Shenandoah Launched

There was a feeling of excitement and expectation in the air as one arrived at the shipyard of Harvey F. Gamage in South Bristol, Me., Saturday morning.
 
Arriving at the same time were MacPherson’s Pipers, a seventeen-piece bagpipe band handsomely attired in full dress kilt regimentals of colorful tartan, their immaculate gaiters gleaming white in the water sun.
 

N.A.A.C.P. Chapter Formed on Island To Study Human Relations on the Vineyard

As the result of interest shown at a meeting Monday night, the Island now has a chapter of its own of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
 
The parish house of Grace Epis­copal Church in Vineyard Haven was jam-packed Monday evening to hear Rev. Henry L. Bird talk about his experiences in Williamston, N. C., where he participated in a civil rights demonstration along with ten other New England ministers last month.
 

Lust for Freedom at White Heat in Williamston, N. C.

Williamston. Town (Pop. 3,966) co, seat of martin Co., n.e. N. C., on the Roanoke and ESE of Rocky Mount; inc. 1779. It is a tobacco market and has fisheries, a peanut processing factory, and lumber mills.

Dr. Nevin Joins in Civil Rights Trip

Dr. Robert W. Nevin is on his way this morning to Williamston, N. C., as a participant in the civil rights demonstration in which, last week, the Rev. Henry L. Bird, rector of the Episcopal Parish on Martha’s Vineyard, was arrested and jailed in that southern town. His departure from Boston by automobile, with four others, may have been seen on television by Islanders who have long been his patients, his friends, and his admirers.

Rev. Henry Bird is Released from Jail

The Rev. Henry L. Bird was released from jail in Williamston, N. C., on Wednesday, along with others of the group of fifty, northern ministers and local people, who were arrested last week following a non-violent demonstration.

The bond posted for their release had to be supplied by local taxpayers or property owners (any amount of money had been offered and was ready on the Vineyard), and although the necessary amount was nominal, said to be only $125, even that sum couldn’t be supplied by sympathetic people in the town except by liens on their properties.

Statement of Rev. Mr. Brady at Grace Church

The following Statement of Interpretation was given at Grace Church, Vineyard Haven, on Sunday morning, by the Rev. D. Norman Brady of Falmouth. Mr. Brady was supplying at the service of morning prayer in the absence of the Rev. Henry L. Bird, rector. The statement:

Full Support Is Expressed for Mr. Bird’s Decision

In a letter to Rev. Henry L. Bird, the text of which follows, Mrs. Robert W. Nevin of Edgartown has expressed her support and admiration for his decision to join the civil rights demonstration in North Carolina:

“As one of your parishioners and a fellow citizen, I want to give full support to your decision to join an anti-segregation demonstration in Williamston, N. C., with its almost inevitable result of your having been jailed there.

Vineyard Eleven Ends Season Without Defeat

 
The Vineyarders wrapped up their fourth football season last Saturday and marked it, in proud red letters, “undefeated.” Traveling to Nantucket, the Vineyard team upset the Whalers for the second time, with a score of 8-0, and brought home the finest football record the school has yet achieved.
 

Letters to the Editors

“Why are you not here?” Thoreau Asked

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The action which led to the jailing of the Rev. Henry L. Bird in Williamston, N. C., last week, is reminiscent of an anecdote about Henry Thoreau of Massachusetts. Thoreau was put into Concord jail because he refused action which he believed was immoral. Emerson strolled down to the jail to visit his friend. “Why are you here, Henry?” he said. “Why are you not here, Waldo?” replied Thoreau.

Goes to North Carolina in Cause of Civil Rights

The Rev. Henry L. Bird, rector of the Episcopal Parish on Martha’s Vineyard, is with a group of ten clergymen, this week in Williamston, N. C., engaged in non-violent action in the cause of civil rights. His decision to go was announced during the service of morning prayer, Sunday at St. Andrew’s Church, Edgartown.

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