Uncrowned Community Builders

Elijah Brown was born in Camden South Carolina on December 25, 1903. His parents, Charles and Cornelia Bush Brown came to Buffalo, New York to make a better life for themselves and their children. Deacon Brown and his wife Sarah had their first child, Andrew on May 21, 1935. The Browns had a second child, Lois, who was born on October 14. Elijah and Sarah had six more children, Pat, Stanley, Tilmon, Milton, Elijah and William.
Deacon Brown was a member of St. John Baptist Church which was located at 92 Monroe Street. The church later moved to a bigger builder at Michigan and Goodell Streets. He accepted awards for the Father of the Year and Outstanding Deacon at that church on November 14, 1981. Deacon Brown died on January 25, 1982.
The Brown children have always been contributors to the community. The sons formed a gospel group; two of them, Andrew and Stanley directed a choir and composed music. Patricia has worked as a nurse. Andrew received an award from the NAACP for his humanitarian efforts. Joseph received a Kiwanis award. Tilmon accepted an award for Businessman of the Year and he is the President of Continental Bakery. Lois, the family cook, has received an award for her cooking. She has an outstanding recipe for Pork Chop Casserole but I can't share it with you. Sorry! The Browns believe in the Power of Prayer to cure all ills and to keep the family strong and together.
Submitted by Jeannine R Anderson (1985 Essay contest)
Reprinted with permission from the Afro American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, Inc.