On a rainy Sunday afternoon in Clifton Forge, the Friends of Booker T. Washington Park honored the late Rev. Matthew T. Barnette by dedicating a newly constructed Pavilion/Shelter in his honor during a dedication ceremony held last Sunday.
The shelter came in handy as the family of Barnette, the Friends of Washington Park, extended family members, friends, and community members and leaders gathered during a rain shower to share stories and their various memories of Barnette. Barnette’s wife, Carolyn, sons: Matthew Jr. Noel, and Gregory, and daughter Brandy were all in attendance.
The ceremony was opened by Evelyn Cooper. She thanked the many gathered for coming out on “this rainy day to bless and dedicate this place.” “We are blessing this space wishing all the good wishes we can for its future,” said Cooper.
Wanda Davis followed by giving the history of the Pavilion/Shelter, which is the largest structure in the park. She credited former Clifton Forge resident John Grimes for his vision. “He is responsible for this idea and for naming it after Barnette,” said Davis. “We would like to thank John for all he has done to make this day a reality,” added Davis. She also thanked individuals and churches who dedicated tables in memory and honor of Barnette. She explained that a fundraiser was held from October of 2020 and ending in October 2021 for a total of a little under $25,000. She also thanked community members for their donations; Council Member, Rev. Shorty Wolfe, for volunteering his labor; the Clifton Forge Town Council for approving the name of the Pavilion/Shelter; and the Town of Clifton Forge for supporting and using the Park.
Clifton Forge Mayor Jeff Irvine spoke on behalf of the Town Council and the Town of Clifton Forge. Irvine spoke of some of Barnette’s history as a “recognized religious leader for the entire community.”
Malachi Ray followed by giving a brief history of Barnette’s various accomplishments and achievements over the years. Barnette started his ministry as a junior deacon at the Main Street Missionary Baptist Church. He went on to pastor various several local churches, serving in the ministry for 27 years.
Barnette was a past president of the Clifton Forge local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; he was recognized as the “father of the Willing Workers” at Pine Street Baptist Church in Covington; and an Insurance Agent in the Alleghany Highlands, just to name a few. Everybody spoke of Barnette’s kindness, the joy he spread, and his willingness to accept all wherever they were on life’s journey.
Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Baker, pastor of MSMBC closed the ceremony with a prayer and blessing of the food, after sharing a few of his memories of Barnette with the audience.
Family and Community members were then invited to speak and share their memories of Barnette before enjoying some light refreshments. On behalf of the family, Matthew Jr., Gregory, and Brandy all gave thanks for the honor bestowed upon their father. They each shared their hope that the Pavilion/Shelter be used for many years to come.
In the foreground is The late Rev. Matthew T. Barnette’s family: seated l-r: Noel Barnette, Carolyn Barnette (wife), Brandy Barnette. Standing l-r: Matthew T. Barnette, Jr., and Gregory Barnette. (Photo provided by P.E.Marshall) |
Friends of Booker T. Washington Park in the foreground from l-r: Evelyn Cooper, Wanda Davis, Catherine Williams, Patricia Davis-Ross, and Rodney Brown. (Photo provided by P.E.Marshall) |
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