History of the Ulysees Turner Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc
The Ulysees Turner Memorial Scholarship Fund was organized on May 13, 1970 by the Young Adult Sunday School Class with a $250 donation from Robert Chatman, who was a member of the Class. The teacher was Deacon Daniel Wearring. The first meeting of the Scholarship Fund was held on this date at the original location of Lilydale First Baptist Church of Chicago, 9537 South Perry Avenue. It opened with prayer by Deacon Major Chatman. Present at this initial meeting were Carolyn Browne, Grover Durry, Joanna Durry, Major Chatman, Robert Chatman, Annie Sue Berlack, Joyce Harper, Lillie Moore, James Wright, Jr. and Lottie Turner Yates. Officers for the fund were selected, as well as ideas agreed upon.
The ULYSEES TURNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND, was established in memory of Deacon Ulysees Turner, who had served on the Deacon Board, was a Sunday School teacher, and the Superintendent of the Adult Sunday School Division. He was the husband of Gladys Woods Turner and the father of four children. He also sang in the Sanctuary Choir and served as the secretary of the Trustee Board of Lilydale First Baptist Church of Chicago. The principles of the Scholarship Fund have always been to financially assist Christian youth (not limited to Lilydale First Baptist Church of Chicago members) regardless of race, gender, etc., who are attending or planning to attend college.
The ULYSEES TURNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND, Inc. is a 501 c3 not for profit organization, with no salaries or overhead expenses. It was incorporated October 5, 2016. Since its inception it has a net worth of several thousand dollars, all made possible by the cooperation and generosity of members of the church as well as friends and acquaintances. The fundraising events over the years have been the Candlelight Dinner Theatre affair and the Cotillion/Beautillion. Our group will hold its eighteenth Cotillion/Beautillion in 2023. We anticipate another grand event.
The ULYSEES TURNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND, Inc. began celebrating Black Heritage Sunday in 2016. The purpose was to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans and Africans in the diaspora. The first celebration was held on Sunday, February 21, 2016 immediately following morning worship service in the sanctuary of Lilydale First Baptist Church of Chicago. It was well received by all in attendance. Deacon Frank Paink was so moved by the tribute that he requested the UTMSF to continue to celebrate our African American Heritage. Due to the COVID-19 international pandemic/quarantine, the 6th, 7th, and 8th Black Heritage Celebrations were held virtually. The YouTube recording of this year's event can be found on our homepage or the Ulysees Turner Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. Youtube Channel.