From September 2014 R-CA President’s Article by Connie Perrin
The following is, “Birchwood, according to Connie Ruth Roark Perrin.”
As I reflect on my life, it always brings me home to Birchwood. For those of you who grew up in Birchwood you will probably see your life along with mine. For those of you who didn’t, my memories will still probably show glimpses of your life.
“I cannot think of Birchwood without first thinking of Birchwood Baptist. Homecomings (especially when we had lunch outside), New Year’s Eve count down (the skits were so funny), bon-fires (Gene & Shirley DeFriese), volley-ball games (boy..those Roarks & Randolphs are tough), Vacation Bible School (best cookies & Kool-Aid), Christmas plays (so many talented people). Then more personal, walking that aisle along with Allan and Lynn giving our hearts to Jesus, walking that same aisle on the arm of my Dad with Steve at the front waiting on me. Standing in the cemetery saying good-bye to so many I have loved.
So many more flashes, getting baptized in the Tennessee River, dropping the offering plate, trips to the outhouse (didn’t get indoor plumbing until 1977 or so), youth camping trips with many families coming along. Such wonderful people, nurturing me, scolding me, praying for me, loving me.
Then of course Birchwood School, this was the same school that my grandparents and parents attended. Several of my school teachers were also my Sunday School teachers. When I went to Birchwood School it went all the way to 12th grade. That changed in 1976, and the high school portion was moved to Chattanooga Central, later the 6 -8 grades were moved and now the school has closed.
The school was supported by the community; basketball games were a big event for us. My mother and Tommye would come home from working all day in Chattanooga, make hotdogs, and head to the gym to work in the concession stand for the games. The school was a place where we were always on the same side; we were united as Birches or as later called Braves.
Birchwood is where I was raised by a Mother who made the best fried chicken, loved the beach, played great ping pong and sang “It is Well With My Soul” better than anyone else. A Dad, who read us Bible stories at night, made us popcorn, played H-O-R-S-E and forgave us when we failed. A granddaddy that was hard working and gruff, but scratched my cheek with his whiskers as I kissed him good night. A grandmother, who slept in the barn with us, drove to town to replace a broken window before our parents got home and watched All My Children with me as we broke green beans.
There were times that I thought my 2 brothers were trying to kill me. We played tag wrestling with our cousin in the den floor when parents were not at home. We played hide and seek in the woods when found you got tied up. I was always the last one at the end of the bike ramp. Probably thought they were Evel Knievel, but used kids instead of cars.
And yet, now they are the two I know I can depend on, and will come if needed.
Cracking black walnuts and hickory nuts on a concrete block with a hammer, and then eating them with salt. Homemade ice cream under the big trees on a hot Sunday afternoon. Sitting on my Grandparent’s front porch guessing what color the next car would be passing by on Birchwood Pike. Drying apples on the tin roof of the barn. Memories that are so precious and too numerous to recount in this article.
I was surrounded by an extended family (Aunts & Uncles) who loved and supported me. Some are gone, but some are still here showering me and my children with their love and concern. I am so lucky.
Forgive the ramblings of your outgoing President. I am sure Carlene’s article will update us on the Reunion events.
As always, it is an honor to serve as a member of the RCA.”
