By Loretta Cozart

On Sunday, February 11, Kings Mountain celebrates its official 150th anniversary. One hundred and nine years ago, on April 22, 1915, W.A. Mauney celebrated the event in grand fashion at the Mountain View Hotel. This is the story that ran in the Kings Mountain Herald to commemorate the event.
“42 Years in
Kings Mountain
  Esq. W.A. Mauney Celebrates 42 in
 this Locality”
“One of the most enjoyable social events of the season was a banquet given at the Mountain View Hotel last Thursday night by Esq. W.A. Mauney in celebration of his 42nd anniversary in the Town of Kings Mountain.
“Seated at the festal board were the following who enjoyed the hospitality of their host and pastime attending the reunion: Reverand C.K. Bell presiding at the head of the table, Capt. F. Dilling and Miss Virginia Mauney, Esq. W.A. Mauney and Mrs. Mauney, J.S. Mauney and Mrs. Mauney, R.P. Roberts and Mrs. Roberts of Cherokee Falls, S.C., G.W. Cornwell and Mrs. Cornwell, M.M. Carpenter and Mrs. Carpenter, C.E. Neisler and Mrs. Neisler, V.A. Ridenhour and Mrs. Ridenhour, D. Hunter Mauney and Mrs. Mauney of Cherryville, W. Sylvanus Mauney and Joe Garrett, Dr. J. Sidney Hood, and G.G. Page.
“Reverand C.K. Bell invoked upon God’s blessing upon those assembled and upon the bountiful  repertoire the guests were soon to participate. When we say that the food was prepared and served at the Mountain View Hotel, that bespoke the quality of what was set before that hungry twenty-three. The superior quality of the various ingredients entering into the menu and the excellency with which it was prepared and served was all together above criticism. Capt. Dilling stated that he had sat with three hundred in the Waldorf in New York behind a twenty-five-dollar plate which had failed to bring the satisfaction to his inner man that this meal had done.
“The meal over and the board cleared, the cigars were passed, and the speechmaking began. Esq. W.A. Mauney and Rev. C.K. Bell exchanged seats and Mr. Mauney became toastmaster. In the opening remarks, Mr. Mauney started with the feeling that he was indeed thankful that there were a few of the first settlers alive and that they could get together and recount the things of days gone by, renew old associations, and rehearse some of their experiences of younger days. Re reviewed all his guests and found that all belonged to his party either by family ties or seniority, except for Messrs Bell, Hood, and Page. He stated he wanted the preacher to say the blessing, the doctor for service in case of overeating, and the editor to tell about the meeting. The doctor was the only one of the three who was not called upon to perform his assigned function. Everybody ate, and the probability is that everybody ate too much, doctor and all, but the roar of laughter and which followed took care of any extra digestion.”
The story continued, but it was impossible to read. The digital copy blurred in scanning. Nonetheless, it was great to read how the forefathers of Kings Mountain celebrated the town’s 42nd anniversary. If weather permits, visit your favorite spot in town to celebrate the sesquicentennial in your own unique way.

Reverend Samar Ghandour was installed as a called pastor to Advent Lutheran Church on Sunday, January 28 by Reverend Steven King, Dean of the Southern Piedmont Mission District of the Carolinas Mission Region, North American Lutheran Church (NALC). Guests included pastors from the NALC along with friends from other congregations and numerous members of Pastor Ghandour’s family. Special music was provided by members of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, York, SC and the Advent Lutheran Church choir.
Pastor Ghandour is a native of Liberia, West Africa. Following graduation from high school, he entered the Liberia Assemblies of God Bible College to prepare for ministry. Upon graduation, he went to the Nairobi International School of Theology in Nairobi, Kenya where he was awarded the Masters of Art in Christian Ministry in 1989 and Hood Theology Seminary in Salisbury, NC where he was awarded the M. Div. in 2001.
He was ordained to ministry of Word and sacraments in 2017 with the NALC. He and his wife Grace have three daughters - Gertrude, Samantha, and Hadassah. Pastor Ghandour has extensive experience in the mission field. He most recently served as Executive Director of Victory Ministries, which has an intentional vision to share Christ with the Islamic and unreached people in the interior of Liberia, training pastors, church leaders, evangelists, preachers and laypeople in their villages.
The NALC is committed to shaping its life around four core values: Christ Centered, Mission Driven, Traditionally Grounded and Congregationally Focused.
Advent Lutheran Church is a member of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) and is located at 230 Oak Grove Road in Kings Mountain. You may reach us at 704-750-0171.

