Cars lined the American Legion Post 89 Hut driveway as residents braved soggy conditions to attend the Gospel Singing concert to benefit the Hut restoration project.
Serenaded by talented musicians such as Marlon Felton, The Slims and Southern Grace, veterans and community members chatted around the large fireplace, snacked on refreshments and gulped down hot chocolate, graciously donated by HR Block of Newton.
“I think we have about 60 people,” said Larry Blackburn, a long-time friend of the Legion and member of The Slims, who helped organize the event. “We billed for 100, but we have about 60. If we hadn’t had this rain, it would’ve been 100.”
Although the rain kept some people home, those who did brave the weather weren’t disappointed. Blackburn said he hadn’t seen anyone leave throughout the entire 2-hour concert.
Saturday’s concert was organized by American Legion Post 89 Commander Johnny Reeves to raise funds to restore the legion hut. Time and use have taken their toll on the Hut, which was built in the 1930s, and it is in need of repairs and renovation to continue serving as the Post 89 headquarters in the future, he explained.
“It’s one of the oldest Legion Huts in the country,” he said previously.
The Gospel Singing concert is one of several events Reeves hopes to hold to educate the public about the historic building, raise funds and ensure Post 89 members have a home they can be proud of.
Joe Alexander, a Newton County supervisor and member of Southern Grace, said Reeves has done a lot of work in the short time he has been in his position.
“It was a little over a year ago we hired Johnny to be the Veterans Service Officer for the county,” he said. “He has done some amazing work.”
Alexander said the American Legion is an important part of Newton County, and on behalf of Southern Grace, he wanted to thank the gathered veterans for their service.
“We want to say thank you to our veterans. Without y’all, we would not be here,” he said. “I also want to personally say thank you to Johnny for all the hard work he is doing.”
Although the rain kept some people home, Blackburn said he felt Saturday’s concert was still a success. “The music was phenomenal,” he said, “the food was good, and the community came out to support the Legion.”
