JC Traditions/History Blog

Remember what you were doing when the 9/11 attacks began?

I do.

I was in sixth grade. Mrs. Martin hurriedly turned on the TV. I had never been to New York, heard of the Twin Towers, or knew about Muslim extremists. My worldview expanded that day. Me-maw checked me out of school because there were worries that attacks would continue nationwide. 

Today is Constitution Day. Across America, citizens are being reminded of our fundamental rights and liberties. Thursday, Judson College's Constitution Day meeting raised student awareness about a hot topic in American politics.

A mosque near Ground Zero

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Amendment I

More political controversy and strife has come from this amendment than any other.

Why?

The First Amendment is used as a stomping ground for dissenting political and religious groups. Take a second to think about every group of like-minded people. Need some help?

•1.      Religious Affiliations-Protestant, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, etc.

•2.      Pro-War/Anti-War

•3.      Pro-Choice/Pro-Life

•4.      Stricter Gun laws/lax gun laws

•5.      Eco-friendly groups-wildlife, plant life, etc.

The list could continue forever. Guess what? Every person involved in these groups is protected by the First Amendment.

I did a little homework before writing this blog. The mosque near Ground Zero is actually the building site of the Islamic Cultural Center with a mosque upstairs. Mr. Frazer explained the site as being modeled like a YMCA or a Jewish Community Center.  In fact, the planners want "the center to stand as a statement against terrorism."

Interestingly, there is a mosque five blocks from Ground Zero. It was the only building left standing when the Towers fell in Manhattan. The Islamic Center is ten to twelve city blocks away. Another tidbit that turned up was the Pentagon's nondenominational chapel. Worship services are held by various faiths Monday-Friday-including Islam.

Now, let's get real. The Muslims have every right to build.

Amendment I of the Constitution clearly defines that freedom of religion cannot be stifled. As one student put it yesterday, "If we deny Muslims the right to worship, whose next?"

I realize that this topic is a tad controversial.

However, I want to point out that there are some far-out Protestant views as well.

The Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas has stirred up a lot of legal trouble for the past ten years or so. The church is extremely against homosexuality and can tie it to most of America's problems. Led by Fred Phelps, they have been on a cross country mission to share their religious views. The church has protested at abortion clinics, a murdered homosexual's funeral, and military funerals.

Like I said before, every group is protected under the First Amendment. But what this church is doing is definitely insensitive to other US citizens rights.

The right to mourn peacefully should be respected.

At a military funeral, the members of Westboro wave banners that say:

•1.     Thank God for dead soldiers

•2.     America is doomed

•3.     Thank God for 9/11

•4.     Thank God for IEDs

Several states have created laws to limit the times of the protests. Nebraska recently lost its court case that threw out additional flag desecration laws. One Marine's father is about to take Westboro to the Supreme Court. The outcome is expected sometime in the next year.

Do you believe the Westboro Baptist Church is protected under the freedom of speech?

What does this have to do with the Mosque near Ground Zero?

Most Americans believe that the Westboro Baptist Church represents all Christians. How is that any different than believing that Muslim extremists represent all Muslims?

Technology is the Donald Trump of history.

Swifter than a raging river, it engulfs the tiny embankments of local history that cannot keep up with the times.

In my undergraduate studies, I continually run into the problems facing local institutions of history. Ancient filing systems, cramped spaces, and a lack of funds plague the few aspiring memory keepers from rapid advancement.

Marion Matters, a local service project during the first week of school, introduced me to the Lincoln School Museum. The institution is operating under a tight space and limited funds, but has a great number of willing volunteers. My team consisted of Judson girls and Miss Andrea Abernathy, the new librarian at Judson College.

We helped catalog new archival documents, and created a spreadsheet for inventory. Some of the Lincoln volunteers were anxious to learn how to operate Microsoft Excel. It is the hopes of the museum curators to have all artifacts catalogued electronically.

I love passionate people.

The Lincoln Museum is run by the Lincolnite Club, Inc. (the Alumni). All of the volunteers are members of the local chapter. When I asked for the story of the Lincoln School, all of the information was offered to me generously.

