History in Our Backyard – LABC Update 9/20/2024
History in Our Backyard
John Rankin, a Presbyterian minister, and his sons helped over 2000 people escape from slavery. When Henry Ward Beecher was asked after the end of the Civil War, “Who abolished slavery?,” he answered, “Reverend John Rankin and his sons did.” His home, on the shore of the Ohio River, became the first stop on the underground railroad. The Rankin House, in Ripley Ohio, is the first stop on the “Footsteps to Freedom” tour. There is a connection to this famous abolitionist in the Bay Area, which was recently discovered.
Petaluma is about an hour away from Oakland. Through the efforts of Joanna and Janessa Paun, the burial site of John Rankin’s son, Adam was discovered at the Cypress Hill Memorial Park in Petaluma. After the war, Adam, also a minister, moved to Petaluma and ministered there. Through providence, a series of fortuitous circumstances or as Hardy Brown, the curator and facilitator of the tour says, “the work of the ancestors,” this discovery was able to be made.
Last Friday I was privileged to go with a group to the cemetery as the site was recognized by the educational leaders of Sonoma County. Later that day, Hardy Brown held a session displaying artifacts, first editions, and his work in gathering the history associated with Black History in general, and in particular, the Underground Railroad. There is more to this story of discovery that I hope we will be able to dive into more fully during our upcoming African American history month celebrations. There are still more truths to be uncovered.
We still would like your response
As we enter into the Fall season and the beginning of a new church year, the nominating committee will meet to fill positions in departments and committees that are mandated in the church constitution and by-laws. To assist them in their work, we are asking that you indicate areas in which you might be interested in serving by completing a survey which can be accessed online (click here). Printed copies will also be available this Sunday.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, September 28 – Church Work Day
“Many hands make light work.” In preparation for homecoming and the Fall season we will gather on September 28 for church clean-up day
Sunday, September 29 – Homecoming Sunday
WEEKLY MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Friday, September 20
11:00 AM – Larry Sims Funeral Service
Saturday, September 21
10:00 AM – Time for Prayer (ZOOM)
Sunday, September 22
10:00 AM – Worship (in person, ZOOM, livestream)
After Worship
Quarterly business meeting
Adult bible study will meet after the business meeting
1:00 PM – Cole Stanford in Concert
Tuesday, September 24
6:00 PM – Bible Study
Wednesday, September 25
10:30 am – Prayer and Bible Study
Thursday, September 26
7:00 PM – Voices of Lakeshore Choir rehearsal