Event: Homecoming + Ancestor Day

 A crowd of farmers, foresters, funders, friends, and family recently gathered on the Friendship CME Church lawn in Holladay on a warm sunny day to honor 20 veterans and 184 ancestors resting in three cemeteries located at Benton, Decatur, and Gibson County. The community gathered to remember the contributions of their veterans and ancestors who served our country and built the Friendship CME Church and Moore Chapel community.

Music, food, singing, movement, art, architecture, walking trails, history panels, farmer profile panels, storytelling, landowner outreach booths, and a play area for families with children blanketed the newly restored church, school, and farmhouse as a tribute and promise made to their veterans and ancestors.

Dr. Wendell, Baba Musa, and DJ LeCostoa offered music throughout the ceremony. Ms.  Robin extended a warm welcome, on the theme of revival. Mr. Tim with Humanities Tennessee and Mrs. Sabrina with the Tennessee State Museum offered remarks.  Ms. Renita shared the family DNA results compiled by Dr. Randall tracing the Moore family roots to the Tikar people of Cameroon.

An emotional tribute was conducted by Rev. Renee to honor all veterans and ancestors Ms. Shayla and Mr. Howard read the names of the ancestors and veterans. The Fort Campbell Honor Guard and Oakdale Funeral Home offered a three-volley salute followed by taps and a dove release. Ms. Stacia shared an ancestor poem. Mr. Oscar, Ms. Shani, and Mr. Darren shared stories and poetry about farming, genealogy, and building preservation.

After the ceremony, attendees participated in games, tours, food, and fellowship. coordinated by Ms. Jackie and the Moore Next Gen group.  Rev. Tony told stories and blessed the food. Pastor Quanita and Mrs. Helen served the food.

The participants also interacted with “The Black Farm Experience” Courtesy of USDA Rural Development + West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center and representatives from the Moore Family Century Farm, Butler Farms, Zysis Garden, Sassafras Farm, Brown’s Outreach, and the TN Department of Agriculture Forestry Division. The hayride offered by Mr. Brian was the hit of the day for children and adults.

Nine generations of attendees aged 1 to 90 said they enjoyed the event and were deeply moved by the beautiful tributes.

When you are in the Benton County area, reach out to schedule a visit at www.visitmoorefarm.org