|
Tribute to Rev. Olin Harris
Rev. OLIN HARRIS SR. 1934 - 2009
Longtime Harrisburg radio and television personality Olin Harris Sr. leaves a powerful legacy of music and ministry.
He calmly broke color barriers and encouraged others -- even his competitors, associates said.
Harris, 74, died of bone cancer at the home of his youngest child, Kirsten Nicole Harris of Harrisburg.
The father and daughter had hosted gospel shows together for many years.
Harris, a minister and musician, had broadcast on Harrisburg radio and television since 1957.
He performed as a soloist for President Ronald Reagan. He was named to the Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
He received a lifetime achievement award from the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters and was named NAACP Man of the Year for his work encouraging youths.
There is Something About Olin
(Tribute to Rev. Olin Harris)
By: Nathaniel J. Gadsden
In the Heavens they say – The area covered by your life is not as important as what you build on it. Being in the giver’s good grace is worth more than an outstretched hand.
Good fortune will not happen to you; good fortune is given to him who seeks it.
There is something about Olin….
It’s the voice
The mellow / valley voice / unique in tone and texture
It echoes and glides, commands and soothes
A voice filled with greater gratitude
A voice bearing gifts – giving good nature and God to those who will listen
A voice of intimacy and interest
A voice forgiving of foolish folly and carelessness
A voice of the heart
A voice that oozes happiness
A voice that makes you feel at home
The African says – A good humoured person has no enemy. Your goodness is not for yourself but for others.
There is something about Olin…
It’s the Smile
The smile that delivers courtesy, courage and consideration
The confident smile that disarms your criticism
The suffering smile providing stubborn sweetness to the suspicious soul
The repentant smile, sharing respect, regret and renewal
The enduring smile that lingers long after the last word is spoken
The educated smile that knows when kindness is needed
In the Motherland they say – A man’s face shows what is in his heart.
A big heart is better than a big brain. Kindness is better than wealth.
There is something about Olin…..
It’s The Spirit
The Christian spirit of passionate parents passed on
The spirit of God in a symphony of song
The old aged spirit whose origins are traced through oppression,
Observation and opportunity
The ancestors spirit speaking self-respect, self-reliance, and self-control
In search of self his spirit speaks and smiles in a language enriched by the
Souls that knew him when he was still a hope in ancient Egypt, a prayer in
Tanzania, a nursery rhyme in Zimbabwe, a fable in Mali, a poem in Uganda,
A dying wish in Kenya, a wedding vow in Nigeria, a shout in Rwanda, and a
War cry in South Africa
There is something about Olin
In Uganda they say “To ask is to know”
So today we come to give praise and blessings to one with a God-filled
voice, an anointed smile and a passionate spirit. But, the truth is we stand in
willful wonderment – with a curious question and a playful tugging at the
garment of God asking – What is it really about Olin Harris that you have
given him favor. How is he blessed? Why is it that we can’t help but
to love him. Is it the voice? Is it the smile? Is it the spirit? Or, is it just
that we see you, God, in him? Oh well, whatever it is – Dear God – we love Rev. Dr. Olin Harris, and we always will.
Amen
|
