Roscoe Reporting

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Anne Moody Mentioned in Peter B. Levy’s book, 'The Civil Rights Movement: A Reference Guide'

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD

Chairman, Anne Moody History Project

#AnneMoody

#ComingOfAgeinMississippi

It is hard to discuss the history of Mississippi without mentioning Anne Moody and her book, Coming of Age in Mississippi. That’s simply because of the role she played as a pioneer in the civil rights movement and the astonishing success -- and enduring legacy -- of her book.

Her name, not surprisingly, appears in several places in the second edition of Peter B. Levy’s book, The Civil Rights Movement: A Reference Guide (ABC-CLIO, 2019). On page nine, the author mentions Moody in his discussion of Emmett Till.

Fear remained widespread in African American communities. For instance, when Anne Moody, who grew up near Money, Mississippi, and was Till’s age, tried to broach the subject of his killing, her mother nervously responded, “Where did you hear that?” When Moody replied that she learned about his murder from her friends, her mother retorted that more talk about the incident would just lead to further trouble.

The author, unfortunately, makes a tiny mistake in his mention of Moody: He suggests she grew up near Money, which isn’t true. Moody grew up in Centreville, Miss., a small rural town in the southwest part of the state near the Louisiana state line. Her town is more than 200 miles (about four hours) south of Money. The small town of Money is located in the Mississippi Delta near Greenwood in Leflore County. Despite this minor error, however, the author presents a strong narrative and important overview of Moody’s contribution. His book is highly recommended.

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Want to know MORE about Anne Moody?

Visit here to see the timeline of important

events in her life history!

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For more information:
See the Anne Moody page here. Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D. via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP). #ComingOfAgeinMississippi

John Layton is New Volunteer at Wilkinson Prison

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD

Chaplain, Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

#MTCChangesLives

John Layton

John Layton, a Simpson County businessman, is now serving as a volunteer at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF) in Woodville, Miss. He is working with the Rev. Adrian Fairchild, pastor of Beulah Baptist Church in Magee, Miss. Fairchild currently serves as a volunteer chaplain at WCCF, a position he has held for several years.

Layton is a deacon at Beulah Baptist. He will join Fairchild in his effort to launch a Kairos program at WCCF. Both of them are part of the Kairos ministry at the South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI). They will also assist the facility chaplain with Christian church services, Bible studies, and the distribution of literature.

#PrivatePrisons

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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

F.F. Bosworth Mentioned in G.J. Hocking’s book, 'The Pentecostal Paradox'

The author discusses hard questions about the Pentecostal movement

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.

Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind ‘Christ the Healer’

#FFBosworth

#ChristTheHealer

Reminder: "F.F. Bosworth History" is now on Twitter. Follow @bosworth_fred

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I learned recently that my work on F.F. Bosworth is cited in G.J. Hocking’s book, The Pentecostal Paradox (Resource Publications, 2019). Delighted, I shared the news on a number of social media sites, including Facebook. When my announcement appeared on Facebook, my friend, Michael Lee McDonald, asked if I’d read the book. “I have not,” I replied. I explained I’d received a Google Alert about the citation and quickly read the citation on Google Books. But I had not actually read the book. I noted my plans to order it.

Information on The Pentecostal Paradox is available here.

McDonald suggested the book was anti-Pentecostal. I thanked him for the heads-up. My friend, Dr. Abraham Antonio Ruelas, also chimed in. He said he’d just ordered the book. “I read the book description and it sounds interesting!” he said. “Should have it read by next week.”

As I write this post, I still haven’t read the book, but I will certainly take a close look when I receive my personal copy. However, based on a few pages that I read online, it appears that the author raises some serious questions about certain practices and alleged miracles in the Pentecostal movement. He notes in the first chapter that his aim is “to give the reader an understanding of how the Pentecostal movement is among the most powerful, fastest growing religious organizations worldwide.” At the same time, he explains, he wants to show “how this group, along with its antecedent out-growths of the charismatic and third-wave movements, are also mired in controversy and biblical uncertainty.” His intention is to “assess and analyze the Pentecostal tradition, along with its counterparts in the Charismatic Renewal and the third-wave phenomenon.”

Hocking, according to his publisher, is “an Australian-born author who spent much of his youth in Pentecostal churches and Bible colleges. Although he has been out of the Pentecostal scene for over two decades, he maintains a keen interest in the movement and has written from many years of observation and study.” The book has a foreword by Kurt Jurgensmeier, Senior Pastor of New Life Community Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. According to Jurgensmeier, the author “has provided us with a careful and courageous critique of perhaps the greatest deception to ever infiltrate the church of God."

