| Author | Message | ||
     rozpriceenglish Member Username: rozpriceenglish Post Number: 80 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 172.163.54.48 |
Found this today when I did a Grenville search on google. While I do appreciate all the work that has been done by the alumni association, I am alarmed that someone feels that they have the authority to speak for me - and you. Reference: http://www.benedictionblogson.com/?p=3388 Robert Creighton on Sep 3rd, 2007 at 2:34 am I attended Grenville Christian College for three years graduating in 1987. It was an intense place to go to school, and to live. We were constantly challenged to do our best. There were a lot of rules that at the time caused anger or bewilderment, that mostly I laugh at now. There were some disciplines that, as a teenager, seemed to far exceed the offense. Never, however, in my time there (and I can speak for my two sisters who went before me, both who thrived there) did I/we suffer any abuse. I do not intend to deny anyone’s experience, I can only tell you my own. I can say that the influence of the Community of Jesus often caused me concern for the staff and their children, but it really did not play a huge role for me as a student attending school there. I personally loved GCC. The intensity of my time there, both happy and challenging, forged life-long friendships. GCC, and the staff there, taught me great lessons that have contributed to many of the positive things in my life today. The effort that was expected in Academics, Sports, the Arts and even socially was really challenging a lot of the time. It was that effort, though, that lead to a little school of around 300 (when I was there) to compete with larger institutions in every area. It was what lead to Dramatic Productions that were far beyond what is often seen at that level. It was that energy and effort (and yes often pressure) that lead to an incredible spirit around the school for those who chose to be a part of it and accept the challenges laid before them. In saying that, I am not excusing any sort of abuse that allegedly happened, but merely trying to point out the reality that there were many, many positive elements to GCC that were most people’s experience. Why do you think parents kept paying for their kids to go back there year after year? Re-enrollment in the 80’s and early 90’s was exceptionally high. The answer is that most students thrived under the pressure of the GCC environment. Some were damaged by it and that is not right, and if there were individuals who were abused at the school then their abusers should be held accountable no matter who or what they were acting in the name of. I am suggesting, however, that most people’s experience at the school was ultimately a positive one. Abuse was not a matter of course for most - pressure to do your best was. Continued... | ||
| rozpriceenglish Member Username: rozpriceenglish Post Number: 81 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 172.163.54.48 |
Everyone is human and has flaws and it probably means big mistakes were made if there is this kind of pain in some people’s lives. I absolutely feel sympathy for them. The reality is that the vast majority of GCC Alumni, if polled, would answer that they are grateful for their experiences at the school. Many would say they hated being there at times and loved it at others and have grown to see the value of it in their lives. Another group were obviously damaged by it. It seems very complicated. Again, I am not denying anyone’s experience or saying how one should or should not find closure and the ability to move on in their lives. The reality is that the school changed drastically in the last ten years in terms of its way of functioning (and there was a break from the Community of Jesus, which, incidentally: I would believe anything I read about CoJ) and the reporting that is being done about the decades that went before is one-sided and not representative of many student’s experience at GCC. Father Farnsworth was an intense man, and no doubt made some errors in judgment at times. If that was someone’s experience with him, I believe that they should have the opportunity to speak to him and be heard, and he should take responsibility (as it appears he is trying to do by an earlier post here which indicated he was trying to apologize to someone individually). I do not, however, doubt for a moment the sincerity of his purpose at GCC. In my own life history I consider Father Farnsworth a mentor in my life; one who guided me and pushed me and for whom I am grateful to have known. That is my experience of Grenville Christian College. PS. I make statments about “the vast majority” and “most students”… I can make those statements because I have been closely involved with the GCC Alumni network of people in the GCC Alumni Association and have had hundreds of emails and Facebook notes that support those statements. END | ||
| tmw Junior Member Username: tmw Post Number: 46 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.70.69.62 |
once I have simmered down a bit, perhaps I will comment | ||
| mike_irvine New member Username: mike_irvine Post Number: 25 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 99.243.1.247 |
bluesman's post from "the many faces of gcc" remains the perfect response to this post. all that i would add is that robert's belief that "the vast majority of students" had a positive experience is based on his incredibly skewed sample space, the gcc alumni network. i can only speak for myself, but i have never wanted anything to do with this group and it's revisionist history | ||
