Editor, Times-Union: I write to invite community members to attend the program “Coming of Age in ‘Bombingham’” at Westminster Hall, Grace College this coming Monday. On Sept. 15, 1963, a bomb rocked 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., a mere 18 days after Dr. Martin Luther King’s triumphant “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C. Four young girls, ages 11 and 14, were killed in an instant as they prepared to sing in the Sunday service. The sermon that Sunday was titled, “A Love that Forgives.” A fifth girl, Carolyn Maull (now Carolyn Maull McKinistry) had been with her friends moments before the bomb detonated. I encourage community members to come listen to Ms. McKinistry, as I am confident her childhood in Birmingham was far different than most of ours. Perhaps you have been an 11- or 14-year-old child at church on a Sunday. Perhaps you have children who have or someday will be 11- or 14-years old in church on a Sunday. Come hear of a tragic day in our nation’s history and, in doing so, gain a deeper understanding of our nation’s history. I know I will. I’m grateful for Grace College for bringing Carolyn Maull McKinistry to our community. I hope many of us will honor her with our attendance. The program starts at 7 p.m. Richard A. Rooker Warsaw, via email
