The Inside Track

Sunday Morning:

Family Worship Service

Gus Moncur served as worship leader as we began the day with our traditional Allen Family Worship Service.

   First, we sang songs of praise.  Willie Delancy led the hymn sing-along with Jasmine Rogers, who also sang "Because of Who You Are."  She has such a beautiful voice!  Her daughter Beijing Rogers and cousin Randi Hilton (Kayla's daughter) sang "Jesus Take the Wheel."

Next, several Allens were asked to witness and tell the story of how they came to know the Lord, and to impart one spiritual nugget of advice for the family.  Sharing their stories were Pastor Ed Allen, Joan Allen Leggett, Doreen Allen Major, Grace Miller, and Al McCartney.

The memorial candlelight service was beautiful and moving, as always.  R.C. Carey, a descendant of Susan Allen lit the candle for William & Addie and their nine offspring who have gone on to meet the Lord.  Jay Smith, son of the late Monica Allen Smith, lit the candle for those Allens who have passed on since the last reunion while Mandy Moncur read their names aloud.  I always feel the presence of those who have gone on as we light the candles in their memory, as though they are there and know that we acknowledge them.

Next we were in for a spiritual treat.  Pastor Ivan Carey, a descendant of Susan Allen, delivered the sermon.  He pastors at Victory Baptist Church in Nassau and he did a wonderful job of emphasizing the importance of family and God's plan for marriage.  Though he's new to our family reunions, we hope he and his lovely wife Donnell will continue to participate along with their children.  Also in attendance at the service were his mother Jacqueline and his father Kenneth Carey.

Sunday Afternoon:

Family Luncheon

After the Worship Service,  we enjoyed a delicious luncheon.  Mary Allen Darling, known as Mae, shared some stories of her father, Willie Butcher Allen.  She is the youngest of his children, born when he was in his seventies.  She told us a hilarious story about the time a bushel of crabs got loose in his store.  We also stood and recited the Allen Family Pledge, which was written by Doreen Allen Major, granddaughter of Willie Butcher Allen.

After lunch, we took a short break, then prepared for the evening's treat: a reception at the home of the Prime Minister.

Sunday Evening:

Prime Minister's Reception

That evening, The Honorable Perry G. Christie, Prime Minister, hosted a reception in our honor at his home.  The reception was very well-attended by a number of family members who enjoyed his warm hospitality. 

Our family is blessed indeed to have a gentleman like Cousin Perry included as a member.  He is the son of Naomi Allen Christie (deceased) and the grandson of Willie Butcher Allen.  Despite all of his power and prestige and the responsibility for the well-being of a nation, he was so genuinely happy to have us over and proud to host the reunion in his country. 

First Lady Bernadette Christie graciously gave tours of their new home, which is gorgeous.  The artwork is stunning and the home reflects her personal beauty, warmth and elegant sense of style.  She was very proud to announce that she installed the tile in the laundry room herself!  And let me tell you, her dressing room alone was enough to elicit envious sighs from the Allen women present!

Their daughter Alex had a great time, showing off the guitar Lenny Kravitz autographed for her during one of her sessions in the recording studio.  She's an aspiring songstress, so let's be on the look-out for her career to take off!

 The evening concluded with many hugs since this was the official end of the reunion activities for those who could not stay for the trip to Eleuthera the next day.  We were so glad to see everyone and hopeful that we'd all keep in touch.

Reunion Recap

Day 4:  Sunday, July 2

Worship Service, Family Luncheon

& Prime Minister's Reception

Photo credits

Ben & Dannica Fitts, Mary Turner, Tangela Lusain-Johnson & Carmen Turner

(Click on photos in gallery to enlarge)   

