A recollection from Augusta
Charles Whitlow Norwood, Jr.
July 27, 1941 – February 13, 2007
The parking lot was nearly full and only a few spots remained on the right-side driveway. It was just before 2 PM and the day was as warm as it was going to get. We walked up to the grandeur that was the First Baptist Church of Augusta. The perimeter was peppered with police and strategically stationed was the secret service.
We climbed the steps, where we were greeted with a somber “hello.” The massive doors open. The color guard in full regalia, is ceremonially stationed to welcome mourners. Over to the right, greeters meet you with a 6 page booklet outlining the memorial service. As you progress, you’re met by the “guest book” and encouraged to record your attendance. You do.
You slowly move into a vast sanctuary, resplendent with stained glass, corinthian columns, and silver and gold pipes, undoubtedly fixed to an organ. The paneled walls are white along with their accompanying pews, which are upholstered in a rich, regal red.
Long chandeliers hang at least 20 feet from the impossibly high ceiling. The lower level of the sanctuary begins to fill. The United States Army Band is positioned in front of the choir loft, which is on the same level, resembling an elegant stadium. They’re playing.
The service begins as the attending members of Congress proceed into the expansive chamber; all rise. They fill 15 pews. A drum roll; the color guard begins its approach to the alter. The colors move down the aisle, and as grass does in the wind, hands follow, finding their way to their owner’s heart. “Present Colors.” The colors are in place and the color guard promptly exists to a second drum roll, in decrescendo.
The family begins their processional. They sit. We sit.
The memorial begins. After words from Charlie’s reverend, all rise. The Army Band begins and we join, “God of Our Fathers.” The hymn ends and then there is a prayer.
We listen to a lesson from the Old Testament. Then Psalm 121 is read by Governor Perdue, who delivers the scripture with clarity and direction, as if they were his last words. The old favorite, “Amazing Grace” is beautifully offered, as a solo, by a member of the choir.
More scripture: 2 Timothy 4, followed by John 14. The texts are read and expounded upon.
The Honorable Nathan Deal assumes the golden-clad, four-rod podium. He offers memories and insight into his professional and personal with Charlie. It’s now Dr. Jerry Murray’s turn. As a fellow army dentist and Vietnam veteran, Dr. Murray dives into “the good ole times” with Charlie. He talks about their time together in the service and frequently refers to Charlie’s personality as “that magic that Charlie had” or “then Charlie would work his magic.” And finally, Mr. Duncan Johnson is given the honor. A personal friend of Charlie’s, he peels back the curtain, availing the congregation to meaningful conversations they had, hunting and fishing trips, and his close relationship with a dear friend.
Rising again, the band starts another hymn: “It Is Well With My Soul.” After, we receive more words from the reverend and then begin “The Apostles’ Creed.” A pastoral prayer is offered, followed by our recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. “How Great Thou Art” begins to ring in the room and we sing.
Still standing, your eyes peer to your booklet. “RIFLE SALUTE” Everyone’s head turns towards to arches that led you into the sanctuary. From what seems to be the vestibule, one shot rings out. Then sobering silence. Another shot. Silence again. Then the final shot. The faces redirect to the choir loft.
Poised back behind the choir, not visible to the congregation, is a member of the Army Band.
“Taps”
The slow, rich timbre of the horn draws tears.
The reverend issues a charge and then the benediction. The recessional commences. We’re still standing. The family exists. Members of congress and other officials follow. Then you.
Leave a Reply