast in which some went a step further, adding a Hershey’s chocolate bar sandwiched in between two graham crackers creating a delectable s’ more.
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Following the hotdog feast, with giggles and enthusiasm, the large crowd loaded onto a two huge straw ladened wagon pulled by a tractor for a hayride down the bucolic roads, returning just before dusk. After disembarking, the much anticipated fireworks commenced, capping off the evening’s festivities.
On Saturday, the annual golf scramble, basket dinner and program were held. Crystal clear weather permitted the golfers to gather at Stony Creek Golf Course in Noblesville just after dawn to enjoy a round of golf. At noon, Jerry and Teresa (Newsom) Granger began registering attendees, issuing name tags and accepting generous donations while Lezli (Glover) Davis provided pedigree charts in order to update the Roberts Settlement current genealogical information. John Elson, Beverly (Newsom) Taylor and Ruth Baltimore were recruited to place biographical information graveside of a few ancestors. Meanwhile, a group photograph of the homecoming held in 1949 was circulated among the crowd to help identify those that were in attendance that year. Tonja (White) and Sam Goodloe with the assistance of others mounted the expansive genealogical chart outside on the eastside of the tent and chapel’s exterior siding walls while others arriving placed their prepared dishes on the tables inside.
On Saturday, the annual golf scramble, basket dinner and program were held. Crystal clear weather permitted the golfers to gather at Stony Creek Golf Course in Noblesville just after dawn to enjoy a round of golf. At noon, Jerry and Teresa (Newsom) Granger began registering attendees, issuing name tags and accepting generous donations while Lezli (Glover) Davis provided pedigree charts in order to update the Roberts Settlement current genealogical information. John Elson, Beverly (Newsom) Taylor and Ruth Baltimore were recruited to place biographical information graveside of a few ancestors. Meanwhile, a group photograph of the homecoming held in 1949 was circulated among the crowd to help identify those that were in attendance that year. Tonja (White) and Sam Goodloe with the assistance of others mounted the expansive genealogical chart outside on the eastside of the tent and chapel’s exterior siding walls while others arriving placed their prepared dishes on the tables inside.
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At approximately, 2 p.m., as the bell tolled from the chapel belfry, Paula Gilliam gathered everyone into the tent for prayer led by Reverend Mallory Tarrance, minister of Bethel A.M.E., Noblesville and husband of Nadine (Newsom) Tarrance. A head count was taken and lines formed for a delectable feast which included the iconic dish containing pasta noodles, chicken, vegetables and cheese: yakamein casserole of ancestor Ethel (Gilliam) Lambert, prepared by her great niece, Beverly (Newsom) Taylor. The colorful spread also included a bounty of fresh salads, fruits and deviled eggs with fried chicken as the protein centerpiece. A decorated sheet cake with an inscription celebrating the 90th anniversary milestone was among the desserts and enjoyed by all.
After the hearty potluck dinner, everyone assembled in the chapel at about 4 p.m. for the program. Paula rendered the welcome address followed by the congregation singing in unison the hymn: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name. Prayer was delivered by Rev. Mallory Tarrance. The names of deceased descendants in the past year: Milton Baltimore, Jr., Yvonne Scott, Sharon Kinsey and Rita Day were spoken by a relative before placing a carnation in a vase in their memory. Denise (Baltimore) Glenn read the minutes from the first formally celebrated Homecoming in 1924 and the names of the attendees on that day were read by Carolyn (Duvall) Bond, Jackie (White) Champion, Sheila (Baltimore)Tignor and Tonja (White) Goodloe.
After the hearty potluck dinner, everyone assembled in the chapel at about 4 p.m. for the program. Paula rendered the welcome address followed by the congregation singing in unison the hymn: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name. Prayer was delivered by Rev. Mallory Tarrance. The names of deceased descendants in the past year: Milton Baltimore, Jr., Yvonne Scott, Sharon Kinsey and Rita Day were spoken by a relative before placing a carnation in a vase in their memory. Denise (Baltimore) Glenn read the minutes from the first formally celebrated Homecoming in 1924 and the names of the attendees on that day were read by Carolyn (Duvall) Bond, Jackie (White) Champion, Sheila (Baltimore)Tignor and Tonja (White) Goodloe.
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Archie Allen, of Clover Lane Media and co-producer of the documentary: Southern Seed, Northern Soil, Brenda Meyer, of Hamilton County’s Visitors Bureau and Janelle Morrison, of Madd Media accompanied by her family were introduced by Roberts Settlement board member and documentary co-producer, Bryan Glover. A second viewing of the film was shown followed by a brief question and answer period.
A medley of armed forces songs were then played while each attending veteran in the audience stood with pride during their respective military anthem. Coming next, various family members stood and shared the past year's accomplishments of kin by summarizing their achievements. The program festivities concluded with a final prayer and a group picture was taken by Mark Edwards outside the church for a treasured attendance keepsake.
A medley of armed forces songs were then played while each attending veteran in the audience stood with pride during their respective military anthem. Coming next, various family members stood and shared the past year's accomplishments of kin by summarizing their achievements. The program festivities concluded with a final prayer and a group picture was taken by Mark Edwards outside the church for a treasured attendance keepsake.
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Those that gathered for the Sunday service witnessed a trio of melodic solos played by the accomplished violinist, Melissa White, founding member of the Harlem Quartet, and daughter of Jerome White, Sr. Melissa performed the classic spiritual songs: Blessed Assurance, Amazing Grace and The Lord’s Prayer. Reverend Robert Hayes, husband of Cathy (Newsom) Hayes and the minister of Restoration Baptist Church, Indianapolis, delivered an inspirational sermon with the service adjourning with prayer.
As the morning mist cleared, hugs were exchanged and goodbyes uttered. Roberts Settlement, 90th Homecoming Reunion becomes a memorable part of the archives!
As the morning mist cleared, hugs were exchanged and goodbyes uttered. Roberts Settlement, 90th Homecoming Reunion becomes a memorable part of the archives!
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