By Loretta Cozart

The Kings Mountain Rotary Club was established on October 30, 1958, with the following charter members: Dr. Paul K. Ausley, Clyde T. Bennett, Dorus L. Bennett, W.D. Byers, J.E. Childers, Charles E. Dixon, Carl P. Finger, E. Wilson Griffin, Myers Hambright, Ralph A. Johnson, Haywood E. Lynch, E.C. Martin, George E. Mauney, Hoyle D. (Snooks) McDaniel, Paul H. McGinnis, Richard M. McGinnis, Jack R. Mercier, Tom L. Trott, Thermon L. Warlick, Jack H. White, and Fred J. Wright, Jr.
The group initially met every Thursday at 12:15 at La Royale Restaurant on Shelby Road. Tom Trott, a former member of another club, and Haywood Lynch were credited for the club’s formation. During the first few months, Sheriff Haywood Allen, Grady Howard of KM Hospital, and Senator Robert Morgan were among the speakers.
During the Charter night ceremony on Monday, December 15, 1958, Shelby Rotarian President Tom Moore donated the club’s bell and gavel.
In March 1959, the club’s first service project was to reactivate the Davidson Boy Scout Camp off York Road at the then New City Water Lake. The road required improvement, and a gate needed to be installed.
In 1989, Rotary International approved women for membership. Carolyn Paysour was the first female member in the Kings Mountain Rotary Club, followed by Melissa Lawrence and Loretta Cozart.
This year marks the 66th anniversary of the Kings Mountain Rotary Club. The club has served the Kings Mountain community for nearly seven decades through various service projects and scholarships, exemplifying Rotary’s principal motto, “Service Above Self.” The club’s annual Spaghetti Supper, held before the Homecoming Game, is now the highlight of their fundraising efforts. Over the years, the club has also organized golf tournaments and playhouse giveaways. In 2005, they spruced up Patriots Park, adding flower gardens, brick walkways, and a splash pad. The club still meets every Thursday at noon for lunch at the H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center at 909 E King St. 
Rotary is 1.4 million passionate individuals in 46,000+ clubs worldwide. Rotary members believe they have a shared responsibility to act on the world’s most persistent issues. Our 46,000+ clubs work together to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, save mothers and children, support education, grow local economies, and protect the environment.
They serve others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and
peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Their vision is that together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in themselves.
Rotary International provides Rotary Peace Fellowships, Rotary Community Corps, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Rotary Youth Exchange, New Generations Service Exchange, Grants, and Scholarships.

The Bible is filled with gracious invitations extended by God, both in the Old Testament and the New. During this month, we have considered just a few of the invitations extended by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. In these, we have heard Jesus call sinners to turn from misery and destruction to find life and blessing through faith in Him. These aren’t just invitations, they are commands! Jesus alone can grant forgiveness of sin and righteousness that God will accept on the day of judgment.
The last of Jesus’ invitations we will consider is also an imperative command, but it is extended to a particular people. It is only for those who have already come to Him in faith. We hear it in Matthew 26 as Jesus is in a room with His disciples at Passover. As they were eating the Passover meal, “Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you, for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
The Passover meal was an annual feast which God commanded His people to keep in remembrance of their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Moses, through whom the LORD had given the Passover ordinance, promised in Deuteronomy 18, “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen...” After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter, preaching in the temple, declared in Acts 3 that Jesus was that prophet to Whom God’s people must listen! The Apostle Paul referred to Jesus in 1 Corinthians 5 as “our Passover Lamb” Who has been sacrificed! All of the Old Testament anticipates the ministry of Jesus Christ.
It is in light of all of this that Jesus, on the very night He was betrayed, first instituted the Lord’s Supper as a sacramental meal. He used imperatives as He invited His disciples to, “Take, eat...” and “Drink...of My blood of the covenant...” This would seem remarkably strange if the Old Testament had not included meals and other signs instituted by God as outward signs and seals of His gracious spiritual blessings. In the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus bids His followers to partake of elements that represent His body and blood, thereby “feeding” on Him in a spiritual way that nourishes our faith.
Luke and Paul both include Jesus’ instruction to “do this in remembrance of Me,” as the Lord’s Supper serves as a memorial of what Jesus has done. But Jesus invites those who belong to Him to do more than remember. When Jesus said He will drink “this fruit of the vine” in His Father’s Kingdom, He is anticipating of another meal. Our call to the Lord’s Supper serves as an invitation to the wedding supper of the Lamb in heaven when all God’s people finally will be glorified with Him! Jesus’ invites us now to feed on Him by faith so that we are given strength for today. But our remembrance of what He has already done for us also gives us bright hope for tomorrow. All who have come to Him in faith are invited to partake of the Lord’s Supper. If you wish to know more of this invitation, don’t hesitate to contact me, or any of the faithful gospel preachers and believers of Kings Mountain. We long to find a table filled with those we know and love who belong to Jesus!

By Loretta Cozart

Patrick Senior Center held a Team Pride Party before playing Bingo last Thursday. Attendees wore their favorite teams’ colors and shared fun and fellowship with snacks before Bingo began. Kings Mountain High School, Appalachian State University, Ohio State, Duke, UNC Tar Heels, FSU, Clemson, USC Gamecocks, Pittsburg Steelers, and the Panthers were represented. At the end of this day, all who joined in the fun were the ultimate winners.

