Honoring Uncle Johnny Holmes
Submitted by Greg McKee
April 24, 2023 marked the 64th anniversary of the passing of Uncle Johnny Holmes. He had participated in the opening of the Cleveland Street YMCA just the day before. This was the culmination of the YMCA leadership — anchored by Uncle Johnny himself — and was a giant step forward for the YMCA of Greenville. Uncle Johnny was an iconic leader for both the YMCA of Greenville, and the Greenville community as a whole. The day after his passing, the Greenville News asked that ALL churches in Greenville ring their bells at 4:00pm to honor his service to Greenville. It appears to be the only time in Greenville’s history that such a gesture has occurred.
Let us pause for minute to honor his example and leadership in improving the lives of our community…
Thoughts and background from Cory Harrison
John Mallory Holmes, or Uncle Johnny as he was more affectionately known as, was Camp Greenville’s third and most significant Camp Director. He served as our leader from 1914-1942 when he eventually turned over camp leadership to his hand-picked, long-time, second in command, Monk Mulligan.
Perhaps one of his most valuable contributions to Camp Greenville came in 1920 when Uncle Johnny and his camp committee began thinking about obtaining a campsite “higher up” than the current site in Blythe Shoals. Uncle Johnny and Mr. J. Harvey Cleveland persuaded the doubtful group to look at a site on top of the mountain beyond Caesar’s Head where, he assured them, there was ample water supply, enough level space for a large athletic field, a commanding view of the valley, and a waterfall 150 feet high. One look was all the visitors needed to convince them that this was the site they wanted.
With Camp Greenville firmly established “high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains” Uncle Johnny had a dream of a lodge dedicated to World Friendship. While he collected rocks and mementos from all over the world, the campers and leaders used a daily “service period” to collect native stone, out of which the Thomas F. Parker Lodge was constructed in the space of two years, being put into use in 1931. The dedication plaque contains a quote from Uncle Johnny that says, “May all who enter this place leave with kindlier regard for all nations and all races.” A fitting reminder for us today as well.
Uncle Johnny retired in 1944 but his legacy will never retire from the hearts and minds of all who enter Camp Greenville.
