57 Years Ago...
The article below appeared in the Bulloch Herald following the 4th Brannen Family Reunion in 1952. Notice how many people were in attendance – 250! A copy of this newspaper clipping is kept in Scrapbook #1 on page 92. Our family scrapbooks are kept in the climate-controlled archives building at the Georgia Southern University Library.
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The Brannen Family Reunion at Bethlehem Church
The fourth annual reunion, and certainly the most successful reunion, of the Brannen family, was held Sunday, September 27, [1952] at the Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church.
The meeting began promptly with songs by the congregation. Osbourne Banks, president of the organization, kept the program running smoothly. The quartet which furnished many fine selections included Francis Trapnell, Barnard Banks, Rufus Anderson, and Otis Hollingsworth accompanied by Lewis Hersey.
A very fitting devotional was given by James Solomon Brannen of Metter, who urged that “like Paul we must put on the whole armor of God if we would be of help in these troubled times.” He expressed a deep faith that the Godly ones would find peace.
Before adjourning for dinner, a book was passed and each person present registered. There were 225 people to register and after a check-up, it was agreed that at least 25 failed to sign.
A long table placed in front of the church soon covered with colorful salads, a variety of meats in large platters, cakes of every kind, and good old Southern pound cake was not forgotten. Pies and fresh apple tarts showed the bountiful blessing the Lord had provided these good people.
After dinner the group hastily cleared the table and sought the shelter of the church as the rain cut short the hour of hand shaking and the usual pleasantries that kin folk enjoy.
The president opened the program with congregational singing, after which Robert Lanier, Statesboro attorney, engaged in this profession with his father, Fred T. Lanier Sr., introduced the speaker, Mrs. D. L. Deal in her usual charming approach to a subject went back to the peoples of the Scandinavian countries with blond hair and fair complexions and the people of England and Scotland as the countries from which the Brannen’s emigrated. She brought a chuckle from her audience when she mentioned “big feet” as a characteristic feature along with red and tow colored hair. She pointed out the Irish strain which furnished their independent nature and determination.
Mrs. Fred Lanier, secretary and treasurer, read the minutes of the last meeting.
Presenting biographical sketches were W. L. Brannen of Metter who represented the descendants of Solomon Brannen, son of William Brannen, and his wife, Elizabeth Gross. John Ed Brannen of Register gave the data collected on the descendants of Thomas Alexander Brannen. Josh T. Nessmith, in his research on the William Brannen family, found 1900 descendants; certainly, this was prolific branch of the family. Francis W. Allen represented Mary Brannen Allen. Mrs. Maude Edge furnished records on the John Brannen family, and Miss Hattie Powell gave a complete history of her ancestor, Cyrene Brannen Powell.
The hospitality committee, composed of John H. Brannen, chairman; Mrs. Algie Trapnell, Charlie Simmons, Sam Brannen, and Outland Bohler, also served as a nominating committee. The new officers are Josh T. Nesmith, president; Miss Hattie Powell vice president; and Mrs. Lucile DeLoach, secretary treasurer.
A gift was presented to Mrs. Mattie Brannen Bohler, the oldest member of the Brannen family. Mrs. Bohler will be 93 years old November 30.
The fifth annual reunion has been set for the fifth Sunday in October. The place, Bethlehem Church.
It is the opinion of the majority present Sunday that in the future more emphasis should be placed on the social aspect where time will be given over to conversation for the older members; fun for the young people.