See more photos on page 8A of
January 31, 2024 KM Herald

Bethlehem Baptist Church in Kings Mountain presented John Harmon Melton a Certificate of License for the gospel ministry last Sunday. “God has truly gifted John to preach His word and shepherd His church. We are truly honored to have John and Summer here and fully affirm their ministry,” said Bethlehem Baptist Pastor Steve Taylor. Pictured L-R:  John Harmon Melton and his wife, Summer Melton, with Bethlehem Baptist Pastor Dr. Steve Taylor and wife, Tois Taylor. (Photo by Anna Hughes)

The Bible is full of gracious invitations from the LORD, which are commands for all people to turn from their sin and its misery to find life and blessing in Him. This month we have considered just a few of the invitations extended by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. These have included the invitation to repent in light of the nearness of His Kingdom, the invitation to find rest for one’s soul, and the invitation to deny oneself and take up one’s cross to follow Jesus. All of these are beautiful offers of blessing through faith in Jesus Christ.
In this penultimate article of the month, we consider what might be among the most precious of Jesus’ invitations. It was offered after His disciples, thinking they were sparing Him trouble, turned away parents who brought their young children to Him for blessing. When Jesus saw this happening in Matthew 19, He gave this invitation: “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” After saying this, Jesus laid His hands on the children and blessed them!
The children Jesus blessed didn’t bring themselves. They were probably too young to come on their own. They were dependent on loving parents who brought them to Jesus for blessing. In a similar manner, the corruption of sin has left all people incapable of any spiritual life or goodness on their own. We can’t and won’t come to Jesus for blessing on our own. Yet our heavenly Father brings us to Him for blessing. In His high priestly prayer in John 17, Jesus says to His Father, “I have manifested Your name to the people whom You gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and You gave them to me, and they have kept Your word.” The kingdom belongs to us because the Father has given us to Jesus, and Jesus blesses us with citizenship in His kingdom!
When we come to Jesus, we are not only like little children in our dependence upon our Father to bring us to Him. We must also be like children in our trust. A child taken in the arms of a trusted, caring adult feels secure. To possess a “childlike faith” should not be understood as being juvenile in understanding, but to be devoted and trusting of the One to Whom we look for blessing. As children received the embrace of Jesus long ago, so to this day we who belong to Him should be sure that we are in His grip; we have a place in His kingdom!
No matter how old anyone may be, Jesus’ invitation is to come as children to a loving Father or elder brother. Those who come by faith find blessings of eternal life. He takes us by the hand and promises glory with Him forever more. He forgives our sin and calls us to leave behind all corruption and everything that has enslaved us in misery. HIs perfect righteousness is credited to us in the sight of God. This embrace of our Savior brings great assurance. Are you willing to see in yourself the likeness of a child? Are you trusting Jesus for a secure place in His kingdom for evermore? Come like a little child, loving and trusting Him!

Today, I would like to share the story of Mary McKeehan Patton with you. Some might wonder why I’m writing about Mary Patton in this week’s column. She deserves our attention and recognition as a DAR patriot for providing over five hundred pounds of gunpowder to the Overmountain Men, led by William Campbell, during the Revolutionary
War. Patton’s gunpowder was crucial to the victory over Major Patrick Ferguson’s British troops. Even after the war was over, Patton continued to manufacture and deliver gunpowder to local customers. However, when asked by Sevier, she provided the powder for free, despite being able to sell it for $1 per pound, or $500.
Despite her invaluable contribution to the nation’s liberty, Mary Patton is not recognized by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution as a patriot. When I asked why, I was told that it was because she was paid for the powder. This is a grave injustice to Patton’s legacy.
Patton was born in England in 1751 and immigrated to Pennsylvania with her family in the late 1760s. She learned the art of gunpowder making during her apprenticeship, most likely from her father, David McKeehan. In 1772, she married John Patton, an Irish immigrant who served as a private in the Pennsylvania militia early in the American Revolution.
The Pattons manufactured gunpowder in the Cumberland County region of Pennsylvania. After selling their Carlisle powder mill for cash, the couple migrated to the Overmountain region of North Carolina, which is now Eastern Tennessee. With the help of family friend Andrew Taylor, they established a mill on Powder Branch adjacent to the Taylor homeplace. Even after the war, Patton continued to manufacture and deliver gunpowder to local customers.
Last week, Hayne Neisler sent me the story of Mary Patton which stirred in me again the desire to get recognition for Mary. The story was taken from a September 1924 edition of the Boston Globe. In it, her descendant shared her story titled ‘’Mary Patton - Gunpowder that Won Crucial Battle of Revolution was Made by Heroic Mountain Woman.’’
The article read, “The gunpowder that won the battle of Kings Mountain, which was the turning point in the American fight for freedom, was never paid for and was the gift to her country’s cause of heroic mountain woman such is the trend of an age-old historic story unearthed last week.
“Marry Patton, before marriage Mary McKeehen, born and reared in England contributed to a great extent to the death of Colonel Ferguson, the defeat of the ‘’red coats’’- her countrymen, and to the independence of her adopted people and yet until last week her name was unknown to the people who live in sight of the famous battleground, a shrine to the hearts of American lovers of freedom.
The revelation of the true story of Mary Patton could not have come at a better time. Week after next, thousands of Americans will gather at Kings Mountain in celebration of the 144th anniversary of the famous battle. On Route 1, near Shelby, lives Mrs. S.E Goforth, a direct descendant of Mary Patton. In a trunk of valuables, she found an old newspaper account that brought to light the story of Mary Patton,” the story read.
“According to the old newspaper, Mary furnished 500 pounds of powder to Shelby, Sevier, and Campbell, from a small powder mill she and her husband ran near Buffalo Creek. The patriots marching were desperately short of power, which was a serious concern to the patriot leaders. Although her normal fee was one dollar a pound, she furnished the powder as a gift. Powder from Patton’s Mill dealt out death to the invaders: Ferguson, who had boasted that ‘’all Hell’’ could not move him from Kings Mountain, was shot dead, probably by a bullet shot with Mary Patton’s powder.”
   This is a story that was shared by The Boston Globe almost a century ago. It tells the tale of a woman who gifted gunpowder to the patriots. According to the article, it is highly probable that this is true since very few people had $500 in cash at that time.
   In 1774, the British Parliament passed an Act that prohibited firearms and gunpowder. There are stories that confirm similar incidents that occurred locally, where guns and ammunition were confiscated from locals by the British and Loyalists. Despite the fact that making gunpowder was considered an act of treason which was punishable by death, Mary Patton manufactured and provided the patriots with the necessary supplies, ignoring the risks. For this reason, Mary Patton should be recognized as a patriot by everyone in America.
    Mary Patton died on December 15, 1836, and was buried in Patton-Simmons Cemetery near Sycamore Shoals, Tennessee. The family tradition of gunpowder manufacturing continued until after the Civil War when the powder mill was sold.

