Retrospective

Love Amid War

Submitted by editor on Thu, 03/18/2010 - 13:55.

Retrospective

by Kathryn McBroom: Staff Writer

This past January, Edith Lill, a longtime resident of Bostwick, died at the age of 91. Her obituary will tell you she was a lifelong member of Gibbs Memorial Baptist Church. It says she was the daughter of the late Henry and Era Williams, and that she is survived by her son, Gordon Lill Jr.

It also states that she was preceded in death by her husband Gordon T. Lill Sr.

But it does not express the love that was shared between Edith and Gordon Sr. It does not tell you Edith Lill was a war bride. It does not say that for a period between the summer of 1942 and the summer of 1943, Edith sent her love thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean, in the form of letters.

Written with love’s kindest words, sealed with the hope that only a newlywed could have, Edith and Gordon’s letters to one another have survived six decades, and what a story they tell.

Hard Labor: State park, Friends group holding workday Saturday, Feb. 6

Submitted by editor on Thu, 01/28/2010 - 19:37.

Retrospective

Story and Photos by Kathryn Schiliro

Cry Freedom

Submitted by editor on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 17:18.

Retrospective

By: Kathryn Schiliro
Photos By: Angelina Bellebuono

King’s legacy remembered at Monday birthday celebration, breakfast

Submitted by editor on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 16:49.

Retrospective

By Kathryn Schiliro
Managing Editor

When it comes to celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Morgan Countians wake up early.
At least 150 (and probably more) locals filled Source of Light Ministries Monday at 8 a.m. for a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration (and breakfast) sponsored by the Madison-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce and Morgan County Branch, NAACP.

Following fellowship, song and scripture, attorney Gail Reid gave the keynote address.
While the national NAACP used the slogan "Remember! Celebrate! Act!" Reid chose to address King's focus, fortitude and faith.

While he began with the goal of liberating black people from injustices faced in this country, King's focus grew to include the liberation of oppressed people worldwide from economic, educational, social injustice, Reid stated. For example, King's focus towards the end of his life shifted to opposition of the war in Vietnam.

"[He wanted] justice and equality for all of God's children," Reid said.

King's fortitude, according to Reid, applied to achieving what it was he focused on.
"Dr. King's strength to stand non-violently against his oppressors is a source of inspiration to...movements across the world," Reid said.

Faced with lynching, high-pressure hoses and dogs turned loose on crowds, King was "non-violent against opponents who were anything but non-violent," Reid said.

"How could he?" Reid said. "Because he walked by faith."

Though he is viewed primarily as a social activist, Reid contends King was a theologian and scholar first.
"He was a preacher to his core," Reid said. "His faith was the embodiment of God's love, which is non-discriminatory."