ALUMNI NEWS VOL. 18, NO. 2

Education for Time and Eternity April 2014A newsletter for alumni of Oneida Baptist Institute

“Keepers of the dream”...Remembering Dr. Barkley Moore

The stage was set and countless international flags sat along the perim-eter. The regal chairs that Dr. Barkley Moore had sat in for over 24 years during chapel services flanked the podium. On January 16 President Larry Allen Gritton, Jr.. (’93) held a special 20-year memorial service for former 1958 graduate and late President, Dr. Barkley Moore.

Knowing it would be crowded, I went early and sat on the second row where I usually sit during regular chapel services. The disadvantage was that everyone was behind me and I had to keep turning around to see who was there. The guests were Dr. Moore’s sister, Gloria Bowling (’77) and hus-band, Ron (’77); Sylvia Burns Robinson (’56), close friend of Dr. Moore; Bill and Peggy Smith (’57); Myrtle Webb Cook (’60) and her sister, Portia Webb Jump (’69); classmate Judy Teague Powell (’62 ) and her daughter, Mary Ratliff (’88) former President, Dr. Bud Underwood (’63) and wife, Kay (’63); former drama director, Mrs. Debbie Winters and husband, Mike; John Saldaris (’89) former staff member; Rev. Steve May, J.L. Burns (’53) and Pat Hignite (’57).

Gritton began by explaining about the LARGE chairs that were flanking the podium. He recalled many humorous stories from when he was a stu-dent himself sitting in the audience. One such story--it was thought that if Dr. Moore closed his eyes while sitting in the large chair, he was not listening. Some students quickly discovered to their dismay that he was indeed very much alert even with his eyes closed!

David Robinson, (’84) OBI’s High School Principal, told of being beck-oned to Dr. Moore’s office at 1:00 A.M. He was scared, wondering what he’d done. When he arrived, he could see that Dr. Moore had something serious

on his mind. Dr. Moore asked Robinson where he planned to go to college. Rob-inson answered that his parents couldn’t send him. “I think you should go to col-lege,” Dr. Moore said. “But I can’t go; I don’t have the means,” Robinson insisted. The conversation continued until, with a “look of determination,” Dr. Moore stated,

“Yes, David, you’re going to Cumberland!” Robinson did go to Cumberland.

We sang several songs. Then Gritton asked Tim Cochran, OBI choir/band di-rector, to lead “Oneida Fair.” My spirit was overjoyed by the stories, then the remind-er of Dr. Moore’s six years in Iran build-ing schools, starting churches, feeding the hungry and teaching the Bible. Then came the introduction of Judy Powell and the reading of an excerpt from her book, The Offering, a biography of Dr. Moore. Lastly, Gritton read the inscription on the memo-rial located on the campus that summed up Dr. Moore’s career path and his dedi-cation to Oneida Baptist Institute.

Where Shall I Work?“Father, where shall I work today?”And my love flowed warm and free.He pointed me out a tiny spot And said, “Tend that for me.”I answered, “Oh, no, Lord, not here.Not that little place for me.Why, no matter how well my work was done,No one would ever see.”Then the words He spoke were not stern;He answered me tenderly,“Ah, little one, art thou working for them or me?Nazareth was a little place and so was Galilee.” ~ Stanley Singleton

Gritton called on Underwood to say the benediction. He shared one of his funniest Barkley Moore stories from when he was Dean of Boys. He recalled that about two or three o’clock in the morning, Dr. Moore came over to his apartment, as he was

(See Moore, page 2)

oneiDA BAPTiST inSTiTUTepO BOx 67

OneIDa kenTuCkY 40972-0067

aDDReSS SeRVICe ReQueSTeD

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Oneida, KYPermit No. 4

Cut along dotted line and send in this entry form.

enTRY FoRMOneida Baptist Institute’s first annual golf tournament

Friday, June 27th 9:30 A.M. shotgun Crooked Creek Country Club 781 Crooked Creek Dr., London, Ky.