The Patrick Center is a SHIIP site and can help with Medicare questions and check to see if you qualify for Extra Help with your drug costs. We can also assist with transportation, loan equipment, incontinence supplies, nutritional supplements, and other services.
   Please call the center at 704-734-0447 for more information or to sign up for programs. Programs are open to people ages 55 and up unless otherwise noted.
February 2024 Special Events:
Crafts with Terry from the Mauney Memorial Library: Monday, February 5, 10 am-12 pm. Learn to use etching cream and make plain glass gorgeous. Class is free; all supplies are provided. Call or come by the front desk to sign up.
Basic Computer Classes: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 am-12 pm. New sessions will be from February 5 through March 18. Call the Center to pre-register. You must attend one of the first two classes to be enrolled.
Women’s Health Series: Tuesday, February 6, 12-1 pm. Join us to learn about sensitive health topics for older women. Please call to sign up.
Sign Language Classes by Clarity Language Access, LLC: Thursdays, February 8 through March 28, 1-2 pm. Classes are free; all materials will be provided. Call the Center to sign up.
Valentine’s Dance: Friday, February 9, 7-9 pm. Come and dance the night away! Cost is $3 per person. Funds go to our Pet Food Pantry.
Technology Presentation by Trey from Mauney Memorial Library: Monday, February 12, 10-11 am. Learn more about Bluetooth.
Cookie Decorating Class: Monday, February 12, 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Learn how to decorate Valentine’s Day cookies. All are supposed to be provided. Cost is $5. Sign up and pay at the front desk.
Black History Month Event: Tuesday, February 13, 9:30-11 am. Celebrate a Day of the Arts! Educate, Elevate! RSVP by Tuesday, February 6.
Diabetes Education and Support Group (Sponsored by Hopscotch Primary Care): Tuesday, February 20, 9:30-11 am. Join us to learn about the management and treatment of Diabetes.
Craft Class with Claudia: Tuesday, February 20, 1-3 pm. Join Claudia to do a fun craft project. Cost is $2. Sign up and pay a fee at the front desk before February 13.
Trip to the Schiele Museum and Firestone Grill in Gastonia: Monday, February 26, 9:30 am-3 pm. Cost is $12. Sign up and pay at the front desk. Registration will begin 30 days before the trip. KM residents with a 28086 zip code will be given 3 days of priority registration.
Art Night with Janie: Thursday, February 29, 5:15-7:15 pm. Sign up and pay the $20 fee at the front desk by the Thursday before the class. All supplies provided.
Ongoing Activities at the Patrick Center
Ceramics: Mondays, 9:30-11:30 am.
Facebook Chat: Mondays, 10-10:45 am. (Online via Facebook)
Seniors in Motion: Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays, 10:30 am-11:30 am. A suggested donation of $1 per class for non-YMCA members.
Quilting: Mondays, 12:30-3 pm.
Beginner Quilting: Thursdays, 10 am-12 pm & 1-3 pm.
Intermediate Line Dance (Dance Floor Rockers): Mondays, 1-3 pm.
Intermediate Line Dance (Southern Class): Thursdays, 10-11:30 am.
Beginner Line Dancing: Mondays, 11:30-12:30 pm.
Clogging: Mondays, 3:30-4:30 pm & Thursdays, 12:30-1:30 pm.
Knitting: Tuesdays, 8:30-10:30 am.
Veterans Meeting: 1st Tuesdays, 9-10 am.
Bible History: Tuesdays, 10-11 am.
Monthly Birthday Celebration: 4th Tuesdays, 10-11 am.
REFIT Dance Exercise: Tuesdays, 11 am-12 pm.
Basic Sewing Class: Tuesdays, 11 am-2 pm.
Volunteer Meeting: 3rd Tuesdays, 12:15-1 pm.
Chair Volleyball: Tuesdays, 1-3 pm and Fridays, 12-2 pm.
Canasta: Tuesdays, 1-3 pm.
Tai Chi for Arthritis: Wednesdays, 9-10am.
Jewelry Class: Wednesdays, 10-11am.
Dulcimer Class: 2nd Wednesdays, 10:15 am. If you plan to attend, please call to let us know if you will be bringing your own dulcimer.
Chair Yoga: Wednesdays, 11:45-12:45 pm. ($3 Fee).
Dutch Lunch Bunch: 2nd Wednesdays. February 14 – Culver’s Restaurant in Belmont. Please sign up at the Front Desk and pay the $2 bus fee.
Blood Pressure Check: 1st Wednesdays, 10-11:30 am.
Food Giveaway: 3rd Wednesdays, 1-2:30 pm. Please call to sign up each month.
Book Club by Mari with Mauney Memorial Library: 4th Wednesdays, 1-2 pm at the Patrick Center. Please call Mari at 704-739-2371 for more information.
Healthy Lifestyles Class: Thursdays, 8-9:30 am.
Gentle Exercise: Thursdays, 9:30-10:15 am.
Bingo: Thursdays, 10:30-11:15 am.
Peaceful Painting: Thursdays, 12-1 pm. Try relaxation through painting. The class is free, but please bring your own multimedia book.
Bridge: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 1-4 pm.
Coffee & Conversation: Fridays, 8:30-10 am.
Dulcimer Jam: Fridays, 9-10 am.
Chorus: Fridays, 10-11 am.
Friday Lunch: Fridays, 11 am-12 pm. Call to sign up by Thursday at Noon. Cost is $4.
WII Bowling League: Fridays, 12-1 pm.
Ping Pong/Corn Hole: Fridays, 12-2 pm.
Shred Truck: Truck will be here on February 28 to shred onsite, but you can bring your items to be shredded at any time the center is open and put them in the locked bins in the lobby.

