Harvest 1962
HARVEST CELEBRATION
HISTORICAL EXCERPTS
1901-2023
A very important date on the annual church calendar is the Harvest Commemoration, a program set aside at Lakeside to give thanks. The occasion, when designed and spearheaded by Mrs. Mary Binford Jordan in 1901, was not only a harvest of the productions of Mother Earth but also a harvest of souls. Around the altar on this Sunday, November 3, 1901, were several persons bowed for baptism and reception into the church family.
​
The Weekly Journal, a Negro newspaper, edited and owned by Mr. H.C. Binford and Sons, published on Thursday, November 7, 1901 following the celebration, a vivid account of the first Harvest, “The first Harvest celebration was both enjoyable and inspirational. The choir, along with the Beethoven Musical Club, did credit to themselves with the good music. Professor William Riley was highly praised for his assistance with the music. Reverend M.M. McKinney gave the scripture and invocation. Ten small girls dressed in white sang and pantomimed “Bringing in the Sheaves”. Miss Gray Beasley rendered a solo in her usual sweet voice. The recitation by Miss Kincheloe was appropriate and the essay read by Miss Sazie Drake was filled with good thoughts. She brought out clearly the idea that the harvest of fall is the grown seed of spring and also “What ever we sow that must we reap”. These words adorned the back of the pulpit.”
.png)
Mrs. C.R. Donegan, sang melodiously, “What will the Harvest Be?” Following the debut of a solo, the traditional solo became, “Sinner, Please Don’t Let This Harvest Pass” which was sung by the late Mr. Isaac Walter Rooks, Jr., accompanied by Mrs. Carmelita Stennis Gandy, Organist, for more than forty years. Also, on at least one occasion each, it was sung by Mrs. Sangernetta Sallings Burns, Mr. James Otha Bearden, Sr., and Mr. Preston M. Brown. The recitation of “The Reaper” by James Wadsworth Longfellow, later became a traditional piece read as a memorial for deceased members.
“The pastor, Reverend J.W. Tate, delivered an eloquent sermon. Following the sermon, a handsome collection of $21.33 was taken by the trustees. Dr. B.E. Scruggs was President of the Board of Trustees.” The goal for recent Harvest celebrations has increased considerably since the early offertory amounts were collected. Our collections have now reached the five-digits marks.
The Weekly Journal records, “The church was artistically decorated with flowers, evergreens, fruits and vegetables, festoons of red peppers, strings of red apples, and bunches of corn were suspended from the chandeliers.”
The bazaar sale on the Monday following the Harvest commemoration was termed a success, netting the sum of twenty-five dollars which allowed the pastor to be paid in full because of the effort. The Bazaar idea was continued with yard sales, car washes, fish fries, and bake good sales. Also, the Annual Harvest Tea began in private homes, later in the church sanctuary as a showcase of local talents a grand fundraising affair.
As was the original special day, this One Hundred Twenty-first Harvest focuses on prayer, worship, ministry, love and commitment, as well as God’s gift to us individually and collectively.
​
​
Revised November 2022
Laura F. Clift, Church Historian
Mrs. Dora Lowery
and Granddaughter, Miss Patsy Powell
,Mrs. Dora Lowery created the pantomime , "Bringing in the Sheaves" to ensure that children were included in the Harvest Celebration.