And He Did Have Something to Say: Our Story of Rev. Rufus King Young, Sr

By Ellen Arneatha Verdia Young Fizer

And He Did Have Something To Say is a tribute to our father (and mother) and highlights some of the special moments in our lives. It tells the story of a man’s journey from the farmland in Dermott, Arkansas; his call to the ministry at a very early age; and his relentless commiment to the civil rights movement, social justice and equality for all people, especially those of color.

As a husband, father of five, pastor, religious leader, civil rights ativist, and humanitarian, the life of Rufus King Young, Sr. left an indelible impact on his children and the community he served. A truly honest man who had the knack for speaking his truth, pure and simple. This story will touch your heart and hope will make you remember the best times in your life and the man or special someone who helped to shape those memories.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Sep 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781663208330

Ellen Arneatha Verdia Young Fizer

ELLEN A. V. YOUNG FIZER is a retired human resources administrator and educator. She has spent most of her adult life writing poetry, prose and short inspirational messages. Her first book, And He Did Have Something to Say, is her memoir growing up as a Preacher’s Kid (PK) and a tribute to her late father, Rev. Rufus K. Young, Sr. Ellen Young Fizer lives in the Washington, DC area.

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Copyright © 2020 Ellen Arneatha Verdia Young Fizer.

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ISBN: 978-1-6632-0832-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-0833-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020916762

iUniverse rev. date:   08/31/2020

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Preface

Reverend Rufus King Young, Sr.

As a Pastor

As a Father

Daddy Stories

The R.K. Young Household

The Parsonage – the House on Ringo Street

Sundays and Church Life

Christmases

Our New Home

High School Days

Getting from Here to There

Little Rock and the Civil Rights Movement

The New Church – The New Bethel

The Bishopric

Retirement

Mommy

Tribute to Mommy

I am on the Battlefield for My Lord

The Younguns (and Their Younguns) - Then and Now

The Man Who Had Something to Say

Dedication

Growing up in the south as a ‘Pastor’s Kid’ provided for some interesting times. And although everyone knew who our father was, we grew up in a time when it really didn’t matter what your parents did. We were all just African American children and young people trying to find our place and making it the best way we could. When everyone else was trying to tell us our place, some of us were very fortunate to have parents and teachers who encouraged and guided us to be whatever we wanted to be. My parents served the role of both parents and educators.

My father was a great story teller, and he would tell one story about a revival that he and my mother attended. The revival preacher was one of those who could really get the congregation on their feet. He was whooping and hollering, and the people were screaming and shouting. This went on for some time, and at the end of the evening everyone was spiritually filled and physically exhausted. Everyone left the revival that evening feeling like the Holy Spirit had been in that place that evening.

On the ride home, my mother kept repeating, My Lord, that man could really preach. After saying this for the third or fourth time, she then added, If he only had something to say. Daddy always said that one day he would write a book and the title of it would be, ‘If He Only Had Something to Say.’

Daddy, this is for you!

Acknowledgments

To all African American writers who have had the foresight and courage to write and publish your families’ stories. You have been my inspiration, for our stories need to be told.

This story would not be possible if it were not for my siblings, the Younguns – Essie Mae, Rufus, Jr., James Robert and Allena. Although many times when we reflect on the past, we all may have slightly different versions of what actually happened. What is contained in this book is my truth. So, to my brothers and sisters I say thank you for all of the memories. And though Rufus Jr. has gone on before us, his presence will be felt in all future memories yet to come.

To my mother, Essie Mae Adams Young, the woman behind the man, the quiet, unassuming one, I will always be grateful to you for love, support, encouragement and life itself. You were the glue that held this family together. And even though you went home to glory over thirty-five years ago, I still feel your love surrounding me every day and encouraging me to do what you always knew I could do.

Special thanks go to my husband, Tyrone, and my daughters Shelby and Selena. Tyrone never questioned the countless hours I spent on the computer, although I am sure he wondered what I was doing. Shelby, my erudite daughter, has provided her special expertise in the initial editing of this book. And Selena, who as a child was my running buddy, continues to run with me.

I wish to also acknowledge my grandsons, Omavi and Quincy, who are the joy of my life. This story is written primarily for them and generations of Younguns yet to be born.

And to all my friends and church members who have been asking over the years, "When are you going to write or finish that book?" Thank you for the pushing and constant nagging (you know who you are).

Finally, but foremost, to the one who makes all things possible, and the one to whom I give all honor and praise, to my Heavenly Father, who I know has watched over and protected this family throughout the years.

Jesus my Saviour

Who died for my sins

Gave his own life

My salvation to win.

Open the pearly gates

And bid me come in.

He is the Saviour for me!

He is the Saviour for me!

He is my way and I’m glad I can say,

He is the Saviour for me!

Written by Reverend Rufus King Young, Sr.

Preface

I was born November 17, 1948 in Jackson, Mississippi. Although my mother grew up in Jackson and my parents did live there at one point, Jackson was not their home at the time of my birth. Like my three siblings before me, my mother always returned to her mother in Jackson for the birth of her children.

I was the fourth of five children born to Rufus King Young, Sr. and Essie Mae Adams Young. Even though my birth certificate only states Ellen Arneatha, my father always told me my full name was Ellen Arneatha Verdia.

All of Rufus King and Essie Mae’s children were named after a family member. My oldest sister was named after my mother – Essie Mae; my father’s mother – Laura; and my mother’s mother (middle name) – Elizabeth. Essie Mae Laura Elizabeth, whom we called Emley, was the first born (August 29, 1942). We often teased Emley that my parents gave her all the names just in case they could not have any more children. But that was not the case. My oldest brother was named after my father, Rufus King, Jr. (born December 17, 1943). Next was James Robert (born September 17, 1946), named after my mother’s father and my father’s father. I was named after one of my father’s first cousins, Ellen Verdia Brooks Fontaine, who helped raise my father and his sister. Although a cousin, we always lovingly referred to her as Aunt Ellen. My youngest sister, Allena Anne (born April 26, 1951), was named after my father’s grandfather – Allen with an A added to the end to make it feminine; and it is believed that the name Anne was after a dear church member at Visitors Chapel AME Church in Hot Springs, Miss Anne Smith.

Allena was the only one of us not born in Jackson. I don’t know if it was because my mother did not