Experience
The Stowe Family Reunion

Who We Are

Our Roots

Our First Reunion

The First Stowe Family Reunion was held July 5, 1969, at the home of Grier and Geneva Stowe in Belmont, North Carolina, with a joyful gathering of the descendants of Neil (Neel) and Silvey (Silvia) Stowe (circa 1830).  The event  was organized by Grier Stowe, Sr., Dewey Crump of Ranlo, NC, Sarah Stowe Davison of Belmont, NC, and Beulah Stowe Carey of Portsmouth, VA. 

"Everyone gathered on the front lawn, some persons meeting each other for the very first time. Persons participating on program spoke from the top steps of the front porch. We began our program with the old Negro spiritual "What a Fellowship."  Senior family members present that day were Cousin George Stowe of Tuckahoe, NY, Aunt Lottie Byers Stowe (widow of Fred Stowe) of Concord, NC, Grandma Mary Grier Stowe (widow of Rob Stowe), Aunt Jane Grier and Cousin Katie Hogan from Belmont, Uncle Elbert Hairston of Williamson, West Virginia, and many others." 

Other family members present at this first reunion included: Grier and Geneva Stowe and their children, Carol, Doris, Sarah, Willis, Logan, and Jeannie; Sarah Stowe Davison; Geneva (Eva) Rhodes Stowe (widow of AC Stowe) and children Allen, Charles, Betty, David, Jimmy, and Ron; Zada Stowe Hairston (Elbert) and children, Willene, Sue, Nancy, Ann, Cynthia, Elbert, and Vivian; Dewy Crump; Beulah Stowe Carey and Ruth Stowe. Other local and out-of-town family members were also present.

[Were you there - July 5, 1969? Let us know. We need your help to document others who attended. Use the 'Contact Us' link on this site if you have information on the 1969 Stowe Family Reunion that can be added.]

"After our program, we had our first fellowship dinner enjoying the foods prepared by local families: fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden, chicken, roast beef, and ham, delicious desserts, plenty for all to enjoy. It was a great reunion that day and it was decided and voted upon that the Stowe Family Reunion would be held every other year henceforth."

   "Over the years, the ongoing theme of the Stowe Family Reunion has been "We've Come This Far by Faith."   

We Fellowship ...
                          We Play ...
                                             We Eat ...
                                                          We Remember & Celebrate ...
                                                                                                        We Share Our Talents ... 
                                                                                                                                              We Worship ...

The Stowe Family is a Christ-centered family, and we have always looked forward to worshiping together as a family at our "home" churches. We have fellowshipped with Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in  Belmont, and Salem Baptist Church in Charlotte. We have always been embraced and often welcomed to use our talents, gifts, and callings to join the congregation in worship. Our family members have participated in the choir, and have often been the featured choir.  Our ministers have often been invited to preach, and our deacons and deaconesses have been invited to participate in communion services
 ... We tell our story ...   ...  Our Shared History ...


Reference:
Humphrey, Jeannie Stowe.  History of the Stowe Family from Gaston County, North Carolina: For the Stowe Family Reunion.  July 2005.