I have no adequate terms to describe the awesome experience of last night's tribute in music to Jerome's life and ministry. The cantata composed by Dr. Lee Johnson, "God, Neighbors, Neighborhoods," encompassed such a wide range of thoughts, concepts and musical interpretation that I could hardly take it all in. Lee's kind words about Jerome and me were so memorable. It was uplifting, entertaining, emotional and muscially satisfying.
The Shawmut Choir worked very hard for three months of long rehearsals and I appreciate so much their dedication to this project. The orchestra was wonderfully blended and I especially appreciated the local instrumentalists who gave so much of their time to rehearsals. Lee, as usual, was a class act, even with his "Pointed Stick." (You had to be there.) Actually, if you live in the Valley area, you may be able to catch the videoed program on the local Knology cable station. If I find out when, I will let you know.

It was wonderful to have some of our family there to experience this wonderful cantata beside me. Jerome's mom was able to come from Muscle Shoals. Thanks to Judy Meeks for bringing her and allowing her to share in this moment.

On Sunday morning at FBC Shawmut, a videoed sermon by Brother Buck Duke was played. Brother Duke was unable to come personally, so he delivered the message seated in his living room - like a "fireside chat." It was a beautiful exposition of Psalm 103 on why we should bless the Lord. Bro. Duke talked about Jerome and what he had meant to that community and the church he had served for almost 20 years. It made me feel so proud of him, yet saddened that he couldn't be here to hear those words. Still, if he had been here, he probably would have felt embarrassed to be praised. Brother Duke noted that above all, Jerome would have wanted God to be glorified, and He was.

In the same service the graduating seniors were recognized - kids that Jerome had taken year after year to children's camp. Some of the girls were in my cabin once or twice. Now they are beautiful young women. And so, life goes on. The church also voted to call a new pastor, so all in all, it was a very eventful day.

Thanks again to all who participated in making Sunday a very special day to remember. There were several out-of-town guests who attended the cantata, so if I didn't get to see you, please drop me a note on this website or an email to kingfr@knology.net and let me know you were there.

I leave you with the final thought from "God. Neighbors, Neighborhoods," taken from the conclusion of Ecclesiastes: "Fear God, and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."