| papillon Junior Member Username: papillon Post Number: 32 Registered: 7-2007 Posted From: 24.40.146.45 |
Most alumni I know don't have anything to do with GCC or the alumni network. Nor are they ever contacted by GCC. This includes my two siblings, one of whom graduated "prefect of the year". Absolutely it was abusive. Perfect example: David Smith ... and many more | ||
| grenvillan88 Junior Member Username: grenvillan88 Post Number: 31 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 74.99.246.147 |
there are two words that come immediately to mind, "brainwashed" and "brown-noser". perhaps i missed the chew-out session that gave us the ability to read the thoughts of others. did anyone else miss it? | ||
| gcc_1981_grad New member Username: gcc_1981_grad Post Number: 13 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 70.51.146.194 |
I also graduated a prefect and was never contacted by the Alumni association - nor did I ever want to be. My parents donated to the school while I was there/ As far as I know they stopped their donations after I left. I attended the school while you were there Robert. There were a large number of students who were need of "correction" as it was put. An example of what we would be like after the "correction" were the many smiling faces that existed in the school around us. I believe that you and others believe that you have had a good experience while you were there - however, based on my experience I question your experience. | ||
| tmw Junior Member Username: tmw Post Number: 47 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.70.69.62 |
I posted a response specifically to Robert: Robert, I can appreciate that you can look back on GCC and see the positive things that happened there. There were positive moments, yes. Perhaps though, you could explain exactly how some of our experiences made a positive influence on our education and upbringing. For example: • Your said “mentor” singling out students in the dining room in front of all our peers, and staff, being humiliated and embarrassed and being told that we needed to repent for some unknown sin? Or even worse being told to stand on a chair and repeat over and over “I am an idiot”. • 4 other boys were made to stand at the back of the dining room and eat in silence for a week. They were forbidden to wear the uniform, and put on “D” for a week. • If discovered that the girls had a “crush” on a boy (or even worse finding out that a female student may have had a “special” relationship with a boy). Your said “mentor” would grill these female students with questions such as “How far have you gone with this boy?” “have you let him put his hand down you little panties?” “Have you let a boy put his hand down your blouse?” and then be accused of being “whores”, “jezebel’s” and “pieces of meat”, or my personal favourite “cocktease”. • How about the entire school (staff and students) being out on silence for entire days. We were unable to speak to one another, even during meals. How does one ask for the salt to be passed when you are unable to speak? • Male students being kept up late (between 11 and 1am) to learn a song (Stout hearted men) to sing to the female students. Female students had to learn a similar song and sing it to the male students. • All female students were told by your “mentor” that the female uniform was designed in such a way so that it would hide our bodies. Women held a powerful influence over men, and men just can’t help themselves. A woman only need to look at how she was dressed or was behaving if she ever found herself in harms way from a boy. That happened in the Blue Lounge of Murray hall one evening. After this speech, we were forced to chant Chastity and Abstinence over, and over. All of these things happened (and more) during your tenure. Some even happened to you. What was the point of those exercises?? I might suggest that it was these experiences and more that potentially led to the drop of enrolment. To my knowledge, the peak of enrolment was while we were there 1984-1989. I would go further to suggest that perhaps there were some financial concerns as far back as 1987-88 as well as they no longer allowed day students to attend past Grade 6. The boarding students were their bread and butter. Local parents were given the option of having their children attend GCC as a boarding student or find another school. The reality of the situation is the bizarreness tapered off with the enrolment. It came to a complete halt after your “mentors” retirement, and the Community of Jesus releasing their grip on the institution. As for the apology, let me enlighten you. The person, which he attempted to approach, was one of the people, which had tried to get the Recorder and Times to break the story in 1989. He personally sat in on this person’s “light sessions”. When confronted with the information and his abusiveness towards this student, this was his response: “FF told her husband that he could not apologise for any of the abuse because he was not aware of any abuse and that if he had been aware he would have stopped it. any apology would be insincere and any apology would be a lie. As a Christian man of the cloth he could not do that because it would be a lie.” | ||
| tmw Junior Member Username: tmw Post Number: 48 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.70.69.62 |
