Preserving History Through Historical Markers with Dr. Antoinette Harrell

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/preserving-history-through-historical-markers-with-dr-antoinette-harrell--66836675?fbclid=IwY2xjawLYB-tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETE0Y2ZzTW9Ha3VIbVVKb0lpAR6jDakv6z9aY2xMIVH-vTL3A3rkNK6ECscZQ3xXXMFZHKfLUCkfxCWGZI-8Kw_aem_pbGVF_4pAVihBtc3KcWDLg 

Grant Chapel AME Church member preserved thirty-plus years of church history

Esco Hornsby, Sr.
30 + Years of Church History
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church committee member Esco Hornsby, Sr., understands the importance of preservation. His wife's extensive funeral program collection was shared with me several months ago now I'm learning of another collection they own.   During one of our historical marker planning meetings, he shared his book of VHS tapes with me and the other committee members.  The Grant Chapel AME church  collection dates back to the late 1980s and early 1990s. I was pleased to see that he had kept them in a dry place. Preserving these tapes captured the rich history and community life of the church during that era. By safeguarding these tapes, future generations can connect with their heritage and appreciate the longstanding traditions of their church community. The church have been a pillar in Amite, Louisiana  since 1886. This year marks 139 years for the church. 

Church history in the African American community is almost extinct in many cases. It was discussed that the tapes should be preserved digitally for future generations and church history archiving.  The African American church in history is almost extinct.  Losing these historical church archives would mean losing a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual heritage that has shaped communities for generations. The stories, traditions, and music captured in these tapes are invaluable for understanding the struggles and triumphs of African American congregations. Some elders have boxes of church programs, funeral programs, photographs, and other records that is important for documentation of church history. Sometimes, the challenge is getting them to share the materials. 

Among the places genealogists, family historians, and other researchers look for information is the church. Churches often hold a wealth of records that can be invaluable for research. Most church secretaries and leaders will tell you that they do not keep records. Many researchers find it surprising and concerning that the church does not maintain an archive of records. This lack of record-keeping often comes as an unexpected revelation, particularly for genealogists, family historians, and other researchers who rely on such documents for their research and documentation. Preserving these records  are essential for ensuring that future generations can learn from and appreciate this vital part of history.  I hope this post inspire other churches throughout Tangipahoa Parish to do the same for their churches. 

We discussed that the  VHS taped be digitalized for preservation.  Digital preservation will ensure that the church's history is accessible and can be easily shared with a wider audience. It will allow members of the community to revisit past events and celebrations.  Digitizing these tapes protects them from physical degradation, ensuring that this important cultural heritage is not lost to time. 

There are a number of companies that will convert them for a fee. If you do not have an old VHS recorder and other equipment to convert it to digital, you will face a challenge. For assistance, contact familysearch.org or another historical society. I suggest you contact the genealogy department to see if they can assist you. The process can be lengthy and time consuming, so please be patient.  The Nurturing Our Roots and Untold History Foundation, LLC, is willing to help with the preservation process.

Reverend Mack Charles Hurst served as the pastor or Grant Chapel African Methodist Church for twelve years.

Photo Courtesy of
Legacy.com

Rev. Mack Charles Hurst Rev. Mack Charles Hurst was born on July 29, 1940 in Greensburg, Louisiana. He was a retired pastor of the Louisiana Annual Conference of the Eighth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a lifelong member of GreaterTurner Chapel AME Church, Greensburg, LA. Rev. Hurst graduated from Helena High School in Greensburg, LA in 1957. He was a 1966 graduate of Southern University and A&M College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Agricultural Education. He furthered his education as a Kellogg Fellow at North Carolina AT&T University, Graduate School of Economics. After 10 years of employment as County Supervisor with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farmers Home Administration, he retired to become a state licensed, commercial and residential building contractor. Rev. Hurst answered the call to preach in July 1988 and served his entire pastoral ministry in the Louisiana Annual Conference. He pastored Gaines Chapel, Tangipahoa; Salter Chapel, Bogalusa; Greater St. James, Hammond; and Grant Chapel, Amite City. He was always faithful to the mission of the AME Church and through his ministry many were converted. His affiliations included Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Prince Hall Freemasonry and he served on the Region 2 Local Workforce Development Board for many years. Rev. Mack Charles Hurst transitioned peacefully to his eternal home on Tuesday, November 10, 2020.