?THE CAROLINA "fNDI, IVOIctf*
PEMBROKE, N.C i/S hAW-brMSw^" ? | ROBESON COUNTY
...... ' . \ i .5 ;
Volume 12, Number 14 2Sc pe? COPY trsday, April 5, 1984
...A CLOSER LOOK
Rev. Oscar Cummtags
Rev. Oscar Cummings
EDITOR'S NOTE: A special service
was held at Branch Street United
Methodist Church in Lumberton on
February 26th to honor Rev. Oscar
Cummings, considered by many to be
the founder of the church. The following
remarks are by Rev. Jerry Lowry, the
dynamic pastor of Branch Street Meth
odist Church.
by Rev. Jerry Lowry
A local preacher was preaching the
funeral of one of his members and he
really was telling what kind of dynamic
man Mr. Jim Fowler was. He kept
praising and praising Jim for his
greatness. Finally, the mother turned to
her son and said. "Son. go there and lift
the lid on thai casket and see if that is
\our .ather." Someumc;. people can live
around a person all their life and never
really know him. I feel that is the case
today.
So. today. I want to introduce you to a
man many of you do not really know.
Most of you have watched him. heard
him and spoke w ith him You probably
know more about his faults than the good
he has done for mankind. How ever, it is
very interesting and astounding w hat has
been accomplished under this person's
spiritual leadership and in his Christian
pilgrimage. That person is Rev. Oscar
Cummings.
There is a saying that says. "God does
not drop churches out of the sky but out
of men's hearts they arise." Rev.
Cummings has been a man of visions and
dreams. God called him to the service of
ministry and he answered the call as
Isaiah of old saying. "Lord, here am I.
send me."
Leaving Sandy Plains United Metho
dist Church where he served faithfully
until 1957. he headed out on his mission.
In that year God gave him a vision to
organize a Sunday School program at a
tenant house on the Carl Livermore Farm
near Red Springs where he lived and
worked as a share-cropper. It was here
that sixtv-five (65) people gathered
standing room only. The little house was
packed with persons hungry for God's
blessings and presence. It seemed that
the fields were ripe unto harvest and
laborers were few. They met and had
glorious times together.
One should be aware that during this
time in the history of the Native
American Church there was a dire need
for ministers. Many churches could not
find ministers and what pastors that
were available were spread pretty thin.
Some churches had preaching service
only once a month.
With the people having a glorious
time, the work had to be carried on. Rev.
Cummings arose to the occasion. Having
seen the need and the burning desire of
the people to establish a church, Bro.
Oscar helped organize the following year
what is now called New Philadelphus
United Methodist Church with a charter
membership of forty or more persons.
After failing to secure any land or find
anyone willing to sell land to build a
church, they found a night club located a
couple of miles from that small tenant
house and purchased it. The place was
converted into a place of worship.
The church grew as Rev. Cummings
pastured from 1957-1962. He shares that
this was probably the greatest time of his
life as a local preacher. He remembers
Rev. Bob Mangum getting so happy that
he shouted all over the place on one
occasion. They just had a glorious time
together praising God. Also during his
service ai new Philadelphus. he received
vital support from Ms. Rebecca Moddle
mog, an ordained minister from Indiana.
Then in 1962, he was approached by
Rev. D.F. Lowry and Rev. Simeon F.
Cummings. his brother, and asked to go
to the Branch Street United Methodist
Church in West Lumberton. Branch
Street was first conceived by Rev.
Cummings. He saw many needs in West
Lumberton. an area in which he now
resides. Perhaps the greatest need he
envisioned was that of a Methodist
Church for the people of his community.
So. Rev. Cummings held an open air
service on a vacant lot adjacent to the
home where Mr. Chalmus Bullard was
living. Approximately thirty to forty
people attended. With such a great
interest, he held services in a building
behind his home until a place was.
secured.
Bro. Oscar then discussed this matter
with Rev. D.F. Lowry. The two secured
permission to use a vacant garage rent
tree to begin services in the summer of
1962. Finally. Rev. Lowry secured money
to purchase the garage and a lot of land.
The Rev. Ralph Baucom. a local Baptist
minister, sold the church one lot and
donated another for the proposed
church.
The work gradually bore fruit and in
June of 1963 Branch Street United
Methodist Church was formally organiz
ed with 15 members. Sister Mary
Margaret Hunt was the first member.
The church then became a part of the
Sandy Plains Circuit with Rev. Robert
Mangum serving as pastor and Rev.
Cummings serving as associate. He
served in this capacity from 1962-65.