How do I participate? (check one/all): ___ Play ___ Tee Sponsorship ___ Donation ___ Pair me with another team ___ Will make up my own team

Please list team members’ names, handicaps and phone numbers if making up your own team:

Name _________________________________ Handicap ______________ Phone number _____________

Name _________________________________ Handicap ______________ Phone number _____________

Name _________________________________ Handicap ______________ Phone number _____________

Name _________________________________ Handicap ______________ Phone number _____________

Check enclosed: ___ $55 for 1 person ___ $200 for a team $__________ Sponsorship or donation

Attention, all golfers

Mark your calendars now for the first annual OBI Homecoming Golf Tournament, to be held Friday, June 27 at the Crooked Creek Country Club, 781 Crooked Creek Drive in London, Kentucky -- the day before our 2014 Homecoming celebration. Time: 9:30 A.M. shotgun. Send in the entry form below.

For your convenience, here is a list of some motels in London. If you are playing in the tournament, ask if they offer a discount. Hampton Inn 2075 Highway 192 Phone: (606) 877-1000 Holiday Inn Express 506 Minton Drive Phone: (606) 862-0077 Comfort Suites 1918 W. Highway 192 Phone: (606) 877-7848 Economy Inn 1232 N. Main Street Phone: (606) 864-8867 Baymont Inn & Suites 2075 Highway 192 Phone: (606) 877-1000 Red Roof Inn 110 Melcon Lane Phone: (606) 862-8844 Quality Inn 400 GOP Street Phone (606) 877-4466

The registration deadline is June 17, 2014. Cost: $55 per person or $200 per teamMake checks payable to: Oneida Baptist Institute (Please write “golf tournament” on the memo line.)Mail entries with check to: Amanda Roberts, P.O. Box 67, Oneida, Kentucky 40972

If you wish to call the Crooked Creek Country Club Pro Shop, their number is (606) 877-4653. Questions? Contact Amanda Roberts, Alumni Director: (606) 847-4111, ext. 268, amanda.roberts@oneidaschool.org

GOLF

GOLF

“You don’t have to be anybody to get here, but you’re going to be somebody before you leave.”

Education for Time and Eternity April 2014OBI ALUMNI NEWS

From the Record, Moore had a motto he referred to when describing the school. He said, “You don’t have to be any-body to get here, but you’re going to be somebody before you leave.” Where would many of us be today if not for Oneida Baptist Institute and this profound philosophy shared by the dedicated teachers and staff since the first day OBI opened its doors? What could be more reflective of Moore’s philosophy than that of former student and author, Preston Keith? (1926-2006) In his book, Beyond Goose Creek – River of no Return, Keith described his home life and how difficult it was growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father and other unkind people along the way. Upon entering OBI, he was “prepared to be treated with anger, whippings and mountain-style discipline,” as experienced in his life so far. During this time, James An-derson Burns was still alive and living in Anderson Hall. He urged students to rush to class if he was sitting outside.

Hugh Spurlock was the Principal (1933-1947) and Keith recalls being sent to Spurlock’s office. He had no idea what a school principal did, but he was being forced to go see him. “I assumed that his job, as least in part, was to punish any stu-dent caught violating school rules. I had been taught to expect nothing less than a whipping for interrupting classes.” Upon entering Mr. Spurlock’s office, he was pretty sure of what was in store for him. But life at that moment was full of surprises for Keith. Mr. Spurlock’s manner puzzled him. He was sitting calmly behind his desk, showing no anger whatsoever. “He treated me as though he believed that somewhere beneath the rough exterior of this country boy there was a human being.”

The introduction to Keith’s book, written by Moore, gave a final word of appreciation to the Keith children, who later do-nated the family farm to Oneida Baptist Institute in the Spring of 1990. They did so in honor of their mother, Zilphia Camp-bell Keith. All attended OBI -- Hazel, Stella, Marie, elijah, eunice, Martha A., Preston, Rachael and William D....truly “Keepers of the Dream.” I highly recommend Beyond Goose Creek--River of no Return for another testament and jour-

(Moore, continued from page 1)

always oblivious as to the time of day. Underwood asked if he would like to have something to eat. Barkley tried to recall if he had even eaten all day. He couldn’t remember, but he was hungry. Underwood told him the only food he had was a dozen eggs and a half loaf of bread. He ask

him how many eggs he wanted. Moore said “a dozen.” “How many pieces of bread?” “Half a loaf will do”--and he

ate it all. You would have had to have been there. After that, Dr. Underwood led the prayer and we were off to lunch

Now to tell what happened after chapel and lunch--Divine providence or coincidence, if you believe in either one. I was looking for a particular yearbook. While search-ing, I found a VHS tape of Dr. Moore’s funeral! I took it home that evening and viewed it. Mr. Robinson not only spoke at Dr. Moore’s memorial service, but was one of the speakers at his funeral. By now I was truly overwhelmed!