The story of the Lincoln School began with a Union soldier. Following the Civil War, he started to teach the black children surrounding his home. This sparked the interest of ex-slaves to open a school for their children. In 1867-68, the trustees organized people and resources. Under the auspices of the American Missionary Association (AMA), the school formally opened in 1869.

For once, I'll let the bulk of the story be told by someone else. The website has a great article written by Idella J. Childs, class of 1921.

My main objective today was to give a shout out to a great site of local history.

I asked a volunteer why the Museum was so important to her.

"You don't want a part of your heritage to die."

My experience at the Lincoln School Museum left me wanting to do more. All of the workers were very honest, and helpful in my research process. We were told to return soon with friends to help work. Let's just say that I've never been one to ignore an open invitation.  

*You can find pictures of our visit to the Museum on my Facebook page under the album titled "Blogger Photos" or by clicking HERE.*

I have discovered an interesting new planet.

It is filled with individuals who enjoy taking on the identity of someone else.

I am not talking about identity thieves, either.

Ob-ses-sion

the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, desire, etc.

I am reading, Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War (written by Tony Horwitz), as selected reading for my History of the Civil War class. The book focuses on Horwitz's journey to discover why The Civil War is still being remembered, reenacted, and relived by history buffs in the South.

Yes. It's hard to believe that in 2010, some people still believe "The South will rise again."

I am the first person to tell you that history needs to be remembered. However, the "living historian's" way of life (what reenactors preferred to be called) reminds me of why it's important to stay in touch with reality.

Don't get me wrong-I am not bashing those individuals who simply wish to preserve a crucial moment in American history. But, I am slowly realizing that LARPING (Live Action Role Play) is to World of War Craft lovers as Reenacting is to Civil War buffs.

Here are some of the reasons given for reenacting:

•1.      To honor family heritage-Have you watched Forrest Gump? Remember how everyone in Lieutenant Dan's family dies in a war? The reasoning is essentially the same.

•2.      To escape day-to-day life-The "I hate my job" club. Kids, this is why your parents tell you to stay in school and pick something you enjoy. :-)

•3.      To share their love of history-This means that someone has become so obsessed, reenacting is the only healthy option for survival.

I realize that this blog has come out of nowhere.

  Let it be a warning that even history has a dangerous side!

Wake up!

  That's what my me-maw used to shout (usually annoyed) on the Sundays when I didn't want to get up for church.

Can't I stay home just this once?

"Audra Gayle Kennedy. You are going to church. No, you may not stay home."

Sigh.

Has this scenario ever happened to you?

Did you know that Milo P. Jewett, one of the chief founders of Judson College, used to do the same thing? He would stand on the front steps of Jewett, rap his cane, and strongly encourage the ladies to follow him to church.

Why?

  That was the very first question I asked as a freshmen.

"A long, long time ago, I can still remember..."

  Julia Tarrant Barron was busily preparing her home for a meeting. A group of local town leaders recognized a need. Young women needed the opportunity for a higher education.

It was at this meeting that Judson Female Institute (Judson College) soon became a reality.

Miss Barron paid rent for the building where the first classes were held. Meanwhile, funds were being raised to build a school. In 1839, the "Baptists of Marion (Siloam Baptist Church) donated $22,000 for the first permanent building."*

Rose Sunday?

Rose Sunday became a tradition on September 15, 1915. However, it dates back to the beginning of Judson, and in the 1900s the celebration of Founder's Day.

It is simply a time of remembrance and celebration.

The first weekend of the fall semester is spent commemorating Judson's past. Seniors cut the ivy, which the underclassmen weave together. This is symbolic of the intertwining of our sisterhood with Judson girls past.

On Rose Sunday, the seniors walk down the front steps of Jewett Hall to meet the president. The underclassmen hold up the ivy chain as we walk down. Then, we all proceed to Siloam Baptist Church.

Just like those before them...

I interviewed a lot of Judson girls past and present for this blog.

The resounding message they all wanted to share was:

  Do not take this time for granted.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were always setting up monuments of remembrance. These monuments were reminders of God's goodness, mercy, and sovereignty in their lives.

As a senior now, I get it.

I understand why my grandmother took me to church, why we celebrate Rose Sunday, and how both have come to shape my life.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15