2006 Family Reunion

The Montgomerys of Monroe County, Alabama

ALL UNIVERSITY WORSHIP
The Tuskegee University Chapel 

July 16, 2006
9:30 a.m.

Dr. Gregory S. Gray, Sr., Chaplain
Rev. Isaac Holt, Jr., Guest Minister

 By
Frances Montgomery Steele
franms@bellsouth.net

The Montgomery Family members gathered for service at The Tuskegee University Chapel.  Service started promptly at 9:30 a.m. Sunday July 16, 2006. 

We began with the Litany of Praise that got all present involved in the service. Following, we all sang “Lift Every Voice” from the African American Heritage Hymnal”.  The song was lead by the mass choir of The Royal Missionary Baptist Church of North Charleston, South Carolina. Our cousin, Rev. Isaac Holt, Jr., is the Pastor. 

The excitement and forceful voices within these chapel walls was inspiring to us.  We were filled with anticipation as we waited for the delivery of The Message to be delivered by Rev. Holt. 

The Litany entitled The Black Family was read by Bennie McRae, Jr. It was an excellent choice to teach some and remind others of the special role the Black Family has in our society.  The selection challenges us never to forget the importance of being a positive role model and to keep our bodies and families healthy and strong.  

The Selection by the choir  “The Alpha and Omega” was meaningful. The Greek Words mean the Beginning and the End. All that happens has a beginning and an end.  Family members are born and transition, but the family continues.  Our Family Reunion is a celebration of the lives and stories of our ancestors and an introduction of new members to each other. 

Mr. Wallace Harris delivered the Morning Prayer in a spirit filled presentation. 

The Offertory/Doxology /Prayer was read by Cousin Gwendolyn Richardson followed by the Introduction of the Speaker by Dr. Gregory S. Gray, Sr., the Chaplain of the Tuskegee University Chapel, and another selection from the choir “I Don’t Know What You Come To Do”. 

Rev. Isaac Holt chose the theme, ”Launch Out Into the Deep” for the message…Luke 5: 1-11 

The sermon was filled challenges to all that were present.  He used analogy between the deep and shallow parts of the sea. He expressed the need for us not to get comfortable swimming in the easy part of life, but to force ourselves to push for higher achievement at all levels in our lives.  We have a legacy of struggle and greatness within our family that must be shared and revered by us. We must use their struggles as beacons of light to show others how to accomplish their dreams and set new goals. We must cast our net out to those that are in need of guidance and help them set a new direction in their lives.  We have the obligation to share the dream of our ancestors and to honor them for the sacrifices they made. As Isaac cited the greatness of Tuskegee Institute University, founder Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, William E. B. Dubois and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we knew that these names ran parallel with the Montgomerys of the past, present and future. 

We are a strong family who knows the importance of a solid education, skills and leadership in whatever walk of life that we may choose. Be proud of who you are.  Rev. Isaac Holt preached, and now we must continue to share and teach others in and connected to the Montgomery Family! 

The service ended with song and praise. Picture taking and gathering in front of the church was spontaneous. 

Lawrence McRae, Sr. invited us to visit his Prostate Cancer Awareness Display in the Kellogg Center immediately at the end of the service. He is a prostate cancer survival and needs our support to get men involved in their own health as soon as possible. 

Thank you committee for an outstanding Family 2006 Montgomery Reunion.