Today, as we sit here and see this vision
come true, we glorify God for this
church. It now has 164 members and
is getting ready to double to size of its
present facility.
Following the Branch Street adven
ture. Rev. Cummings' ministry led him
to Hickory Grove United Methodist
Church in Clio. S.C. Under his leader
ship this church reached an attendance
of over 100 persons. As far as we know
this has never been topped. Also, he was
instrumental in securing additional land
to build an educational building for
Hickory Grove. He served this church
very effectively from 1965-69. Then i:
1969 he was asked to serve Fairview
United Methodist Church in Hamer. S.C.
He served this appointment too with
great zeal and vigor. Again we might add
that he was fruitful in helping to secure
an educational building for Fairview as
well.
Finally, he concluded his ministry with
the United Methodist Church in his reurn
to Branch Street in 1974-75. At
which time he retired. But, in reality he
has not retired. He is still on the
battlefield fighting the g?od fight of
faith. For example, just recently Rev.
Cummings was invited to Collins Chapel
United Methodist Church to preach in a
revival and 10 persons accepted Jesus
Christ as Lord and Savior. Revivals seem
to be an area of ministry he still enjoys.
Rev. Cummings, now a spritely 74,
and his dear and loving wife. Flora, are
the proud parents of eight boys and five
girls. Their ministry speaks for itself.
How many ministers doe you know who
have effective organized two churches
that are as prosperous as New Phila
delphus and Branch Steet? The sonr
writer was right. "Let the work 1 havt
done, O'Lord speak for me." Rev.
Cummings was not ashamed of the
gospel and his life has reflected this
motto from 1957-1975. Those of us who
know him still are inspired by his life and
work.
See Tribute to Rev.
Oscar Cummings Page 10
Political Rally
planned
in Saddletree
The Saddletree Jaycees and
concerned citizens of the
community are sponsoring a
political rally the weekend of
April 7. 1984.
Festivities will include a
bar-b-q plate sale, a public
forum at 1 p.m. Saturday and
a Country and Western dan
ce, as well as other scheduled '
activities.
All candidates are encour
aged iff contact Mr. Ham
monds for scheduling at the
public forum by calling 739
4973.
Tornado Brings
Destruction
RED SPRINGS-Thfc la all thai I* left of
linked Pentecoatal HoUneaa Church. It
waa sudden, without warning. Dea
tmotion. And It claimed the Hf e of two
year old Tonya Michelle Baxiey, one of
about fifteen parlahlonera trapped Inaide
United Pentecoatal Holineaa Church
. Wedneaday night (March 28) when the
tornado at rack the little church.
Willie S. Oxendlne, trapped la hie car
next door, and other church members
who arrived In a van for church services,
watched the tornado strike Its death
deal big blew la the church. Oxendhte
said, "It was like a thousand trains a
coming all at one lime."
See more tornado pictures and notes
on Page 9.
Pembroke Hearings at
Pembroke Council Meeting
PEMBROKE-The Pembroke Town
Council conducted two public hearings
Monday nigh^ preceding .the regular
scheduled council meeting.
One hearing was concerning the
proposed $642,786 Community Develop
ment Grant proposal ticketed for the
Jones Street area. The grant would
encompass mostly housing rehabilitation
and drainage. This is the third time the
town has applied for the grant, with this
year's deadline being April 16.
The other hearing was concerning a
request by Lumbee Developers, re
presented by C.A. Maynor, to change a
12 acre tract of property fronting
Highway 711 from RA to C3 Zoning
classification. C3 is a highway business
district. The tract of land is between
Wonderland Day Care Center and
LRDA's Annex. The 8 faceted de
velopment will include commercial de
velopment as well as components for
recreational use by the public and
possibly governmental agencies. The
long range development was tabled for
30 days to await a recommendation by
the planning board.
A number of. residents in the area
appeared to make sure their anti
public housing sentiments were ex
pressed but Maynor assured them that
his primary interest at the moment was
to receive approval for his commercial
develoment on the front of a larger tract
he and his associates control that extends
to the Pembroke Elementary School.
In Other Matters...
The council heard from County
Librarian Bob Fisher who discussed the
possibility of establishing a branch of the
County Library in Pembroke, if a site can
be found and a stipend of $5600 secured.
Fisher said the library could possibly be
? open 20 nours a week to begin with.
Councilman Henry Ward Oxendine
seemed to like the idea saying. "I believe
our people would support this if we went
to them with the facts and asked them to
help... I have a lot of confidence in our
people." Councilman J.C. Thomas also
said. "I believe there is a definite need
for this."