By Mari Slaughter

Mauney Memorial Library has the following events scheduled for February. The library is at 100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086. For the latest in library news and events, visit www.mauneylibrary.org.
The Library will be closed in honor of President’s Day from Saturday, February 17, to Monday, February 19.
Book Club: “The Trackers” by Charles Frazier (Adult)
Monday, February 5, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Join the Mauney Library book club and meet with people every month to discuss popular books. Contact info@mauneylibrary.org to join!
Afternoon Adventures – Coding with Trey (Ages 6-12) (Registration Required)
Wednesday, February 7, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Learn AI and machine learning fundamentals in this month’s Afternoon Adventure!
Field Trip to the African American Museum of History and Culture at Loray Mill
Friday, February 9, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Meet us there!
Introduction to Backyard Poultry (Adult) (Registration Required)
Monday, February 12, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Join us to learn some basics about raising a small flock of chickens. Topics covered will include selecting chicks, properly housing your flock, feeding and nutrition, and predator prevention. Presented by Lauren Greene, NC Cooperative Extension Area Specialized Agent for Poultry in Western NC.
Seed Starting Party (Adults and Teens) (Registration Required)
Wednesday, February 14, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Come learn how to jump-start your seeds for springtime planting in a low-maintenance way. All materials will be provided. Presented by Judy Ford, Cleveland County Master Gardener.
Lego Club (ages 6-12)
Third Thursday of every month, 3:30 pm -4:30 pm
Library Community Room
Free build and participate in group projects; snacks provided.
Composting Workshop (Adults) (Registration Required)
Wednesday, February 21, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
What is compost, how do you make it, and how do you use it? Joe Bothel, Cleveland County Master Gardener, will teach you all about it! Free buckets for composting will be given away WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
Healthy Cooking with Winter Vegetables (Adults) (Registration Required)
Wednesday, February 28, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Have you thought about some of the different vegetables that are plentiful during the fall and winter months? Join us as we look at a variety of colorful root vegetables and other vegetables that are at their peak during this season. We’ll explore ways to continue to “Eat the Rainbow” and add a few new recipes to keep meals interesting, tasty, and doable. Presented by Nancy Abasiekong, Extension Agent with the Cleveland County Cooperative Extension.
Library Storytime in Person (preschoolers)
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 am -11:30 am
Library Community Room
Come to the library to enjoy a story, music, and a take-home craft with Miss. Anne.
Learn Grow Play
(preschoolers)
Fridays 10:00 am -11:30 am
Library Community Room
Play in centers, then enjoy a story, music, and a take-home craft with Miss. Anne.
Technology Assistance
Make an appointment
704-739-2371

