As promised, I have finally converted the slideshow presentation that I gave at the Yonkers Historical Society’s award luncheon in early November to a movie. At that event the YHS was so gracious in awarding me the Key to History Award. The presentation entitled “Patron Saints of Yonkers” was the first installment in a presentation series that will ultimately result in a book that I am trying to write. My vision was to also create a yearly award for someone in Yonkers who exemplifies the following which I clearly defined in the presentation which you will see: “A Patron Saint is defined here as an exemplary person, living or dead, of great virtue or benevolence, worthy of honor; heroes and heroines to be held up for our inspiration in advancing a particular cause or causes.” This is not about religion although many took inspiration from the need to give back both physically and spiritually. For example the Cochrans built and endowed churches and hospitals like St. Johns. Since its founding in 1682, Yonkers has been continuously blessed with a multitude who selflessly saw a need and used their personal assets of time, influence and or wealth to make an enduring difference for the people of our city and the world. I hope you enjoy this presentation. It is set to music, but is very self explanatory. I tried to slow down some of the slides to give enough time to read them, but you can always start and stop it as you see fit. In this first part I focused on two extraordinary people: Hon. Leslie Sutherland and John Emory Andrus, two names you have probably heard of though not maybe the extent of what they did for our city. Here is a question however. Some at the Museum where my idea and concept would rest (I volunteered to give it to them as an annual event) are concerned that attendance to my series of presentations would be compromised because some people may think there is a religious connotation to “Patron Saint”. I strongly disagree and am just curious if you or your friends would not attend because you had an issue with the term Patron Saint. Even though this concept is completely and totally secular, I can cite so many of the founding documents to our great nation that cite “God” everywhere. I can think of no more descriptive name than Patron Saints because a true patron is a giver and a saint if an extraordinarily good person. That is what they did for our city. What do you think… good, bad comments appreciated…Would you not come because of this term? Happy Sunday everyone!
Posted on: Sun, 04 Jan 2015 23:31:17 +0000
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