part deux It is not my intent to take away your positive experiences you are carrying with you, but as the Alumni President it is your responsibility to represent ALL alumni, not just the ones that had a positive experience. Please refrain from dragging the Alumni Association into this. If you would like to speak as a former student, fine. Speak away. But as an Alumni, I know what went on. I saw the good and the bad. Please don’t speak for me. I know the truth. I will be emailing this directly to him as well (Message edited by tmw on September 04, 2007) | ||
| tabby1979 Junior Member Username: tabby1979 Post Number: 47 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 207.216.241.43 |
Hi TMW - good for you....and good response. I did not even know this Creighton person and never had dealings with him through the Alumni Association. The only time I had correspondence from the Alumni Association (which were from Nancy Smith) was to raise money for whatever cause was going on at the time. I agree, he should be speaking for himself, not on behalf of the Alumni. | ||
| tmw Junior Member Username: tmw Post Number: 49 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.70.69.62 |
Bob was a student when I was there. I can attest to the fact that he is a genuinly nice person. I am certain he means no malice. What I remember of him is being very funny, participating in most "skits", and was always able to lend a hand to just about anything. Honestly, I think he is a very appropriate pick for the roll of President of the Almuni Association. however, that being said, I took great exception to that post he posted. I will not speak to what he was thinking at the time when he posted this. I can only assume that he was trying to protect his own memories of GCC. I am happy that he has such good memories. I just can't swallow the fact that he posted as President of the alumni association. I am Alumni and can speak of the good and bad at GCC, his views certainly didn't represent me. And that is what he is a representative, and must remember that he represents ALL of us. | ||
| klein88 New member Username: klein88 Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 58.186.17.233 |
I was interested to see the name David Smith. Little information I will like to disclose. I helped him come to Toronto. My family helped him get back to relatives in the US. Does anyone know how he is... Please pass on my best to him.... Geoff Klein | ||
| pax1 New member Username: pax1 Post Number: 4 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 74.99.3.182 |
I feel the need to lend support to the Bob's message. I would not write exactly what he wrote and I would never consider Father Farnsworth a mentor, but I echo his main sentiments. Bob did not experience the abuse I did as a young staff kid, but his perspective is not that far off from my own. I believe that his words represent many alumni and, hopefully/probably, a large majority of them. | ||
| tmw Junior Member Username: tmw Post Number: 50 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.70.69.62 |
Geoff....please contact me Oddly enough I was thinking about you and your brother just yesterday. I remember when you were there...you too were a favorite target of FF lisa TMWife@sympatico.ca (Message edited by tmw on September 04, 2007) | ||
| cryfreedom Member Username: cryfreedom Post Number: 61 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 24.226.27.60 |
tmw----Great response to Bob!! Thanks for doing that. Bob if you are reading this----WTF?! You can feel free to speak for yourself but NOT for others. Sure you thrived at GCC and on looking back maybe you thought I did too( I would not have survived without the sports). But obviously you did not know what was going on behind so many closed doors. You did not know the emotional abuse that so many of the students, staff kids(not to mention STAFF)had to endure. It is ok to share your positive experiences but it is even more important for the truth of the bad experiences to come forward. And please don't mention FF as a mentor. Obviously you were never emotionally, sexually or physically abused at GCC or you would not be calling FF a mentor. | ||
| rjc2 New member Username: rjc2 Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 71.211.168.32 |
Part 1: So I have read a lot of the posts on factnet prior to this but have stayed off because I understand that there are many who have experienced pain and hardship because of some things at GCC and that was not my experience. I believe it was your experience and I had nothing to add and I certainly have no right to deny it, so I did not post on here. I do, as I am sure you would agree, have the right to express my own experience. And as for being President of the Alumni Association (which I did not say I was on the particular Anglican church blog, or whatever that was), that is something that grew out of GCC in its modern era (post the big apology letter of the late '90's). I think they realized they had done little to stay connected to Alumni or to be open to Alumni connecting with the school. I was originally in a group of 8 or 10 who started it up and then a few years ago became president. To be contacted by them and get updates etc, you had to be on the GCC website directory. If you had no desire to have anything to do with GCC and did not give them your contact info, you would not have got the letters and updates. And that’s fine…I have never tried to change anybody’s mind. I have always just appreciated my time at GCC and I acted in response to that, as you must do whatever you need to in response to your particular experience. | ||
| rjc2 New member Username: rjc2 Post Number: 2 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 71.211.168.32 |