The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast was held Monday, January 15, at Bynum Chapel AME Zion church. The breakfast was sponsored by The Davidson Association, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Bynum Chapel AME Zion Church, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Zeta Mu Omega Chapter, and the City of KM.
This was the second year in which the breakfast highlighted the legacy of Mrs. Ina Hager. Many years ago, the Rev. Stellie J. Jackson, former pastor of Bynum Chapel, had an idea of a breakfast to honor the late Dr. King Jr. This idea was shared with the Christian Education Department in which Mrs. Hager was the Director of Christian Education. Mrs. Hager implemented and continued the breakfast for years until she became ill. Mrs. Hager transitioned from this life in 2022.
In 2023, the Davidson Association asked to partner with Bynum Chapel to continue Mrs. Hager's legacy. The breakfast was held at Mt. Zion that year.
This year, there were over one hundred and fifty people in attendance. Rev. Randy Miller, Davidson Board Chairman, presided, and Rev. Elenor Wilson, pastor of Bynum Chapel, opened with prayer and a welcome. Gale Hunter shared Ina’s Legacy.
Greetings were from Mayor Rob Wagman, Cassie Watkins, President of Zeta Mu Omega, David Hager, son of Mrs. Hager, and Christina Hager Campbell, oldest granddaughter of Mrs. Hager.
La Shonna Bookert performed a Liturgical Dance, and Henry Gilmore III was the vocalist. Guest speaker was Jeff Ross, Strategist, West Market Community Engagement & Corporate Responsibility, Atrium Health. He gave an inspiring and heartfelt speech which he related to Dr. King’s dream. Mr. Ross shared how he overcame poverty, and his childhood dream became a reality in adulthood.
He challenged the audience to dream because those dreams can also become real. Former Mayor Scott Neisler received special recognition and was presented with a gift from The Davidson Association.
Mayor Pro Tem Annie Thombs gave remarks, and Rev. Katherine Pendergrass, president of The Davidson Association, gave Closing Remarks.
The Davidson Association is a non-political, non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Its membership is open to anyone who desires to bring the old Davidson School, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, back to life as a Community Resource Center.
The Davidson Board includes Randy Miller, Chairman; Valerie Boyd, Vice-Chair; Geraldine Dye, Secretary; Melvin White, Treasurer; Tamra Moody, Asst. Treasurer; and Katherine Pendergrass, member. Website: historicdavidson.org; email: historicdavidson@gmail.com.

By Loretta Cozart

 On Thursday, January 4, at 5:30 p.m., the Cleveland County Democratic Party hosted “An Evening with Secretary of State Elaine Marshall” at Don Gibson Theater in Shelby, a big kick-off event for the 2024 elections year. Approximately 130 people were in attendance.
Secretary of State Elaine Marshall was the main speaker, and NC Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs was also present. Two state candidates attended: Pam Genant, candidate for Congressional Ditrict 14, and David Wheeler, candidate for NC Labor Commissioner.
Several other county candidates at the event included Frances Webber, candidate for NC House 111; Justin Matthews, candidate for NC House 110; Angela Woods, candidate for NC District Judge; Coleman Hunt; Rod Powell; Tracy Ross, all candidates for Cleveland Co School Board; and Stormy Mongiello and David Peace, candidates for County Commissioner.
Two local Kings Mountain women, Betsy Wells of the Dixon Community and Joyce Gladstone of Gold Run, were honored during the evening. Betsy Wells was recognized for being named NC Democratic Party Woman of the Year by Secretary Marshall, Cleveland County Party Chair Kent Blevins, fellow Cleveland County Smackdown participant Andy Dedmon, and Cleveland County Democratic Women President Joyce Gladstone. When asked about the honor, Betsy said, “It was a really big night for me.”
Joyce Gladstone, outgoing President of Cleveland County Democratic Women, was also honored. She received a crystal gavel from the incoming Cleveland County Women’s President Michelle Roberts.