Pastor Ivan Carey and his lovely wife Donell and their family at the Worship Service. He delivered the morning's sermon.	The Memorial Candlelight Ceremony was moving as it always is. Here RC Carey, Mandy Moncur and Jay Smith honor our deceased members.
Representing the younger Allen generations, Beijing Rogers and Randi Hilton sang "Jesus Take the Wheel" during the service.	Family members who shared their testimonies with us: Ed Allen, Grace Miller, Joan Allen Leggett, Doreen Allen Major & Al McCartney, with Gus Moncur.
The family worshiping together, including descendants of Rev. George W. Allen and James A. Allen.	Descendants of Mary Allen Carey join the rest of the Allen Clan in singing hymns of praise during the Worship Service.
Pastor Ed Allen and his lovely wife Velma at the Worship Service. Pastor Ed shared the story of how he came to be saved.	Eureka Allen Stevens (granddaughter of Rev. George W. Allen) with cousin Dannica Fitts (granddaughter of Rev. Alexander Allen) after the service.
The family of Mary Darling (with glasses) includes daughters Kendra, Alanna and grandchildren. Mae is the youngest of Willie Butcher's children.	Faye Carey Smith (left) with Pastor Ivan Carey and his family after the Worship Service.
Charlene Ferguson designed and crafted these creative centerpieces, which are modeled after the reunion logo. She is the daughter of Angela Wallace.	Jasmine Rogers and husband Bryon with her parents Doreen Allen Major and Rex Major at the luncheon. What a beautiful family!
About 350 Allens gathered for the Family luncheon after the Worship Service!	Mae Darling shared a short dissertation entitled, "Remembering Papa" about her father, Willie Butcher Allen.
Aren't these gentlemen distinguished? Attorney Michael Allen with Dr. Baldwin Carey and Dr. David Allen, standing head and shoulders above the rest!	Cousins Gene Carey and Kenneth Carey. Both are grandsons of Susan Allen, the youngest daughter of William & Addie Allen.
More of Susan Allen's descendants at the Luncheon that afternoon. They're hosting the 2010 Allen Family Reunion in Tarpum Bay!	Renowned psychologist Dr. David Allen addresses the family at the luncheon.
Ashward Ferguson, son of Bertha Allen Ferguson and grandson of Willie Butcher Allen, enjoying the luncheon with a pretty lady by his side.	Wonder what this adorable little one is writing with her "Allen Family Reunion" embossed pen? It's too early for letters to Santa!
Cousins and friends: Donzel Leggett and Mary Turner at the luncheon after service.	Clark Allen, with granddaughters Yvanna and Danielle after the luncheon. What a cool grandpa! Clark is the grandson of Willie Butcher.
Tangela Lusain-Johnson looking pretty in yellow with her door prize. She had the winning number!	Everyone wants those reunion T-shirts, especially at the last minute after the Family Luncheon!
The Allen Family enjoyed the lovely poolside courtyard at the reception hosted by the Bahamian Prime Minister and First Lady at their new home.	Willie Delancy, who chaired this year's reunion, stops to chat with his cousins at the reception.
Juan Carey, descendant of Susan Allen (right) with his wife LaTasha and their sons Juan Jr and Jonathan are pictured with Dot Moncur.	The Hon. Perry Christie, center, enjoys chatting with his guests around the pool.
Keena Blocker, Lynne Bailey and several other relatives enjoy the casual elegance of the Prime Minister's family room.	Alexandria Christie (Perry's daughter), holding a guitar autographed by Lenny Kravitz. She's an aspiring singer herself!
Everyone mingled and enjoyed the warm hospitality of our hosts. First Lady Bernadette Christie (in white on the right) had a ball!	Walter Carey, great-grandson of Susan Allen, brought his son Robert to the reception.
David Jr. and Marie joined their parents Dr. David & Vicky Allen at the reception. Anya Allen (center) is the daughter of Dr. Ted Allen (deceased).	Barbara Carey with her family. She is a descendant of Susan Allen through her father Leo Carey and grandfather "Boy" Carey.
Allens enjoying the warm island evening and having a ball at the reception: Cousins Greg Carey and Paul Bethel with Linda Jarrett and Sonia Gibson.	The beautiful Nassau sunset seemed to set the sky on fire and brought an end to a wonderful day.