Gower MHC Historical Marker Dedication and Service of Remembrance
April 16th, 2019
It was a very special day with about 85 attending. There were descendants here from 10 states including Tennessee. We could not have asked for better weather. Our historical marker is beautiful and standing proud. Obedience Blakely Gower (c1740-1816) now has a new tombstone also.
Sincere appreciation to Tim Walker, Executive Director, Metro Historical Commission; Jessica Reeves, Historic Preservationist, Metro Historical Commission; the MHC and Foundation staff and Board Members; Historic Nashville, Inc.; Jana Stephenson, Project Co-Chair; Fletch Coke, Historian; Dan Allen, Archaeologist and of course our Friends of Gower Cemetery Group. None of this would have been possible without the support of so many.
What started in the fall of 2016 to clean-up the Gower Cemetery grew into so much more! We have restored and preserved the Gower Cemetery and also the history connected to Reverend William Gower, the Gower family, allied families, enslaved African Americans connected to this family, Gower School, Gower’s Chapel and the Centenary United Methodist Church.
Thank you to our speakers which included Tim Walker, Jessica Reeves, Councilman Dave Rosenberg, Jana Stephenson, Barbara Sullivan Stanfill, Dr. Learotha Williams, Jr., Randall Ireland who delivered a prayer and Sandra Gower Cohron who led us in a Hymn. Councilwoman Sheri Weiner and Mayor David Briley were unfortunately unable to attend although they were with us in spirit!
Jay Dawson did a fantastic job playing his beautiful bagpipe music for us. Much appreciation for all of the help that day – Bill Coke, Yvonne Eaves, Alison Gower, Pam Griffith, Charles Jackson, Pat Laskowski, Charlene McKenzie, Ron Porter, Charlie Powell, Zach and Chasity Spann, Jana Stephenson, William Stephenson, Lisa Stevenson, Jay and Mary Westover and Fred Zahn. A big thank you to our parking crew and helpful neighbors -- Vaughn Hawkins, Ray Stansel, Charlie Powell, Gary Knowles; the Boardmans, Cassidys, Eakins, Hipkins-Fullers and Stansels.
Kelsey Gibbs of News Channel 5 in Nashville, reported our story which aired that night. We also have to thank Allen Forkum of The Nashville Retrospect for coverage in April’s issue.
After the Service of Remembrance, Alison Gower and Lisa Stevenson graciously hosted a very nice reception for us at their beautiful home. Wonderful food, beverages, cake and conversation.
Metro Historical Commission’s Historical Marker #178 and we were able to include 243 years of history in 480 characters and spaces or less for each side! It is now up to us to ensure the Gower Cemetery stays maintained and preserved for future generations. Thank you to each and every person that has been part of this incredible journey so far to Save the Gower Cemetery and its history. A beautiful and proud day for all.
Marsha Fagnani
15 May 2019
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