Memorial Day Values
Frederick Douglass Speaks Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Observed the last Monday of May, it is also known as Decoration Day. It originated in the years following the Civil War. Below is a speech given by Mr. Frederick Douglass at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, on Decoration Day, May 30, 1871. Friends and Fellow Citizens: Tarry here for a moment. My words shall be few and simple. The solemn rites of this hour and place call for no lengthened speech. There is, in the very air of this resting-ground of the unknown dead a...
Read MoreRebirth of Israel
“Comfort, comfort my people” Israel was miraculously reborn as a modern nation 70 years ago on May 14, 1948, one of the most pivotal days in history… Christians around the world are joining with the people of Israel to celebrate the landmark anniversary of this historic moment in time. After twenty centuries of exile and persecution, Abraham’s descendants have reestablished national sovereignty on the land that almost 4,000 years earlier God had promised would be their “everlasting possession.” (Genesis 48) “…I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear...
Read MoreHonoring Martin Luther King
Today, April 4, marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and the Board, staff, and supporters of His Branches will join others in our community and across the nation in paying tribute. The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, built around the hotel where King was shot, is asking that bells toll 39 times to honor the number of years King lived and pay homage to his legacy. In our neighborhood the bells will start ringing at the U of R Hopeman Memorial Carillon in the Rush Rhees Library tower at 7:05 pm to symbolize when the news first...
Read MoreFrederick Douglass Event
His Faith, His Family, Our Future This month, one of the most notable African-American Statesman and Abolitionists, Frederick Douglass, will be honored for the bicentennial of his birth. Douglass, born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, was an author, scholar, humanitarian, and entrepreneur who served five United States presidents. While many remember Douglass as a fiery speaker who denounced slavery and advocated for the civil rights of blacks and women, most are less aware of Douglass’s commitment to faith and family. Come join Dean Nelson at noon on February 15 as he highlights...
Read MoreBlack History Month
Rochester’s Year of Frederick Douglass Black History Month marks a time when we reflect on the important contributions made by iconic African Americans to civil rights, culture and science, and technology within American society. Appreciating and understanding the importance of Black History Month aligns with His Branches’ Purpose and Core Values. We strive to serve our community and patients, families, and colleagues with dignity and sensitivity in Christian love . As an important figure in African American history and the national faith community, Frederick Douglass lived in...
Read MoreCaroling in the Park
The Arnett Block Association hosted their annual Christmas event last night at 6:00 pm in the Arnett Bird & Butterfly Garden on the corner of Wellington and Arnett. A hearty group of adults and children gathered for an early evening of caroling around an open fire, cooking s’mores, eating popcorn with cocoa, and having fun with other neighbors and friends. This time of year the butterflies were hiding but squirrels were out, and Santa Claus came by and stayed for the whole time! Santa’s helper, Ms. Anne from the Arnett Branch Library was there with a sled full of gently used...
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