In the section of the book that mentions Bosworth, Hocking writes about the evangelist’s position on speaking in tongues. He notes the historic moment in 1918 when Bosworth resigned from the Assemblies of God over the issue of evidential tongues.

This requirement, in a sense, aids in perpetuating the phenomenon throughout the AG movement. As a result, most of their pastors have to undertake a certain amount of “mental gymnastics” when it comes time to renew their ministerial credentials annually. A useful illustration of this is the dilemma that arose when one of their founding members, F.F. Bosworth, in 1918, disagreed with this aspect of the AG constitution. Consequently, he handed in his credentials to the organization because of a disagreement over the tongue issue. In essence, Bosworth believed that the insistence on the tongues phenomenon as evidence of having received the Spirit baptism, particularly by the AG movement, was essentially an erroneous belief. Accordingly, Bosworth wrote that Jesus “never taught this doctrine that all Spirit-baptized believers would speak in tongues. Then, why should we?”

Further, Bosworth affirmed, “not one apostle, prophet, and not one of the greatest soul winners ever taught it, so it is clear that this doctrine is not essential to the greatest success.” However, it is unlikely that many AG ministers will follow Bosworth’s example, anytime soon, for surveys show that most ministers within the AG movement are favorable to this clause. Besides, there are repercussions if any of their ministers disagree with this tenet. In addition, similar to Bosworth, refusal to comply would require the minister’s resignation or, the revocation for their credentials.

Bosworth believed the Bible and church history were on his side in the debate. He suggested the idea of speaking in tongues as the initial evidence of Spirit baptism originated with Charles Parham. He viewed the Pentecostal position as an error in practice and in theology.

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Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the Healer," can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

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Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

Start here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com

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For more information:

Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @bosworth_fred and @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer #BosworthMention #BosworthMatters

Thursday, July 25, 2019

The Livingston Parish News: Watson native promoted at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

Staff Report Jul 24, 2019 Updated Jul 24, 2019

Michelle Childres Higginbotham, a native of Watson, was recently promoted to the Investigation Department of Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF) in Woodville, Miss.

Photo Submitted

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Michelle Childres Higginbotham, a native of Watson, was recently promoted to the Investigation Department at the Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF) in Woodville, Miss., according to a press release.

WCCF is a maximum security facility that houses 950 male offenders. It is privately managed by the Management & Training Corporation (MTC) of Utah.

An MTC employee since January 2019, Higginbotham has worked as both a disciplinary clerk and mailroom clerk. She expressed excitement heading into her new position.

“I feel honored that I’ve been selected for this position,” Higginbotham said in a press release. “I’m looking forward to being part of the positive changes taking place under Warden Scott Middlebrooks’ leadership.”

A 1988 graduate of Live Oak High, Higginbotham is the daughter of the late Michael and Sandy Childres. She is the mother of Ashleigh Higginbotham of Alabama and Brittany Higginbotham Gardner of Louisiana. Her uncle, Henry Childres, still lives in Watson across from the high school.

Note: This article is published on The Livingston Parish News website. It can be viewed here.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

History Hunting in Port Gibson, Miss.: A Visit to the Windsor Ruins

By Roscoe Barnes III

#RoscoeAndMichellesExcellentAdventures
#HistoryHunting
#MichelleChildres

Roscoe Barnes III in front of the Windsor Ruins
Photo by Michelle Childres

Michelle Childres and I had the time of our lives when we visited Port Gibson, Miss., on Sunday, July 7, 2019. We had lunch and took a stroll downtown. After visiting a state park, we toured the Windsor Ruins near Alcorn State University. The structure of the ruins is simply majestic! I know of no other word to describe it. Michelle said it was "majestic and awe-inspiring." "It took my breath away," she added.

Michelle Childres (selfie)

I couldn't believe that this structure was in Mississippi. It seemed out of place ... and almost hidden. But what a treasure! One of the things that caught my eye was the Greek design. I told Michelle I could almost see Hercules popping up from around the columns.

Michelle Childres taking pictures

“Built in 1859-61 by Smith Daniell who only lived in the large mansion for a few weeks before he died. The Windsor plantation once sprawled over 2,600 acres. Legend says that from a roof observatory, Mark Twain watched the Mississippi River in the distance.

“A Union soldier was shot in the front doorway of the home. During the Civil War the mansion was used as a Union hospital and observation post, thus sparing it from being burned by Union troops.

“However, after the Civil War, during a house party on February 17, 1890 a guest left a lighted cigar on the upper balcony and Windsor burned to the ground. Everything was destroyed except 23 of the columns, balustrades and iron stairs.” -- NatchezTraceTravel.com

Marker in front of Windsor Ruins

Michelle between two pillars

Warning noted

Michelle Childres standing in awe

Something worth saving

Majestic!
Photo by Michelle Childres

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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.

