The Isham and Mary Watson Descendants Association reunion was held Sunday, June 26, at the historic Antioch Church in Sellers.
The theme of the reunion was “Honoring Our Past, Discovering Our Future: 1904-2016.”
Former lieutenant Governor Yancey McGill, president of the association, led the service and began by calling the service to order.
The lovely flowers adorning the speaker’s podium were placed in memory of Eleanor Watson Hamburger by her children.
After the call to order, the invocation was given by Senator Thomas McElveen. This was followed by the singing of “Faith Of The Watsons” sung to the tune of “Faith Of Our Fathers.” The special lyrics were written by Mary Ann Long Stalvey, a Watson Cousin.
The minutes of the last meeting and the treasurer’s report were approved. The collection was taken up by Hunter Watson and Ted McGill.
The memorials for those who died in the past year since the last reunion were read by Ginny McGill, and Kirk and Leslie McGill McKenzie. A flower was placed in a vase in memory of each person as the names were read.
The hymn, “Blest Be The Tie That Binds,” was sung.
Yancey McGill gave the president’s report. He gave an update on the progress of getting a historical marker at the site of the church and reviewed other matters.
Special recognitions were given to the oldest person in attendance, the youngest person in attendance, the most recently married couple in attendance, and the person who traveled the farthest.
The person traveling the farthest came 2,812 miles from Washington state. Kelly Floyd, Woodie and Jim Spears, and Buddy and Karen George were recognized for their work in preparing the church and for the supplies and organization of the dinner after the service in memory of Frances Lollis Watson. McGill also went over the committees.
The roll call by family branch was taken. The descendants of William Watson had the most family members in attendance, but there was a strong showing by the descendants of Matthew.
The winner of the Furman and Linnie Watson Bond scholarship was announced. The topic of the essay contest from which the winner is chosen is “Why I Am Proud of My Watson Heritage.” The winner was Harrison Wall, son of Hal and Eleanor Smith Wall of Ridgeland. He is a descendant of William Watson and will be attending Clemson University in the fall.
His eesay follows:
Why I Am Proud of My Watson Heritage
As a recent high school graduate of Thomas Heyward Academy, I am reminded that life is a journey. Finding myself at the end of one part and the beginning of another, I am thankful for the opportunity to research my rich Watson family legacy. This heritage strengthens my foundation and resilience to cope with whatever life throws at me and increases my confidence as I prepare to leave home and go to college in the fall.  The values held by Isham and Mary Watson and their descendants – family, faith and service to others – make me proud of my Watson heritage.
My Watson ancestors have gathered to celebrate family since the first annual Watson Family Reunion was held at Antioch Church on August 17, 1904, in Sellers, South Carolina. A strong commitment to family continues to live on in generations today as the descendants of Isham and Mary Watson get together for the Watson Family Reunion on the fourth Sunday in June at Antioch Church in Marion County. Special recognitions are made at the reunion: oldest cousin, youngest cousin, most recent newlyweds, farthest travelers and first time attendants. John Yancey McGill, President of the 2015 Watson Reunion, stated in the family newsletter, “The Watson family descendants, through God’s grace, are able to gather once a year to renew friendships, see beloved relatives and welcome new ones.” My great-great-grandmother Linnie Bond Watson treasured her family so much that she never missed a Watson Reunion. The traditional closing hymn is ‘God Be with You ‘Til We Meet Again.’ I am proud of our family’s devotion to our ancestors and each other.
Also, my ancestors have placed a strong importance on faith. Isham and Mary Watson were supporters of the Antioch Baptist Church. Antioch influenced the lives of missionaries to the foreign field – Dr. and Mrs. S.L. Watson to Brazil and Miss Lila Watson to China. A woman of strong faith was my grandmother, Mrs. Eleanor Watson Hamburger, daughter of Furman and Linnie Bond Watson, and granddaughter of Cherry and William Watson. As a child, my grandmother enjoyed attending Antioch Church. Later her life centered primarily on two things: raising and loving her growing family and practicing her deeply held faith in God. In her later years, grandmama had to leave her home in Columbia and move to an assisted-living residence in Mount Pleasant. She missed her home very much but practiced her faith as she prayed for a caregiver’s son, a soldier in Afghanistan. When he returned, the soldier asked to see my grandmama; he stated, “I want to meet the lady who prayed for me.” ‘Faith of Our Fathers’ is a hymn that is sung every year at the reunion, and Cousin Mary Ann Long Stalvey added special lyrics:
Faith of the Watsons! Through the years, thru toil and labor, thru joy and tears,
We journey now where once they trod, Leading us onward to our God;
Faith of the Watsons will abide, A heritage to guard with pride!
Furthermore, my Watson heritage teaches me to be involved in service. The present owner of Antioch is a corporation, the Isham and Mary Watson Descendants Association, which is comprised of the lineal descendants of Isham and Mary Watson. One of the Association’s goals is to maintain the building, grounds and artifacts of Antioch Church. Some descendants serve by caring for the grounds, while others donate paper picnic products in memory of a loved one. Laurel Ammons has played the piano during reunions, and others serve on committees or hold an office. Some help with registration, while others gather and edit information for a family newsletter entitled Connections. The descendants of Isham and Mary Watson find different ways to contribute and return thanks for the rich heritage of the Watson family.
In conclusion, I am proud of my Watson heritage and am thankful for the values that are instilled in me: family, faith and service to others.
The state of South Carolina issued a Governor’s Proclamation in 2004, to recognize that for 100 years, the descendants of Isham and Mary Watson regularly hold a reunion at Antioch Baptist Church, where they maintain the building, cemetery and land. The proclamation stated that “the descendants gathered to honor ancestors, share experiences and celebrate family history, which helps build strong families that are the cornerstone of our state and nations.” I am grateful for this heritage and look forward to meeting for years and generations to come.
The hymn, “God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again,” was sung. Music throughout the service was provided by Laurel Ammons Hayes.
The benediction and grace was given by Tim Ammons.
Next year’s reunion will be held the fourth Sunday in June led by new president Carl Sloan.