Thursday, May. 08, 2008

Founders Day brings old friends together

By Staff Reports

Enquirer Herald

The first Sunday in May at York Place has for years been known as Pilgrimage Day, now more accurately called Founders Day. It is a day of homecoming for all who have ever been in residence there.

At one time there was a myth that it never rained on this day and it was a nice myth -- but it turned out to be exactly that, a myth. It was probably a good thing that it crumbled a few times and we had to come to terms with the fact that God really has more important things than to see that we have good weather just because we want to have our little festival outside.

The Women of Good Shepherd served an early breakfast to begin the day and this was a time for all to share memories and good times gone by.

The alumni was a diverse and interesting group. Most were in their 50s and 60s and most still live in South Carolina, though there was at least one from Tennessee.

Joyce Sanders and Carolyn Smarr were vital and recognizable for the planning work they had put into it. President John Shiflet kept things moving on an even keel.

A Columbia ferrier (one who cares for horses), whose vehicle had given way, rode the bus to Rock Hill and walked the remaining 17 miles to York. One was married to a magistrate and he was with her. York resident Myrtis Neely represented the earliest entry to Church Home, having graduated in 1939.

Debbie Shiflet called attention to the importance of these memories to each of them and encouraged every one present to be sure and tell them in detail to their children

The H. B. Richardson award is given annually in "recognition of inspirational leadership and and outstanding service to children."

This year it was wisely presented to Gene Knight, who was a shining light for young people for almost 40 years at York High and York Place. Many of those were present to tell him so and I stated "every agency should be so fortunate as to have a Coach Knight."

As the numbers have dwindled slightly who were at Church Home during the administration of Gene Knight, it begins to be realized that soon "we will pass and be forgotten with the rest."

-- H. Sanford Howie Jr is executive director emeritus for Episcopal Church Home for Children.