Part 2: I was always very clear that the GCCAA was not a fundraising thing. It was simply for the connectivity of Alumni: ie. trying to organize reunions, regional events etc. We have had one in NYC up until this past year when I didn't get a chance to plan it. They were a lot of fun. The first time I asked for donations for anything was recently and it just came from a place of wanting to help out the people who are still there and who I personally have respect for. I don’t pretend to speak for all GCC Alumni. I can only speak for myself, as I mentioned in my post on that blog. I can, however, speak to the experiences of many because the truth is I have hundreds of emails and facebook notes that are positive and sad that the school is closing. That is just my reality. Here is the thing for me: I mean, I remember thinking how stupid some punishments were, but now I laugh about them. That's just me. I don't deny anyone's experience, I just personally never felt abused. I had a blast with my friends on the sports teams and in the shows and on field trips and all that. I was into the rah-rah stuff, no question. I don’t deny it. A lot of the rules that I thought were ridiculous, for me, merely presented an opportunity to try and get around them. (ie: making out in as many secret locations as possible!) And for me, again...just my take on things...I did not question the sincerity of purpose of the staff and as an adult, after the fact, I had a lot of respect for them. If you suffered abuse or something affected you in a different way you obviously have every right to feel and react in whatever way you want. I'll continue to stay off this site, cause it is not my intention to deny anyone's feelings or defend the people who committed abuses toward you. | ||
| rjc2 New member Username: rjc2 Post Number: 3 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 71.211.168.32 |
Part 3: I think that there are many good points on here in response to my letter and some I can’t agree with: Mike Irvine...I think you make a good point in that my dealings are with people who want to be connected to GCC and who had a good experience there so perhaps…no... for sure, I have only dealt mostly with one side of the story. That happens to be inline with my experience, so I guess it is natural. I continue to believe that the majority of people had a positive, abuse-free experience at GCC. Many obviously did not, and there is no excuse for that. But to say that I had a great experience and recount that with many others who did is not “revisionist.” It is merely my (and many others based on actual received correspondence) experience; different from yours, and equally valid. Papillion…totally your right to not be involved. The purpose of the GCCAA was to connect us and no doubt you stay in touch with whomever you want to. The GCC closing has brought a lot of people out of the woodwork, and I am happy to be in touch with some old friends from that time. Hopefully, it will continue to be a source of connectivity. We’ll see. Grenvillian88…LOL! As for reading minds, I am not…just telling my own story and responding to the many positive notes from people. Both sides are valid. I am guessing I would not have enjoyed my time the same in the late ’70s hearing some of the stories. But, overall, I had a blast with the people I went to school with from ’84-’87. Don’t get me wrong…there were some hard times when I was feeling like certain staff were being overly hard on me. Do I think the punishment was too much for the crime sometimes: yes. Was it abusive to me (again…speaking for myself): no. Do I think they were trying to sincerely do their best: yes. Did I learn and grow from it: yes. Does effort and sincerity ever excuse abuse: absolutely not. gcc_81_grad…That doesn’t make sense. How can you question MY experience based on YOUR experience? I don’t question yours and I am allowed to have mine! As for being connected to the GCCAA…see above. | ||
| rjc2 New member Username: rjc2 Post Number: 4 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 71.211.168.32 |
Part 4: RozPriceEnglish…I don’t know you other than our very pleasant exchanges on facebook in response to my letters as GCCAA president to keep people informed and recently when I was trying to raise some money to help out with the staff and you asked how you could help out etc. "Hi Bob, Have you heard anything from either Nancy or the school in general regarding ways in which the alumni can contribute/volunteer to help with the closing weekend? It seems that the alumni should be able to shoulder some of the workload for the closing. I would be interested in seeing how I can help in a tangible way... My thought was to start with you, as I know they are scrambling busy right now. - Blessings, Rosalyn 90'" But then on factnet you seem very angry at everything. I don’t know you, I have nothing against you, but I don’t know how to respond to you, I’m sorry. | ||
| rjc2 New member Username: rjc2 Post Number: 5 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 71.211.168.32 |
