Rev. Matthew Tolleson, Mud Creek Missionary Baptist Church

Partial Transcript: It started with Greg Mathis (Senior Pastor of Mud Creek Baptist Church) and his people looking into church records from the past and found a letter about how the church used to treat the “coloreds” (that’s what they used to call them). Greg said he wanted to do more to bring both of our creeds back together. Greg wanted a reconciliation between the 2 churches. That’s what it’s all about. Bringing the races back together.

Keywords: Bringing the races back together.; Greg Mathis; reconciliation

Subjects: Bringing the races back together.

Partial Transcript: I hate to say it but the community could care less. There are exceptions though. The church has been here 149 years and we were going to shut the doors. We need to get more people to church consistently as part of this worship experience.

Keywords: worship experience; community

Subjects: What do you think this means to the community in terms of this reconciliation?

Partial Transcript: My pastor told me last week that they have done this. They had a state convention reconciliation at Blue Ridge. They might want to do something on a larger scale.

Keywords: wider community; larger reconciliation

Subjects: What do you think this could mean to a larger reconciliation?

Partial Transcript: That’s the key. I’ve tried to instill in the young people the value of doing the right thing.

Keywords: make a better future; the past; children

Subjects: what do our children need to know about how we can make a better future?

Partial Transcript: To be more attentive to your teachers. I think, and I try to teach this, is you’re going to have to have the love of God, not only in your heart, but in your love and respect for your sisters and brothers. Rev T explained it’s important to share a meal with all generations.

Keywords: all generations; love of God; more attentive

Subjects: It’s important to share a meal with all generations

Partial Transcript: Continue to do what we’re doing. Preach the word, share with one another and love one another. Show love and respect for one another. I believe there are better things for this community. You asked some tough questions David.

Keywords: community; Preach the word

Subjects: Tough questions

Partial Transcript: I want to say that I love Mud Creek, I love this family and I love Big Mud Creek. I love the people that I have met. I hope we can continue to have this relationship between one another, and we’ll not let this be our last time coming together for a service like this.

Keywords: Big Mud Creek; love; Mud Creek

Subjects: I love Mud Creek, I love this family and I love Big Mud Creek