WCCF News (7/2019): What’s Happening at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.

#MTCChangesLives

This is a collection of news briefs I compiled for The Woodville Republican (Woodville, Miss.). The collection is set to appear as a quarter-page ad on Thursday, July 25, 2019. Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF), Woodville, where I serve as chaplain, is publishing its news in this format each quarter in the local newspaper.

What’s Happening at

Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

Cockerham, Fisher attend Community Relations Meeting

WCCF held its 2nd Quarter Community Relations Meeting in June, where Warden Scott Middlebrooks presented updates and answered questions about the status of the facility. A number of business leaders and elected officials attended, including Rep. Angela Cockerham and Wilkinson County Industrial Development Authority President Ronnie Fisher. Cockerham and Fisher said they fully support the programs and work being done at WCCF.

Castro is new Deputy Warden of Programs

George Castro is the new Deputy Warden of Programs at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF). A native of Florida, Castro is a U.S. Army veteran. He has worked in corrections for more than 30 years.

Chaplain Quiett featured in two national publications

Imam Felton Quiett, contract chaplain for WCCF, is featured in the national Islamic Horizons magazine. The magazine is the flagship bi-monthly publication of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). Quiett and the Muslim offenders in a Taleem class at WCCF are featured on page 18 in the May/June 2019 issue. Their photo is in full color. Quiett and his Taleem class also are featured in a recent issue of the Muslim Journal.

Quiett, who has served at WCCF for nearly 5 years, was honored earlier this year for his ministry to the Muslim offenders. The deputy warden of programs and chaplain at WCCF presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation and a Special Recognition Award (plaque) for his contributions to the Religious Programs at WCCF.

Incarcerated men honored

Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF) recently honored four of its incarcerated men who rendered assistance to a correctional officer who had collapsed due to a serious illness. From left are Deputy Warden of Programs George Castro, Andrew Brown, Glen Conley II, Zackerise Page, and Case Manager Supervisor Tracey Arbuthnot. Dustin Marange is not pictured. In addition to a catered meal, the men received a Certificate of Appreciation and a formal Letter of Recognition signed by Warden Scott Middlebrooks.

“Your assistance during this critical time is both admirable and commendable,” wrote Middlebrooks. “You not only assisted the officer until medical aid arrived, but also set an example for others to follow. Your prompt and thoughtful actions are appreciated, and I am happy to acknowledge the role you played in helping one of our own.”

Students complete Long Term Alcohol and Drug class

Twenty incarcerated men participated in WCCF’s Long Term Alcohol and Drug program. “All students were court-ordered, some would return home upon completion and others were granted parole pending the completion of the class,” according to Substance Abuse Counselor Angela Coleman. “During this extensive six months, the offenders learned to accept responsibility for their past mistakes, the cause of their criminal behaviors, and exit strategies if faced with future challenges.”

Thirteen of the 20 students successfully completed the class, others were released and transferred before completion, Coleman said.

Higginbotham promoted

Michelle Higginbotham has been promoted to the facility’s Investigation department. An MTC employee since January 2019, Higginbotham has worked as both a Disciplinary Clerk and Mailroom Clerk.

Higginbotham said she is excited about her new position. “I feel honored that I’ve been selected for this position,” she said. “I’m looking forward to being part of the positive changes taking place under Warden Scott Middlebrooks’ leadership.”

Helping local schools

WCCF is planning to assist local schools in the Wilkinson County School District by donating school supplies to the Woodville Police Department for their back-to-school drive, according to Administrative Assistant Mattie Young. She said the offenders will fill 96 backpacks with supplies. The contribution is a regular community service project of the facility.

#PrivatePrisons

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Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Cockerham, Fisher attend Community Relations Meeting

Event held Thursday, June 27, 2019, at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF)

By Chaplain Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.

Warden Scott Middlebrooks and Rep. Angela Cockerham

Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF) held its 2nd Quarter Community Relations Meeting on June 27, 2019, where Warden Scott Middlebrooks presented updates and answered questions about the status of the facility. A number of business leaders and elected officials attended, including Rep. Angela Cockerham and Wilkinson County Industrial Development Authority President Ronnie Fisher. Cockerham and Fisher said they fully support the programs and work being done at WCCF.

Community Relations Meeting

From left: Rep. Angela Cockerham, Wilkinson County Industrial Development Authority President Ronnie Fisher, Deputy Warden of Programs George Castro, and Warden Scott Middlebrooks