The good Rev. Louis Arlo Holliday, Sr. was a wonderful grandfather and strong mentor to everyone he met and most of all his youngest grandson. His body and heart were very weak in my youth and somehow he found the strength to get up and take me on walks in his yard and garden. I remember holding his large hands and looking up at his tall stature and curly white hair. He only could stay outside for short periods of time and yet it seemed like a lifetime to me. We would come back to the house and sit on the steps. My grandmother would open the door out on us and ask if we'd like something to drink. He would ask me if I wanted something, and I would say yes sir. He would tell her that we did but only a few drops. That always made me laugh when he said that. He loved his family so much and it showed in his actions. His favorite time was Christmas, and he loved the color red. He was a strong preacher and a soft poet. His words are just scribble on old paper now to those that come after me. To me his words are a golden testament to his mentality and humanity. If I close my eyes, I can see him here with me and I only wish that I could tell him just how much I don't want to open them. Rev. Louis walks and talks to Jesus in Glory and waits patiently on the day that we will see each other again. Rest in peace Pop until I bear-hug you again. This poem below was the one that stands above all other that he wrote. It is about the little church and place he and his family are buried.

"HAIL TO OLD OAK GROVE"
This is a place we love
Your Large oaks and spacious lawn
Becons us to come home
There's something about this spot
That invites us to stop
It is a place we can find peace
Relax and be at ease
We hear the Macedonian Call
We answer, "Oak Grove will not fall"
It is a place in this community
Where we can worship God in unity
Dear God, we lift our voices in Prayer
You've promised to be here
We claim that promise by faith
"Surely God is in this place"
-Written by Rev. Louis Arlo Holliday, Sr.