Mayor Hunt suggested the town talk to
some citizens and possibly appoint a
library commission at the next meeting.
There the matter rested.
The council also discussed the con
linuine b?-Votary shortfall at the district
courthouse, and gave Mayor Hunt
permission to approach the county
manager and appropriate officials and
tell them "to reluctantly come across
with some rent monies or move out,"
according to a suggestion by Councilman
Larry Brooks.
The county recently cut out rent
monies being paid to the town for office
space for three probation officials who
are housed in the courthouse. The
probation officers are assigned to the
Pembroke. Rowland and Maxton areas.
The town also approved placing of the
county tax liens in the Carolina Indian
Voice to begin April 9.
And Mayor Milton Hunt informed the
council that there is a strong possibility
that Presidential Candidate Jesse Jack
son will make a campaign stop in the
Town in the near future, according to his
campaign people in the area.
M ayor asks
input on
Library
in Pembroke
Dear Pembroke Resident,
Mr. Bob Fisher, Robeson County
Librarian, appeared before the Pem
broke Town Council Monday night to
discuss the possibility of establishing a
branch of the Robeson County Public
Library in Pembroke.
I would appreciate hearing from you
concerning this matter. Pembroke would
be the third town in Robeson County to
have a branch of the county library; the
others being Fairmont and Maxton.
Would you like to have a library in
Pembroke? Would you be against such a
possibility? Let us hear from you. Your
views on this matter, and all items of
interest, is sincerely solicited and
appreciated.
Sincerely.
Milton Hunt, Mayor ,
Town of Pembroke
> i ??
Chamber of Commerce
M eets Tonight
The Pembroke Chamber of Com
merce meet* tonight at Pembroke's
Town Halt, beginning at 7 p.m.
President Bruce Barton said that a major
portion of the program would be involved
with committee reports from the various
committees, including Tow n & Campus.
Biidget. Long Range & Planning,
Education. Membership. Annual Meet
ings & Annual Banquet, and community
projects.
Refreshments will also be served, and
reports will be given on what the
chamber has accomplished so far this
year, especially a report on the estab
lishment of an endowment at PSU in the
chamber's name, disposal of the fair
ground property and more.
As president. Bruce Barton has
promised to do something "exotic" if the
chamber achieves its goals, including
attracting industry to town, 100 mem
berships. saving the railroad station,
establishing an endowment at PSU. a
Pembroke Chamber of Commerce night
at 'Strike at the Wind!', and more.
PEOPLE
A ND PL A CES
A ND THINGS
I
JUNIOR TAR HEEL BASEBALL
ADULT COACHES SOUGHT
The Robeson County Recreation and
Park Commission is looking for adults
who would like to coach a Junior Tar
Heel Baseball team for 13-14 year olds in
the following locations: Littlefield, Max
ton, Pembroke (2 teams), Parkton and
Prospect.
Please call 738-9061 or 738-9595.
PLATE SALE AT DEEP BRANCH
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Deep Branch Elementary School's
Spring Plate Sale, consisting of Southern
Fried Chicken and Bar-B-Que, will be
held Friday, April 6, 1984, beginning at
11 a.m. and lasting until 7 p.m.
Plates are S3. Sandwiches will sell
for SI.50.
Principal is John N. Sampson.
SUPPORTERS OF LARRY W. CHA VIS,
SR. FOR ROBESON COUNTY
BOARD OF EDUCATION PLATE SALE
There will be a Chicken and
Barbecue Plate Sale at Deep Branch Fire
Department, Saturday. April 7, spon
sored by supporters of Larry W. Chavis,
Sr. for the Robeson County Board of
Education.
There will also be a Plate Sale for Mr.
Chavis in the Green Grove area at Shirley
Hunt's home, behind Green Grove
School, on the same day.
UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
HOLDS PRE SCHOOL CLINIC
ROWL AN D -- U nion Elementary
' Scnool will hold a pre-school clinic on
April 12, 1984, at 9 a.m., in the school's
media center. Parents who have a child
that will be 5 years old on or before
October 16, 1984 are encouraged to come
and enroll their child. Parents are
required to bring the child's birth
certificate and shot record. It is not
necessary to bring the child.
Union Elementary School will hold its
final PTA meeting on April 17, 1984 at
7:30 p.m. Following a short business
session and the election of officers,
teachers will be available for conferences
in their classrooms.
