By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
Someone said it’s important to give folks accolades while they’re here to receive and enjoy them, not after they pass away.
That was certainly the case Saturday afternoon, March 1, as the congregations of Gaines Chapel AME Church and Liberty Missionary Baptist Church, family and friends honored Sister Urla Moore Boggan and Professor W. J. Grissett.
The occasion was the Musicians’ Appreciation Banquet held at Gaines Chapel.
When Mrs. Boggan lived in Georgia, she played in four different churches. Now she plays piano and sometimes the organ at Gaines Chapel. Prof. Grissett plays the organ at Liberty MBC and at Gaines Chapel. Gaines Chapel meets every Sunday. Liberty meets two Sundays a month. He is Minister of Music at both churches.
Between the two, they have about 140 years of service in music.
Betty Bradley, Mrs. Boggan’s sister, presided during the service.
The Rev. Cleitis Walker Sr., pastor of Gaines Chapel, opened the celebration with prayer, thanking God for Mrs. Boggan and Mr. Grissett. “Thank You for their work. Thank You for their years. Thank You for their dedication. Thank You for the strength you have given them to do your will.”
Minister Isabelle Brazzell presented the Scripture reading – Psalm 100.
The Welcome was by Sis. Kelly Pleasant.
Mr. Grissett’s son D.K. Grissett who provided musical tributes during the program, introduced Jeffrey Moore to talk about his mom, Urla Boggan.
“This is home for me,” he said. “These are some of my earliest memories … Though I am almost 60, being here takes me back to 6 … I’ve been by her side since I was 2 when I was going with her as she played piano. This is how I grew up. I grew up in a church. For more than 60 years, she has been ministering.” To his mom, he said, “We couldn’t be prouder of you. We live in your reflected glory.”
D.K. Grissett said there are two people whose careers were “catapulted” by his dad – himself and Professor Gregory McPherson, Prof. Grissett’s nephew. Mr. McPherson was scheduled to attend and be part of the program but was unable to come.
D.K. talked not only about his father’s service in the church but also his civic accomplishments, referring to him as a “social change activist.”
“We couldn’t keep track of all the meetings he was going to,” D.K. said.
Sis. Kathaleen Harris spoke for Liberty Missionary Baptist Church. She said this of Mr. Grissett, “He’s my deacon. He’s my musician. I’ve known him all my life. As minister of music, he loves to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.”
Sis. Theresa White spoke for Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church. “Professor Grissett, you light our way.” She read the Musician’s Prayer in honor of Mrs. Boggan. “We have two amazing musicians – a musician and a minister of music.”
The Rev. Willie Hawthorne, Greater Mt. Triumph Missionary Baptist Church, called Mr. Grissett “a profound musician.” He talked about working with Mrs. Boggan in the National Day of Prayer in Atmore. Following his comments, he performed two solos.
Glennie Culliver, Worthy Matrons 153 Order of Eastern Star, told Mrs. Boggan and Mr. Grissett, “You make a difference through music. Never forget the lives you have touched.”
As a fellow member of Atmore Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi and one of Prof. Grissett’s former students, Harold Dailey told several personal anecdotes. “You never know how far your influence extends,” he said. “Words can’t express the gratitude so many people owe these two.”
In closing comments, Voncile Stallworth said she grew up with Bill Grissett, went through school with him, and went to college with him. They both came back to Atmore and worked in education here, and he became her principal. “He is a fine man,” she said of her friend.
The service ended with remarks by the honorees.
“It is such a blessing to be here.” Mrs. Boggan said. “It is such a blessing to be honored.”
Mr. Grissett thanked everyone for coming and those who organized the event. “Thank you to all of you. This was a historic occasion.”