Happy 100th!

West Memphis reverend celebrates the century mark this weekend

By RALPH HARDIN

ralphhardin@gmail.com

On the popular “Star Trek” TV show, the logical pointy-eared character Dr. Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy, often offered the Vulcan Salute of “Live long and prosper” along with the iconic raised-hand gesture of an open palm with the middle and ring ngers spread in a V shape. It borrows from various other sources, including ancient Egyptian proverbs, the Bible and the works of Shakespeare.

Whatever your prefered source, one West Memphis man has taken the idea to heart and this Saturday, he will celebrate his 100th birthday. Rev. Arthur Lee Townsend Sr. was born on Dec. 4, 1921 in Corona, Tennessee, to Osby and Senora Townsend. His granddaughter, Kiya Buckingham, shared some of her grandfather’s extensive history.

“He was the fourth of ten children,” she said. “Growing up, Arthur was very inquisitive, he enjoyed learning and reading. However, during that time boys needed to work to help take care of the family so he was only able to complete the sixth grade before he had to leave school and work the elds for his family. Even though he was not formally educated past the sixth grade, Townsend was a math whiz. He could solve equations and use numbers like he had a degree in Mathematics.”

Townsend and his family moved to Joiner, Arkansas, when he was very young.

“It was in Joiner that Arthur met the woman of his dreams, Victoria Smith, when they were just teenagers,” Buckingham explained. “Being the only girl to ve brothers, Arthur had to win the affection of Victoria’s brothers before he could have their blessing to marry her. Arthur was persistent and he and Victoria were married in January of 1943. Together they had 14 children.”

The future reverend worked as a sharecropper for many years. Kiya described her grandfather as an extremely hard worker who was dedicated to taking care of his family. In 1968, the Townsends moved their family “up to the city,” settling in West Memphis.

“This was a big move for the Townsends,” said Buckingham. “Their new home included more space for the children, access to better schools, and most importantly a bathroom with running water!”

During this time Arthur secured a job at Pidgeon Thomas Warehouse as a janitor. He worked there for over 20 years until he retired in the mid-1980s.

Townsend was called into the ministry by God at an early age. However, due to his limited education he felt he was not qualied to preach.

“He did everything he could to avoid this calling,” according to his granddaughter. “God said otherwise and would not release him. He nally yielded to the will of God, accepted his calling, and began to preach. He went back to school to get his GED and then completed a theology degree from Tennessee School of Religion. Growing up his grandchildren recall Rev. Townsend spending several hours in the bathroom. They always wondered why. Rev. Townsend said that was the only quiet place he could study and have time with God.”

Following God, Rev. Townsend lived long and prospered.

“He raised his family to follow Christ and to use their talents for His glory,” Buckingham conrmed.

As a result, his sons formed a gospel quartet group called the Shiloh Spirituals and his daughters, The Townsend Sisters, released a Gospel album “I am a Witness” in the 1980s. Rev. Townsend served as the Pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in West Memphis for a decade in the 1980s and 90s.

“December 4, 2021, we celebrate Rev. Townsend’s 100th birthday,” said Buckingham. “His descendants include fourteen children, 36 grandchildren, 71 great grandchildren, and 8 greatgreat grandchildren.”

When asked how he feels about celebrating 100 years of life Rev. Townsend responded, “Oh, I’m just grateful to be here.”

All of his family share this sentiment, said Kiya, and “feel truly blessed to celebrate 100 years of life with him.”

Rev. Arthur Lee Townsend Sr. will be turning 100 years old this Saturday.

Submitted photo