JAMES HARRIS MEETS WITH
PRESIDENT REAGAN
James Harris, advisor to the North
Carolina State ASC Committee, met with
President Ronald Reagan recently to
discuss the latest developments in agri
cultural programs and policies.
It was fitting that Harris met with the
President on March 20, which is National
Agriculture Day, to recognize agriculture
for its amazing record of progress and
achievement.
Every American should be proud of
this nation's tremendous record of
agricultural achievements. It's a vital
part of what makes America the great
country that it is.
Harris was attending a meeting in
Washington of State Executive Directors
and State ASC Committee Members who
administer farm programs through the
USDA's Agricultural Stabilization and
Conservation Service.
TOLL-FREE PHONE NUMBER
PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR
TORNADO VICTIMS
Disaster officials established a toll
free Disaster Information Ho'fline today
which provides necessary information for
those affected by the recent tornadoes.
Those needing assistance may call the
following number between 8 a.m. and 6
p.m.. seven days a week:
North Carolina only: 1-800-682-2675.
Trained operators at this number can
provide general information and answer
questions about where Disaster As
sistance Centers are located, about
transportation arrangements for elderly
and handicapped persons and other
information about disaster aid available.
Gov. Jim Hunt encouraged North
Carolinians affebted by the tornadoes to
call the Hotline. "Thb is one of the
quickest frays.our citizens can get the
information thd? need?" he said.
"We have found fiat having one
toll-free number in the state is very
effective." added Pail Hull, federal
coordinating officer dfeh the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
? i i
OXENDBVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PLATE SALE
There will be a Barbecue and
Chicken Plate Sale at Oxendine Ele
mentary School on Friday. April 13.
1984. from 12-8 p.m. The coat ia S3 per
plate.
The public is invited.
FIRST BAPTIST CHoRCH OF
LUMBERTON DONATES SIM FOR
"SPECIAL OUTFITS"
People talking to people; that's how
things happen. And when it's about Vety
Special People, sometimes it can happen
very quickly. Mrs. Rosa Sampson, the
chairperson of the Vety Special People
Supporters, talked to Mr. Gene Warren
on the campus of Pembroke State
University. Mr. Warren talked to the
Men's Fellowship Gass of the First
Baptist Church of Lumberton. They
talked to their treasurer, Mr. Oscar T.
Quick. And the Fellowship Class donated
$100 to help pay for "special outfits,"
clothing, caps, and shoes; for the 40
children who will participate in the
Special Olympics in Greensboro, N.C.,
May 18-20. That all happened in 2 or 3
days, because it was for Vety Special
People.
The Fellowship Gass of the First
Baptist Church and the Vety Special
People Supporters, a support group
working for the needs of special children
and adults, want to support the Special
Olympics Committee in their ongoing
efforts to help special kids. There will be
an opportunity for others in the com
munity to assist in this effort with a Love
Offering in the churches of the com
munity on April 8.
LOCAL "SPECIAL CHILDREN"
TO PARTICIPATE IN SPECIAL
OLYMPICS
On May 18-20, forty special children
from Robeson County will participate in
the statewide Special Olympics on the
campus of North Carolina A & T State
University in Greensboro, N.C.
These children are mentally or
physically handicapped. Having been
chosen because of their hard work and
determination to reach high goals, they
will represent Robeson County with their
courage, endurance, and abilities. They
need to know that we stand behind them
as they strive to do their best. This year
the Very Special People Supporters
group would like to show their love and
pride in thEir accomplishments by
working with the Special Olympics
Committee to raise money for this event.
These children exhibit a loving spirit
and remarkable talent. Let's give them a
chance to use this talent by lifting a love
offering in your church on April 8.
Please make your check payable to:
Robeson County Special Olympics. C/o
Joan Gardner. P.O. Box 1328, Robeson
County Schools. Lumberton, N.C. 283S8.
SEE PREVIEW OF
'STRIKE AT THE WIND!' TELETHON
FRIDAY AT NOON ON TV 48
PEMBROKEIffhe technical crew of
TV 40 was in the Pembroke area last
week. They were at the Amphitheatre at
Riverside Country Club where they were
shooting various scenes from 'Strike at
the Wind!'; the local outdoor drama. The
scenes will be shown on "Carolina
Spotlight." hosted by Harold Tyndall on
Friday. April 6. 1984 on TV 40 at 12
Noon.
For more information about the
exciting outdoor drama. 'Strike at the
Wind!', call 919/S21-3U2. ?
Watch
?'Strike
at the
Wind!
Telethon
Sunday
1-6 p.m.
Fayetteville's
TV-40 , j