Code,991018
Subject,Velma Carson
Date,7/16/2014
Interviewer,Janice Smith Nance
Abstract,Velma Carson grew up attending Antioch Baptist Church and is still an active member today. She describes her upbringing in the church and how things have changed over the years.
Tags,Antioch Baptist Church
Special Notes,
Minutes: ,35 minutes
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1,"Was born in Homestead, Penn. on May 5th. Family had another child before Velma who died at 6 months."
2,Father took it very hard and relocated family to Cleveland.Was still a baby at the time so Cleveland is really her home.
3,One of her greatest memories in Cleveland is growing up in a neighborhood where your neighbors are like mothers and fathers. Takes a village to raise a child and it was true then. 
4,"Neighbors helped one another back then. Could have rundown looking houses on outside but it would be spotless inside. There was never trash on the streets back then, was always neat and clean."
5,Children respected one another and elders back then. On Sunday had to go to Sunday school and church then after dinner sat on porch.Sunday was a day of rest and respect.
6,"Had 3 siblings, one has died so has a brother and sister left. Both parents are deceased. Sister has 2 sons and 2 grandchildren, brother has 4 sons and multiple grandchildren. Sister who passed had 7 children."
7,"Velma has 4 children- 3 daughters and a boy,9 grandchildren,and 7 great-grandchildren."
8,"In church mother would have children sit by choir so mother could see them while she sang, Velma was in charge of others because she was oldest. "
9,Mother was one of the original members when Antioch started. At age of 10 Velma was baptized at Antioch.  
10,"Grandfather was a minister and mother taught children about bible. When younger, Velma would attend junior church that taught how to act in the church and was run just like the regular church."
11,"They would have a speaker come in and give a sermon. After 16 were ready to go to the big church. By learning everything there knew Jesus was her savior. Something said ""Velma join the church."""
12,"Reverend McKinney was a friendly, kindly person. He always had a smile on his face and no one was a stranger. "
13,"Couldn't get away with anything with Rev. McKinney, if you missed Sunday school he found you and took you to class. Was always there for everybody."
14,"At the time there were many professional people who attended, and they carry themselves more stiffly. McKinney was more of a lecturer than a pastor but he got his message across."
15,Sister and her sang in choir. Sang the same songs that are being sung today. Sanctuary choir was called senior choir back then.
16,They don't sing hymns anymore and most people don't even know how to sing them anymore. Best part of the service back then was the singing and the preaching.
17,Mostly participated in the young person's group. Would meet once a month at the church and at each others homes.Rev. McKinney would attend the meetings even when they weren't at the church.
18,Was in various plays and shows the church put on. 
19,"Remembers when they burned the mortgage for Antioch church. When there was any type of program at the church everyone came, they did not sell tickets just allowed everyone to come. "
20,"People who could give would give while at the program. Never had money problems, the members gave their money freely and openly. Now there is a lot of selling in church."
21,"Women in church who have shaped her life-Mrs. King, Mrs. Dunbar, the Web families, Dr. Hunter"
22,"Mr. Faucet, Mr. Wills who sang like Tilman Brown."
23,"Women were dedicated, made you want to be in church and lived the life before you. "
24,"Antioch has changed a lot, some for the good and some for the not so good. "
25,"Not enough going for the young people, not pulling them in like they were in old days. Need more programs for them and have a lot of talent not being used. People don't know what they have here, have to tap into young people's talents."
26,"Years ago, Antioch was one of the top black churches in Cleveland. "
27,Was the first black church to have a credit union. They taught other churches how to have a credit union. 
28,"People used to be impressed when they learned Velma went to Antioch, don't hear anything about it anymore."
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30,Anything involving donating money for Civil Rights she always gave but did not participate in any marches.
31,Church needs to stress Sunday school more for the kids. Some of the teachers don't have any children in their classes. Take kids to dance class and such but don't bring them to Sunday school class.
32,"Parents say kids have to go to school everyday so Sunday is day to rest, if you can get up for school can get up for church. "
33,"Her daughter brought children to Sunday school since they were babies. Have good teachers who love children, but need parents to put their kids in Sunday school."
34,"Now participates in Sunday school and choir, but is willing to do whatever else they ask her to do."
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