Baptist Home alumni bring wealth of ABCHomes’ history to biannual reunion

Tom Ripley of Lonoke still remembers pushing his twin bed up close to an open window in the Senior Boys Cottage at the Baptist Home during hot, humid summer evenings in the early 1960s.

“Of course there was no air conditioning back then, so all the boys would hope for a summer breeze at night,” recalled Ripley, teasingly adding that “a few of us boys probably snuck out of those windows a time or two.”

Ripley was among at least 80 former Baptist Home residents who took part in the biannual Alumni Day Saturday, June 11 at the Baptist Home for Children in Monticello. Joining the alumni were a host of family members, former and current Home staff and several current residents.

During the event, which drew former residents from as far away as Charlotte, N.C., Seattle, Wash. and Chicago, Ill., participants enjoyed a morning “meet and greet” time on the steps of the Baptist Home Administrative building. Hugs, old photos, memories and tears abounded.

Throughout the day, many participants toured the Home facilities, reminiscing of days gone by. Others and their families enjoyed a swim in the Baptist Home pool.

Recalling his 1940’s stay at the Home, then called the Bottom’s Baptist Orphanage, Ermit Finch of Chicago told of “good times” living in the former boys dormitory. Finch later moved to Chicago when the Monticello Home headmaster relocated to serve with an Illinois Baptist children’s home.

“This has been a great day,” said Finch.

“It has been wonderful getting to see old friends,” shared Clarence Roberts of Bauxite. He and his two siblings were Home residents in the 1940’s.

At least 32 alumni, who lived at the Home in the 1960’s, participated in the event. Many contribute their attendance to Ron Greenwich and his wife Alana. Ron is a former resident and missionary to Brazil, who contacted and urged fellow alumni to attend.

“What a wonderful gift you and Ronnie gave us this weekend,” shared former resident Genie Parker Garret. “It was a labor of love. Thank you!”

Echoing such sentiments was Sandy Brown who also thanked the Greenwichs. “Thanks to you and Ronnie for all the hard work … “Time just wasn’t long enough to get to visit with everybody.”

Following a noon luncheon, door prizes were awarded to several alumni. The award for the youngest alumni in attendance went to Seth Pearson, who lived at the Home from 2005 to 2007. The oldest two participants were Roberts and Finch, both who are 78.
Sue Adams, who lived at the Home for 16 years, received the “Longest Resident” award.  Also recognized for their long-term stay at the Home was Jery Morrow and Olen Williams.
Jesse Jenkins of Monticello was awarded the “Shortest Distance” award, while Roy Bancroft of Seattle received the “Longest Distance” award. The “Most Siblings” award was given to The Parker Family: Nancy Parker Beene, Genie Parker Garret, Lois Parker Douglas and Max Parker.