Part 5: TMW…(PS…is there a way to see who is who on this factnet thing?) I don’t know who you are but I respect your posts. You made me think with the phrase: “protect my memories.” I guess I am in a way. I hold my time at GCC in a good place and I always have, so yeah…I guess I do want to protect my memories. I can’t deny that. But my memories are valid, yes? And great question: how did things positively influence me? • I had to hand over my student leader pin in front of the whole damn dining room one morning and it was brutal. That was after we did a kitchen raid. Andy Chase, Jim Hickey, Dan Ford and me! It was, in fact, the four of US who had to stand in the back and eat for what was supposed to be a week and ended up being 5 days. It was a ridiculous punishment. I remember saying that to Father Farnsworth and he said that he was doing it because I was a leader and punishment was harsher because there needed to be an example set. I respected that. Made me want be a leader even more. PS. We all wrote notes back and forth after they told us we were laughing and talking too much back there and it was a very bonding experience. In later years Dan and I have often laughed about it with Bill Bayles who was the one who busted us in the kitchen. (Where is Jim Hickey---man, that guy could play some hoops.) • I don’t remember someone having to stand on a chair and say “I am an idiot.” That is completely wrong. • I remember the “silence” thing. My response to that at the time, came two ways: seeing how we could get around it (little rebel) and also I remember journaling about how many different places your mind goes when you remain silent for an extended period of time. It was amazing to me. I think I probably also thought it was a bit of a stupid activity at the time. And listen…those are my reactions to it. The second one may even be a bit weird. I can totally see how that would be oppressive to some and I am not defending it in any way. I am simply responding with my reaction to it. (SIDEBAR: As a professional singer, I have had to be on vocal rest a couple of times in my career where I literally was silent for a few days and (of course no one is enforcing this but me and my E.N.T guy) it is an amazing excersise that really has some incredibly positive effects in terms of reflection and thinking, but also at times very frustrating.) • I know I am weird like that, but I totally dug that staying up to learn Stout Hearted Men and singing it for the girls at breakfast. Great memory for me. I don’t expect that to be great for everybody. I remember thinking that that wouldn’t happen anywhere else and how cool was that. Again…I loved the rah-rah school spirit thing and that fell under that category for me, and respect anyone else’s individual response to that. | ||
| rjc2 New member Username: rjc2 Post Number: 6 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 71.211.168.32 |
Part 6 • I think it must have been tougher being a girl at the school sometimes than for boys. I know my sisters both felt good about their time there, but I don’t deny it must have been tough for some. I certainly got grilled numerous times (especially when I was on D for two days from an infraction with a ski patrol on a GCC weekend trip) and I wrote Paula Rogers (one of my many crushes) a long note and it was found out. It was crazy. I was on D for another 4 days after that. I remember once I was on D, many of the staff coming to check in on me and see how I was holding up. Again, one of the times that made me really respect their sincerity of purpose. And again, not defending any hardships you suffered under that. If I were a woman and talked to like that, I believe it would be very disturbing and wrong, and frankly it makes me angry on your behalf. I would hate to think one of my sisters was spoken to like that, but as far as I know, they weren't, thank God. • As for the apology thing with FF. You’re right, I don’t know anything about it and I should not comment on it. None of my business. • The reality is I am the president of the Alumni Association. That is the thing that Nancy Smith coordinates and all that I have been trying to do is promote connectivity amongst Alumni. There are so many strong emotions being expressed right now. I don’t pretend to speak for all, and in response to your post I will, indeed, not make any more statements as president of the GCCAA. That’s fine. I don’t have any malice toward any of my fellow Alumni for any of their feelings about GCC. I just want to have both sides of the story told. I didn’t say on my blog posting I was president of GCCAA, I just said I “have been closely involved with the GCC Alumni Network.” This is a true statement. I also see Mike Irvine’s point that I have not, however, had a lot of dealings with those who had the permanently bad times there because I was only dealing with Alums who sought out and connected with the GCCAA. Fair enough. Having said that, you are right…I should just speak for myself. | ||
| rozpriceenglish Member Username: rozpriceenglish Post Number: 87 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 172.164.76.180 |
rjc2 - first of all, let me say that your work on the part of the alumni association has been amazing. it's obvious that you had a real passion for continuing the good work of GCC. the time and resources that you dedicated are NOT in question, nor are they unappreciated. everyone is welcome here, heck, it's the internet ~ there is no exclusivity. you did not have to have a bad experience to be a part of the conversation, nor did you need to be abused in order to offer support to those who were. this is NOT an 'us against them' situation. this is similar to a family where one child has vastly different memories and experiences from another child - i know that certainly happened in my immediate family. it's completely okay (as we all agree) for each of us to speak of our personal experiences. the challenge is to neither downplay someone else's experience, nor misrepresent the royal 'we'. your comment was: " I make statments about “the vast majority” and “most students”… I can make those statements because I have been closely involved with the GCC Alumni network of people in the GCC Alumni Association and have had hundreds of emails and Facebook notes that support those statements." wouldn't it have been more factual, and supportive of your fellow alumni who did NOT have your experience, to point out that for your hundreds of emails and facebook notes, there are an equal number of communications that would NOT support those statements? just a thought. | ||
