Abigail McGrath established the Renaissance House in 2000 as a writer’s retreat on the Vineyard in honor of her mother, the poet Helene Johnson, and her aunt, the famous Dorothy West. Both were very active in the Harlem Renaissance literary movement that flourished in the 1920’s.

The purpose of this Renaissance House initiative was to create a space for writers to have time and peace of mind so that they could dig into their work. This was an opportunity for both emerging writers and established writers to come to the Vineyard and be absorbed into the richness of the Island, collaborate and learn with others and to leave all worldly distractions on the other side.

Her personal gift to the Island community was the annual reading of the famous, What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?, written and delivered on July 5, 1852 by abolitionist Frederick Douglass. What was exciting about this event is that Abigail would select diverse members of the Island community to read certain sections of the speech. Not only did this encourage wide participation but allowed each speaker to reacquaint themselves with the conditions of non-white citizens in America at that time.

As many are still trying to navigate the new policies and practices coming out of the White House these past weeks we should recall a part of the speech that might well apply to today: “Are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice embodied in that Declaration of Independence extended to us?”

Abigail’s final project was to revive, restore and rejuvenate the park across from the Dorothy West cottage in the Highlands, known to some as Astbury Park. She and her family had been stewards of the park for some 100 years. In her final solicitation she exclaimed: “Help turn this poignant, bedraggled space into an intellectual oasis.”

On many early mornings I remember Abigail having coffee with a group of folks at the endearing Mocha Mott’s on Circuit avenue. Perhaps this group, along with The Cottagers, the African American History Trail, The Polar Bears, the MV Museum, ASALA and others can join together to celebrate the life of Abigail McGrath by continuing the July 4 community Douglass speech, along with the Renaissance House writers initiative and the restoration of the park. May her soul rest in peace and may we carry on her legacy in three parts.

Oak Bluffs residents Carleen Cardwell, Leon and Sherry Wilson, Ronald and Charlene Carroll, Rhonda Persip, Ron and Lisa Mitchell, Sharon and Colin Redd, Tina Coombs, Gretchen Coleman, Karl Coiscou and Pam Everhart, Kathy Taylor and Caroline Taylor Ellerson travelled to Boston to join scores of others for the funeral for Milton Britton, Sr.

The funeral was held at historic Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury where the Britton family has worshiped for over 70 years. The attendees were inspired by the music and the preaching with remarks by Milton Jr. and their grandchildren. Milton and wife Ruth lived for many years in Sengekontacket. They previously owned property on Pacific avenue and the historic Harriet Peck cottage that was built in 1885, now on School street. Milton was a dear friend to my family, and his humor, wide popularity and jovial visibility on the Inkwell Beach will be missed.

Louise Johnson was celebrated by over 50 family and friends at the Venetian Restaurant in Boston last weekend. She has lived a wonderful life of 90 years, having been active in The Cottagers and the Union Chapel Trustee Board. May she have many more.

Congratulations to Dr. Aliya Browne who is now officially Rev. Dr. Browne having been fully ordained on Jan. 18 at the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, N.J. Rev. Dante Quick officiated and Rev. Dr. DeForest Soaries was the speaker for the occasion. Bless her leadership at our own Union Chapel.

Please be reminded to come to the Oak Bluffs Library at 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, Feb. 1 to have a discussion on the warrant article on leaf blower noise and air pollution deduction.

Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting.

Randall Edward Taylor, Rest in Peace.