By Loretta Cozart

I often say, “What is old can be new again,” which is especially true about many things in Kings Mountain. The community received news last week that Gaston Christian School had purchased Central School and would be opening a campus here soon. It makes sense because they already have campuses in Gastonia and Shelby.
When I read the news, I thought, “Oh, thank you, Jesus! This little sliver of my childhood will not be lost.” I feel confident I am not the only person having that same thought.
A study of Central School gives us a brief history of this property. As far as I can tell, this has always been a place of learning for the youth of Kings Mountain and surrounding counties. Initially, the school had a smaller footprint. Over time, as people moved away from homes adjacent to the school, the school board bought land bounded by Ridge Street, N. Gaston Street, and Parker Street. Only the homes along N. Piedmont were spared.
The following report was taken from NCDOT TIP No. R-2233B, Mitigation for the Construction of the Rutherfordton Bypass, Fearnbach History Services, Inc. / January 2015was.
In 1876, town residents constructed a two-story frame school on the current Ridge Street site of Kings Mountain School – Central High School.
Principal William T. Bell initially headed the private campus, which functioned as Bell School, Kings Mountain Military Academy, and then the Public High School of
the Town of Kings Moun-tain, all subscription institutions, until 1905, when it became a public school under the direction of superintendent S. W. Carwile. That year, Carwile, who received a $29-per-month salary, and his faculty instructed first through eighth-grade students in a building with an assessed value of $1,200.
A 1910 fire destroyed the frame building, which was replaced that year with a two-story, brick, Classical Revival-style school distinguished by a full-height, four-bay entrance portico. The edifice encompassed twelve classrooms, an auditorium, a music room, and an office. In 1920, increased enrollment required the conversion of the second floor auditorium into four classrooms.
At the close of the 1920-1921 school term, Kings Mountain School Principal F. C. Nye reported 126 students registered in eighth through eleventh grades, with daily attendance averaging 108 youth. Sixteen pupils graduated that spring, completing their course of study under the direction of four female teachers.
A rear addition finished in 1924 provided eight classrooms and an auditorium. (This is the same auditorium we know today, although it has seen renovations over the years. Students played basketball on the stage before the gym was built.) Principal J. Y. Irvin and six female teachers instructed 204 students in 1925 when the graduating class numbered twenty-five young men and women. Students occupied eighteen classrooms, six of which housed high school grades. Four students resided on campus. In 1929-1930, principal B. N. Barnes and thirty-five teachers oversaw 201 high school and 1,194 elementary school pupils. Thirty-four students graduated that spring.
The Federal Emergency Relief Administration and the North Carolina Emergency Relief Administration subsidized grounds improvements at a cost of $5,537.25 in the early 1930s. The campus’s 1910 building was destroyed in a fire on November 14, 1932, but contractors completed the renovation of the 1924 annex and the construction of a spacious classroom building the following year. (According to records, the school was rebuilt from a $10,000 insurance policy held by the Kings Mountain School Board. This was reported in the Charlotte Observer the day the school reopened.)
During the 1933-1934 term, principal Claude Grigg and twelve female teachers educated 475 first through seventh-grade pupils enrolled at Kings Mountain School. At that time, the building comprised twenty-eight classrooms, fourteen of which housed elementary grades, as well as offices, a library, an auditorium, and a recently completed gymnasium.
Principal A. H. Patterson’s high school faculty comprised eight teachers in 1934-1935. High school enrollment comprised 352 students, twenty-eight of whom graduated. Works Progress Administration funds subsidized the gymnasium’s construction in 1937 and the lunchroom’s operation. Principal D. M. Bridges, thirteen full-time and three part-time female educators, supervised 579 enrolled elementary school students in 1939-1940.
Bridges and thirteen other teachers instructed 397 high school students, sixty of whom graduated that spring. Extracurricular activities ranged from athletics to band, drama, and glee clubs. Campus improvements that year included music and first aid room construction and furnishing.
Principal J. E. Huneycutt, sixteen female teachers, one male instructor, and four part-time faculty members (three female and one male) oversaw 689 first through eighth-grade students enrolled in 1946. Daily attendance averaged 564 youth.
   The student body included 264 high school pupils educated by Huneycutt, nine female teachers, and three male faculty members in twelve of the school’s thirty classrooms. Extracurricular activities included athletics, band, glee, health, and stamp clubs. Facility improvements ranged from cafeteria painting and updates to acquiring new library tables, chairs, and books.
In May 1950, Central School’s campus was so large that it had two principals. Willie McGill supervised 280 first- through third-grade pupils educated by him and seven female teachers. Rowell Lane oversaw an additional eleven full-time and three part-time female teachers and one part-time male instructor.
Lane’s faculty taught 395 youth enrolled in fourth through eighth grades, where daily attendance averaged 339 students, and ninth through twelfth grades, where 314 of 361 students typically attended classes. The student body participated in after-school activities such as athletics, band, and health and science clubs. Facility improvements in 1950 included exterior trim painting, a new heating system and furnace chimney installed, and a brick bus garage.
In 1954-1955, Lane and sixteen teachers educated 438 high school students, fifty-nine of whom completed their course of study. Facility improvements included the fluorescent light installation throughout the building. During the 1959-1960 term, principal Harry E. Jaynes and twenty-two faculty members oversaw 542 high school students, 111 of whom graduated. Campus updates includ-ed floor refinishing and the installation of a flagpole.
After the high school moved to a newly constructed campus in the fall of 1965, Central School was the district’s junior high school, accommodating seventh and eighth grades systemwide. Ten years later, sixth grade replaced eighth grade, which relocated to the new junior high school on Phifer Road. Central School remained in operation until becoming the Kings Mountain District’s administrative office in 1994.
As I write, renovation has already begun at Central School. Will this facility be like the Central we once knew and loved? I have heard the owners intend to restore the school to its former glory. That would be wonderful, but changes will likely be made to bring this grand dame into the 21st century.
We want the best for this property and the best for the students attending Gaston Christian School - East Cleveland Campus. We want the property preserved and the students who attend there to thrive. What is good for the school is good for the people of Kings Mountain.
I am so relieved that the school will remain what it was designed to be: a school. I am thankful that the building is being preserved. And I am most grateful to God for allowing this to happen. Yes, my prayers have been answered.
But change always brings challenges. The biggest challenge I see for the school is in its new name, Gaston Christian School - East Cleveland Campus. There is no Kings Mountain in that name. That may not work for many, and only time will tell. The folks of Kings Mountain take great pride in our community, and I’m sure not calling this facility Central will be a challenge; old habits are hard to break.
To the new owners, I humbly suggest you change the name to Gaston Christian School – Kings Mountain. Perhaps that will help the people of the best little town in the state to make the transition and embrace change, welcoming this new era with open arms.