| rjc2 New member Username: rjc2 Post Number: 8 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 71.211.168.32 |
Part 7: • How was it positive for me personally? I think you get that I focus on the good stuff of my time: the sports teams which I loved being on; the G&S; the skits; the field trips to places; the choir stuff; the science classes with Mr. Childs; the great english classes which inspired me; the complin at night (weird, I know, but I like that); how cute girls looked in the kilts; the pranks I pulled… just lots of things. And there were some crappy/hard times too. For example: I had one staff member at GCC who I disliked (and I think disliked me) while I was there cause I felt he yelled at me way too much and for ridiculous things. I didn’t feel abused by him, but I didn’t like it. Internally, he never got to me because I stood there and looked him in the eye and defied him. Every time! It made me stronger. And when he was telling me I was “haughty,” which was his favorite word for me, sometimes (not always) he had a point! And I since have tried to be aware of that in my life. We all have our challenges. Anyway…tons of things to talk about, but overall I am grateful for my time at GCC and yes…for the good and the hard times there. That’s just me. It doesn’t mean I can’t have sympathy for those who had rough times and I certainly can recognize that mistakes were made and I wish you all healing and peace. (SIDEBAR: If I could just share two things that have been very helpful to me with perspective on the worst things that have happened in my life (I lost one of my sisters Mary Beth in a car accident when she was 28. Some of you would know her from her two years at GCC. Class of ’81? My mother died }shortly thereafter. And some tough personal stuff that happened recently) BROKEN OPEN by Elizabeth Lesser (best book I ever read and helped me so much. Still learning from it!) and THE POWER OF NOW by Eckhart Tolle (incredibly helpful to me. I just offer those as I feel the pain on this site and I have felt my own and these have been a huge blessing in my life. I seem to be constantly recommending them to people.) Those are my personal thoughts and I will stay out of the way here and I will only speak anywhere on my own behalf. I can say that from the core of me, I do wish you all total peace healing about GCC, no matter how it plays out. Sincerely, Robert (Bob) Creighton ‘87 | ||
| rozpriceenglish Member Username: rozpriceenglish Post Number: 88 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 172.164.76.180 |
rjc2 - first of all, let me say that your work on the part of the alumni association has been amazing. it's obvious that you had a real passion for continuing the good work of GCC. the time and resources that you dedicated are NOT in question, nor are they unappreciated. everyone is welcome here, heck, it's the internet ~ there is no exclusivity. you did not have to have a bad experience to be a part of the conversation, nor did you need to be abused in order to offer support to those who were. this is NOT an 'us against them' situation. this is similar to a family where one child has vastly different memories and experiences from another child - i know that certainly happened in my immediate family. it's completely okay (as we all agree) for each of us to speak of our personal experiences. the challenge is to neither downplay someone else's experience, nor misrepresent the royal 'we'. your comment was: " I make statments about “the vast majority” and “most students”… I can make those statements because I have been closely involved with the GCC Alumni network of people in the GCC Alumni Association and have had hundreds of emails and Facebook notes that support those statements." wouldn't it have been more factual, and supportive of your fellow alumni who did NOT have your experience, to point out that for your hundreds of emails and facebook notes, there are an equal number of communications that would NOT support those statements? just a thought. | ||
| rjc2 New member Username: rjc2 Post Number: 9 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 71.211.168.32 |
Part 7: • How was it positive for me personally? I think you get that I focus on the good stuff of my time: the sports teams which I loved being on; the G&S; the skits; the field trips to places; the choir stuff; the science classes with Mr. Childs; the great english classes which inspired me; the complin at night (weird, I know, but I like that); how cute girls looked in the kilts; the pranks I pulled… just lots of things. And there were some crappy/hard times too. For example: I had one staff member at GCC who I disliked (and I think disliked me) while I was there cause I felt he yelled at me way too much and for ridiculous things. I didn’t feel abused by him, but I didn’t like it. Internally, he never got to me because I stood there and looked him in the eye and defied him. Every time! It made me stronger. And when he was telling me I was “haughty,” which was his favorite word for me, sometimes (not always) he had a point! And I since have tried to be aware of that in my life. We all have our challenges. Anyway…tons of things to talk about, but overall I am grateful for my time at GCC and yes…for the good and the hard times there. That’s just me. It doesn’t mean I can’t have sympathy for those who