Oneida Baptist Institute is about saving lives--not only spiritually for time and eternity through the teachings of Jesus Christ, but giving young people an opportunity to get an education and use their God-given talents to go into the world to help others who are less fortunate. My favorite quote from Dr. Moore and I think it to be his man-tra--“Don’t talk about a better world–get out and make it better.”

After his untimely death in January 1994, inspired by the current United States Senator, Mitch McConnell, from Kentucky on February 1,1994 -- “paid tribute to Bar-kley Moore of kentucky, remembering one of kentucky’s finest citizens and shall ever be part of the Congressional Record.” Senator McConnell, in describing Moore said, “Over the last 24 years, Mr. Moore devoted every waking moment and ounce of energy he had to the Institute.”

The Hon. Harold Rogers, in the House of Represen-tatives, attendend law school at the University of Ken-tucky with Dr. Moore and stated, “Those of us who knew Barkley and marveled at his work can be thankful for his fellowship, intellectual strength, and faithful leadership. For all these reasons, he will be sorely missed.”

“Don’t talk about a better world --

get out and make it better.”

Staying in touchPlease let me know if:

You have an e-mail address• You have a new mailing address• You have a new telephone number• You know of someone who has passed away•

ney of a former OBI student who succeeded against all odds.

The DREAM continues with the appointment of President Larry Allen Gritton, Jr. (’93) born in Corbin, Kentucky while his parents served here as teachers, principal, coach and mentors. He and his wife, Angie, met while students at OBI. They returned with their three beautiful children to continue the legacy and dream of Oneida Baptist Institute as envisioned by the founder,

James Anderson Burns. As an alumnus, staff member or a friend of Oneida

Baptist Institute, help keep the DREAM alive. Join your classmates and friends for Homecoming on Saturday, June 28 and meet our new President and his family. ~ Amanda Louise Roberts (’62)

Alumni Director

Great to hear from...Kimber Woods, Carolyn “Little Bit” Melton, Judy Powell, Eddie Hunsinger, Jim Campbell, Irv “Hero” Widner, Ed Boden and his son Eddie, Lucy Jane Kelly, and Kay Underwood.

a a Want to contact us?

Phone: (606) 847-4111 To schedule a tour: ext. 201

Fax: (606) 847-4496Web: www.oneidaschool.org

Admissions: admissions@oneidaschool.org

Alumni Director, Amanda Louise Roberts Extension & voice mail: ext. 268

E-mail: amanda.roberts@oneidaschool.org

a a

Education for Time and Eternity April 2014OBI ALUMNI NEWS

Plan now to attend...Homecoming!

We want to know your thoughts!

What does Homecoming mean to you? What would be your perfect Homecoming? Please let us know your ideas and suggestions.

And mark your calendar: our next oneida Homecoming will be Saturday, June 28, 2014.

The following classes will be having reunions this year:

Class of 1944..........................................................70 yearsClass of 1949..........................................................65 yearsClass of 1954..........................................................60 yearsClass of 1959..........................................................55 yearsClass of 1964..........................................................50 yearsClass of 1969..........................................................45 yearsClass of 1974..........................................................40 yearsClass of 1979..........................................................35 yearsClass of 1984..........................................................30 yearsClass of 1989..........................................................25 yearsClass of 1994..........................................................20 yearsClass of 1999..........................................................15 yearsClass of 2004..........................................................10 yearsClass of 2009............................................................5 years

Come a day early for our golf tournament on Friday the 27th. Be sure to register when you arrive at any one of our several convenient registration sites. Take the morning Garden Tour, then attend the Hymn Sing. There will be an alumni basket-ball game; participate or watch from the stands. Our pool will be open for those who would like to swim. Visit with friends from days gone by. Enjoy a tasty barbecue lunch in the din-ing hall. Don’t miss the afternoon chapel program, includ-ing recognition of all anniversary classes. (If you are in an anniversary group, please sit with your class.) Immediately following the chapel program, cross the street to the Gritton Gym for group photos of all anniversary classes. Keep visit-ing and stay for supper if you like.

Please come. It won’t be the same without YOU!

in Memoriam 2014Preston Brackie Combs (’48)Goldia Combs (’48)Mr. Jack Tillman (former farm mgr)Shirley Allen Moore (’60)