 

Following a national recruitment effort, which included a comprehensive vetting process, Philip Steffen was selected from a highly competitive field of candidates to lead the Finance Department for Cleveland County Government.
Steffen has 17 years of local government finance experience serving the City of Anacortes, Washington. During his tenure with Anacortes, Philip served in progressively responsible roles, culminating in his appointment as Interim Finance Director.
“It is my privilege to welcome Mr. Steffen to the Cleveland County team as our new Finance Director”, said David Cotton, County Manager. “He is an exceptionally well-rounded subject matter expert who has a demonstrated track record of successfully implementing complex financial and budgeting plans.”
Steffen recently led the City of Anacortes through developing and adopting a $109 million annual budget along with a $252 million capital facilities plan, comparable to Cleveland County’s annual budget. He has a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Accounting and Finance and minors in Economics and Business Administration from Western Washington University. Philip will officially start his new role as Finance Director on January 29, 2024.

By Loretta Cozart

The holidays have ended, and it's amazing how quickly the joyous time with family and friends goes by. We've entered 2024 with New Year's resolutions and hope for a better year ahead. We wish the same for our family and friends.
The coming year looks bright, but we are facing many new challenges in Kings Mountain. The most important of these challenges is economic growth. Last month, the city council voted to support development at Dixon Ridge, a new planned development near the casino. Downtown development is ongoing, with a plan for a new hotel in the works. Changes are coming our way.
The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said that change is the only constant in life. Only fragments of his writings remain, but paraphrasing he shared, "Everything changes, nothing remains still, and you cannot step twice into the same stream."
There was a time when the citizens of Kings Mountain embraced change and even reveled in it. When the pioneer Capt. Freno Dilling moved to town and began cutting cross ties, he anticipated a coming need he could provide for the railroad. He added a water tower to supply water to the steam locomotives as the ties he sold them were being loaded onto the train. He created a one-stop shop, if you will.
Shortly thereafter, William A. Mauney and his brother Jacob S. Mauney brought their families to town and opened a store. In time, the Mauney family would build several mills in and near Kings Mountain, providing jobs for folks wishing to transition from farm to city lifestyles. The brothers created Cleveland County's first bank, and their children married and added exponentially to the city's economic growth. They incorporated the City of Kings Mountain on February 11, 1874.
Farmers followed them, moving from the country to Kings Mountain, looking for a steady income and a community in which to raise their families. Farming was hard, and people transitioned from agrarian to urban lifestyles.
In the 50s, mill owners began selling many of their mills and mill properties as they saw the writing on the wall for the future of textiles domestically. Because the mills remained in operation, retail in Kings Mountain was spared for about 15 years. But in time, retail in the downtown area was also affected. By the 1990s, NAFTA was implemented, and many local jobs were sent overseas. Mills closed, retail diminished, and downtown fell into disrepair as shops closed and owners lost revenue.
In the last several decades, new residents have relocated to Kings Mountain. They brought new ideas regarding revitalization throughout the city. It is an exciting time to live in Kings Mountain, as property values have risen exponentially after the pandemic.
However, many people are hesitant regarding change. Perhaps they fear that the proposed changes won't be successful. Or they think Kings Mountain is what it is. Nothing more. It is sad to think that decades of economic downturn can negatively shape a community’s perception of itself.
It is important to remember that the town comprises the land, buildings, and physical attributes encompassing everything within its boundaries. These things can be manipulated to suit the needs of the people, but they do not make Kings Mountain what it is. The people, not the land, make the town what it is. What Kings Mountain is and can become is driven by the imaginations of our citizens.
As of the date of this publication, we are five weeks and four days away from our city's sesquicentennial, but nothing has been planned to celebrate the occasion. 150 years have passed since Kings Mountain was incorporated. Sadly, we are not following in the footsteps of those visionary leaders who founded our city and boldly celebrated their accomplishments. Those pioneers celebrated change as an opportunity, a stepping stone to the future, and we should also.
Today, these new pioneers, willing to invest, possess the vision and foresight necessary for Kings Mountain’s success. We must support them and embrace this change as we boldly face the future together.
Why, you ask? Because change is coming, that's for sure. If the community embraces change and revels in it, we can shape the future of Kings Mountain into a city where everyone can work, play, and live. Some may say the time is not right. To them, I have only one question: "If not now, when?"