Newspapers / The New Bern mirror. / Jan. 26, 1962, edition 1 / Page 1
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H We doubt that many New Bem- ians are aware that W. J. (Bill) Ed wards, director of New Bern-€raven County Civil Defense is a poet. Published below is an excellent sample of his creative laboring. A LOOK AT AMERICA America, symbol of freedom and might. We look at you with searching light. Your dark corners long unswept Dim the light of liberty long en shrined. Where departed the patriots and martyrs. Jealousy guarding the rights of man? How the world rejoiced and long ' applauded Your release of men from serf dom’s shackles. Yes, America has clearly shown the way To men oppressed and trodden down. The magic picture you have wrought. Though tarnished some by years. Need not be painted over anew, A little brushing with clothes of truth Will show freedom’s beauty still in tact. Your self-searching shows the flaws In men smaller than the laws Of Democracy’s unchanging code. But despair is not for prestige loss And to your own heritage hold. Fight for each man’s right to speak. Let him pray as conscien.ce deems, ...^ Give eaph man equal right to learn, . " ”'K Equal’right td strive and earn. Allow no infringement, however small On rights of men weak or strong. Time has not eroded your founda tion. Your standing little as a nation. You’re still to us a challenge, A guiding light and goal. Though your shores be far away. You’re not beyond the hopes of years. And while your land we may not reach. Your freedoms, piecemeal help our lot. So hold your course with strength and courage— While helping us along the way— And keep the picture bright. Fear not, if as we take your lead. Our freedom seems a different hue. For darkness must adjust to light. Encourage us each tiny gain As we approach your height. For anon the world must all be free And equal under God. You’ll probably want to clip Bill’s poem, and keep it for further perus ing at some later date. Perhaps, more than we realize, he has caught the spirit of those who are not privileged to live in these Unit ed States. His verses bring to mind the lovely lines penned by Emma Laza rus, an immigrant, inscribed in bronze on the Statue of Liberty: Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame. With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea^washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of exiles. From her l?ea- con-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor. Your huddled masses yearning to (Continued on Page 2) The NEW BERN ^''LISHED WEEKLY a HE heart of % NORTH LI OLINA Copy VOLUME 4 NEW BERN, N. C., FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 1962 NUMBER 38 THEY HAD FAITH—Pictured here on Oaks Road is a shin ning example of what can be done when a church congre gation has the will to do it. Members of Ruth’s Chapel, prodded and inspired by their boyish looking pastor, the Rev. A. L. Hines, have built this edifice to replace the out grown frame structure shown below. ■'V •J I SERVED THE LORD—Fashioned iii the midst of the Great Depression, this original Ruth’s Chapel with its additions housed a flock that labored long and tirelessly for Christi anity’s cause. One of its stalwart leaders along the way was the beloved Rev. J. C. Griffin, who in his still vigor ous eighties is now pastor of the Bridgeton FYee Will Bap tist Church.
Jan. 26, 1962, edition 1
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