had rough times and I certainly can recognize that mistakes were made and I wish you all healing and peace. (SIDEBAR: If I could just share two things that have been very helpful to me with perspective on the worst things that have happened in my life (I lost one of my sisters Mary Beth in a car accident when she was 28. Some of you would know her from her two years at GCC. Class of ’81? My mother died }shortly thereafter. And some tough personal stuff that happened recently) BROKEN OPEN by Elizabeth Lesser (best book I ever read and helped me so much. Still learning from it!) and THE POWER OF NOW by Eckhart Tolle (incredibly helpful to me. I just offer those as I feel the pain on this site and I have felt my own and these have been a huge blessing in my life. I seem to be constantly recommending them to people.) Those are my personal thoughts and I will stay out of the way here and I will only speak anywhere on my own behalf. I can say that from the core of me, I do wish you all total peace healing about GCC, no matter how it plays out. Sincerely, Robert (Bob) Creighton ‘87 | ||
| grenvillan88 Junior Member Username: grenvillan88 Post Number: 32 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 74.99.246.147 |
Mr. Creighton: Firstly, please do not put words in other people's mouth by speaking for them without written consent. Secondly, as an alumni rep, do you not find the number of alumni who have passed through GCC and stayed in touch with the beautiful buildings pathetically low? Finally, perhaps we should have percentages of all alumni, with kids, who have sent their child(ren) to GCC. Please enlighten me with the stats as well as how that translates you speaking for a majority of all alumni. | ||
| rjc2 New member Username: rjc2 Post Number: 10 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 71.211.168.32 |
thanks Roz. the thing is for me...I don't have lots of email from people who were hurt by GCC. I didn't get those. I got positive ones. I said I am involved with "people in the GCC Alumni Association" and for the most part, those are people who want to be connected to their school, or at least their school mates...but the ones who contacted me did so with regard to their gratitude to GCC. And yes, some were even stating they didn't like their time while they were there but but were positive about how the training and all that fits into their lives now. It really is so personal and yes...I need to keep it that way for me. I will speak only for myself. I get that, and that is how I will roll henceforth. Perhaps, you are right, I could have mentioned that there are obviously those who were hurt by their time at GCC. I wasn't intending to be unsupportive I was simply trying to shine a light on another side of the story. | ||
| rozpriceenglish Member Username: rozpriceenglish Post Number: 89 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 172.164.76.180 |
rcj2 (Bob) ~ it IS possible to have ugly memories and still want to be supportive. does it seem double minded to you? a bit weird and crazy? well, try to think how it makes ME feel!  i lived and loved as family many of the staff and students. i struggled with trying to be accepted and part of the group as both student and staff. i was a victim of cultish practices. does that mean that i do not want to help if i can? nope. perhaps that is the most difficult, and draining, part of this whole debaucle. how can i empathize with people who were/are so wounded and hurt, lend them support and validity, without feeling disloyal and unsympathetic towards people who were vicitimized the same way that i was (or not at all)? the only answer i could come up with is to speak out when i see the need to, being honest with my feelings and experiences AND offering my help and assistance when/where i can. so far, i haven't really had a response from the school regarding how i can help, aside from money. there was a communication about volunteering at the event, but no details. i'm not comfortable with a financial donation, so i'm still hoping that somewhere along the way i can be helpful in a 'tangible' re: nonfinancial way. it's okay that you don't know how to respond to me, i understand your challenge in assimilating all of this information and emotion in such a sort period of time. my whole purpose in posting the original message was to bring to light the need for alumni to be clearly represented and INVOLVED. as i said previously - you have done an amazing job as alumni president. my hope is that the alumni group continues to thrive long after the closing. you have been instrumental in championing the cause for GCC - it will certainly be a new era, being a champion for a group of people who will have vastly different experiences to pull from, some of whom will need incredible support and understanding. | ||
| rozpriceenglish Member Username: rozpriceenglish Post Number: 90 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 172.164.76.180 |
that said, please don't leave the board or not post. i know for myself, i am an open book on my experiences - if you have any questions or feel like you need clarification, please ask. i truly believe that if we all can communicate with each other and be open to the whole picture, something good may eventually come out of all this... who knows what, but how amazing that people are reconnecting after all this time... i'll reiterate - whatever i can do, just let me know. | ||
| rozpriceenglish Member Username: rozpriceenglish Post Number: 91 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 172.164.76.180 |
