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October 2003

On June 29th, a large crowd braved the summer heat and humidity to witness the successful opening of the Legacy Museum’s fourth exhibit, “By God’s Grace: The African American Worship Experience in Central Virginia 1820- 1950".
A grant from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities was the primary financial resource for mounting this exhibit!
Reminiscent of church meetings long ago, a large tent placed on the side lawn was nearly filled to capacity. People milled around chatting and fanning themselves, while a few children got comfortable on the ground. The festivities began with introductions by M.C. Gloria Caldwell.
Official welcomes were extended by Mayor Carl B. Hutcherson and by Claudette Haskins, president of the Legacy Board of Directors. Both expressed appreciation to the community for its support! 
The initial program focus was Rev. Haywood Robinson’s eloquent presentation on ‘The Role of the Black Church.’ His in-depth history lesson created vivid pictures of the strength of the Black Church. Highlights from his speech include the following food for thought: "The birth of the African American Church is one of the amazing accomplishments of human history… In the mist of depressing situations, the Black Church was born and gained power… It is a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit! The Black Church was an antidote to racism. Communities were built by the Black Church!…Psychological, social, political, and economic support were all roles played by the church…. Talents were discovered, encouraged, trained, and developed in the Back Church Many of today's entertainers started in the church.” 
To conclude his remarks, Rev. Robinson quoted from the Langston Hughes poem, Prayer Meeting: “Glory Hallelujah, the dawns are coming!" A Black old woman croons in the amen corner of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Glory Hallelujah, the dawns are coming!"
Willie Thornhill and Carolyn Bell, co-chairs of the Collections Committee, recognized all of the collectors and docents. Their expressions of gratitude ended with the remark, "Without the collectors, the exhibit wouldn’t have happened."
The second focus of the program was the report from the guest curator, Dianne Swann-Wright, director of African American and special programs at Monticello. Dianne elaborated on her interpretation of the exhibit and how the artifacts were put into a larger context.
She kept the audience spellbound as she recapped how her visions for the exhibit developed from concept to reality. In the spring of 2002, Dianne participated in an intense brainstorming session with three Legacy Board members, before she committed to working with the museum. The benefits gained from that session prompted her to identify Joe Berryman, Carolyn Bell, and Carla Heath as "three angels." Last summer, the quiet serenity of her Nags Head vacation inspired questions that might be used as themes. Questions ranged from "What happened in Lynchburg that was different from surrounding counties?" to "What were the relationships between the church and other institutions?"
The contributions of Ted Delaney, coupled with his great questions, earned him the title of "an excellent, fearless researcher." Curator Swann-Wright acknowledged several others who contributed: Betsy Johnson-Whitten, exhibit designer, was thanked for producing a ‘striking and approachable exhibit.’ Applause was extended to John Daley, founder of Industrial Imagination, who developed and produced the computer-generated images of 19th and 20th century images and spirituals that complement the exhibit. Lynchburg College summer intern, Jamal Crone, was recognized for special efforts; Museum administrator, Cheryl Stallings was also. To emphasize Carolyn Bell’s influence, Dianne described her as ‘ a treasure and a new found friend’.
Legacy has a problem that most museums would like to have, according to the guest curator. That problem is a surplus of artifacts generated because museum collectors ‘went into the community.’ A two-part solution concentrates on plans to rotate selected items, and to create teaching-baskets designed to travel throughout the community.
In conclusion, the guest curator commented, " The show is in keeping with African American culture. It is educational; it recognizes the value of small objects; and it recognizes sacred objects. Because people were willing to share their words, they have produced a place that is spiritual".
Rev. James Cobb’s moving rendition of Amazing Grace motivated those gathered under the tent to spontaneously join him in humming and singing.
The program ended when M.C. Gloria Caldwell referenced the exhibit theme again. She remarked, "Yes, it is by God’s grace that we are all gathered here."

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