Local Warrior's Joyous Celebration

He became known as Reverend Leonard Barr. I knew him as Terry. I remember when he arrived in the neighborhood on 58th Street and Normal Blvd. He was one who was never at a loss for words. He had an answer for everything and could almost do anything. Terry came to love the Englewood neighborhood where he spent a good portion of his younger years.

Reverend Leonard T. Barr was the same guy, I knew as child growing up on Normal Boulevard. Despite all his success in whatever arena he ventured in. I still called him Terry and treated him like the childhood buddy we grew up as. I last saw him at our neighborhood picnic in Sherwood Park in August of 2008. Terry died July 30th 2009. He was 56 years year young.

When I managed Kennedy-King College's radio station WKKC, Reverend Barr was on fire for the Secretary of State Jesse White and started a radio program "Report to the People. When he came to me with the idea. I had reservations. I was more interested in the benefits towards the students. Reverend Barr assured me that the experience would be like an internship and that the students would learn something. Needless to say the Report to the People program became a success and the student I assigned to the program went on to work for National Public Radio. It was a win win situation. And that's how things happened with Terry throughout his life he tried to make a win win situation for everything and everyone he came in contact with.

At his home going celebration, everyone spoke of the win win situations Terry contributed in their lives too. Those who paid their respects came across all denominational lines and from varied occupations. Media personnel included Cliff Kelly, Marv Dyson, Pam Morris, and Herb Kent. Political figure Dorothy Brown and state official Dr. Damon Arnold knew Reverend Leonard Barr and spoke highly of this wonderful man. The mayor of Chicago also sent his condolences through Reverend Vance Henry.

The music in the service was festive and spiritual as Loretta Oliver, The Barrett Sisters, Calvin Bridges Otis Clay and Diane Williams elevated our spirits through song. Each of the artists in their own way added something powerful to the service. The clergy showed great respect for their sleeping brother with class and dignity. All the ministers on the program did their parts graciously. Bishop William Ellis represented the clergy that brought everyone to agreement about the life of Reverend Barr. He was good soldier.

The remarks of the one an only Reverend Henry O. Hardy brought a roar from the pews as he exclaimed that Reverend Barr had to exceed the standard set by his name. Reverend Hardy has a uncanny way of delivering his message professorial yet simple. The Host pastor Reverend Charles Jenkins said it best of Pastor Hardy's style, "he comes at you though Websters dictionary and every day language at the same time."

All of this set the stage for the family to pay tribute to Reverend Barr. His uncle Reverend Jacob Barr revealed the story of a young Leonard in childhood who took a spanking to keep from going to sleep. Then his son Reverend Emanuel Barr talked about a great lesson that he learned from his Dad. He said I get it now Dad. One has to be merciful too.

Finally, his spiritual father and mentor Reverend Clay Evans provided us with a eulogy to take home to anyone who is without Christ. Reverend Clay said Jesus is the Stimulus. He paid it all. During the eulogy by Reverend Evans other pastors in the audience took out pens and were taking notes. What great respect for the Reverend Evans a great man the God.

And I believe Leonard was happy with the service. People were joyously celebrating the life of a man who served God and served God's people. Though absent from the body his presence is with the Lord. I wonder what Terry is trying to tell God. I hope he is not complaining about his inability to catch a softball. Leonard was very talented in many ways but he couldn't hold on to softball to save his life and he played first base that's what I remember most about Terry.


God Bless You.. Peace be unto you

The Prime Minister