also, don't want to hijack the post, but i am SO SORRY about your sister. i know the pain of that loss - we lost my 28 year old brother in a car accident in 2002. and your mom... again, so so sorry. | ||
| rjc2 New member Username: rjc2 Post Number: 11 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 71.211.168.32 |
Grenvillian88. thanks for the "Mr." part. I'm not old enough for that though! :-) who did i speak for other than what is from my own experience? i put my email in a eblast to the GCCAA and I got a ton of positive responses. that's it. it is truthful for me to state that. yes...i do find it pathetically low. mostly the school's fault for not having a system of connectivity set up from early on. and yes...it was a hard place at times and many just wanted to get out and be done with it. i am done speaking for anybody. everyone is entitled to their personal response. i get that and I will continue in that fashion. You are the only one who responded with a snide comment. did you notice that? "brown noser" and "brainwashed"...you obviously didn't know me: involved? yes. there to have a good time and grow? yes appreciative of the dedication of most of the staff? yes. brown noser? no. always spoke my mind and occassionally got in trouble for it. Anyway, I don't need to defend myself to...whoever you are, and I don't have time to do a survey re: stats of who had a positive experience and who didn't. (see last note to Roz). Perhaps you can start a poll on facebook or something. This is a one day posting event for me. I didn't mean to offend with my letter and I have nothing against anybody. Just putting my .02 in, and felt I was justified to make a larger statement based on the many who had personally contacted me. Done doing that though. All the best! | ||
| rjc2 New member Username: rjc2 Post Number: 12 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 71.211.168.32 |
cryfreedom I don't know who you are, but point taken. I always did feel like staff kids had it rough, for sure. And you're right. I went through with no abuse, so I can only speak to my own experience. Roz. thanks for all that. I think this will lead to connectivity and support and a GCCAA that is filled with everyone and perhaps even a network that can go on as an entity and do some good. We'll see how it rolls out. Maybe it can exist on facebook? Get classes all in groups under the GCC group umbrella. It will truly be about connecting with your mates and the former staff that you choose to, if at all. That would be good I think. | ||
| cryfreedom Member Username: cryfreedom Post Number: 65 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 24.226.27.60 |
HI BOB------Sorry I did not post my name at the end(like I usually do). This is Dawn Vickery(Roberston)posting. So you know who I am.  I remember you fondly(and have heard you are doing wonderfullly now)and have a soft spot in my heart for the memories of your sisters!! Thank you for responding to all of the posts and being willing to except others thoughts and opinions also. You(and others) have said that they realized how bad staff and CofJ kids had it. But what is breaking my heart is now finding out how badly so many of the "paying" students had it. It is criminal and an apology needs to happen. I guess admitting it happened needs to come first!!! Take care, Bob-----------Dawn p.s---Give my love to Ruth Ann!!! | ||
| bluesman Junior Member Username: bluesman Post Number: 34 Registered: 5-2006 Posted From: 68.83.79.247 |
I think that many great things were said through the course of this conversation. I hope Bob that you will continue to visit this site as this site represents the perspectives of many fine people who were once also students at GCC. From my perspective, it only stands to reason that the voice of students who were not as fond of GCC as some of the ardent alumni would not have been expressed on an alumni site and so you would not have heard their stories. That is not a weakness of yours. But I think that you have to realize that the closing of the school has inadvertantly made many people aware of this site where some of the not so positive stories have been told. These are the stories that were never safe to tell, but they are none the less stories that are part of the history of GCC as much as the good stories are. Most of these stories are more than stories of bad experiences. They are stories of sadness, fear, and abuse. These are truly stories that cause many years of nightmares every night. And see, that makes it real. It is real when you dread going to bed each night because you know that you will relive some version of one of those "bad experiences". It is enough to live those experiences once in the daytime without having to consider living it many times over at night. I am guessing that has never been part of your experience in life and for that you are lucky. I challenge you in kindness to take this opportunity to hear the unheard stories and respect their authors. These are people who are strong and courageous. These are people who have been given less and made much more despite what they have been given. These are champions who have beat the odds and are giving positively back to their world. They may not say things they way that you want to hear them, but what they have to say is true and real. They need to be heard as alumni; for they are a great part of this story and this school. | ||
| lavendergirl New member Username: lavendergirl Post Number: 3 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 58.107.98.141 |
Well put bluesman! I wholeheartedly echo your words. Each person's story is part of GCC's history. | ||
| tmw Member Username: tmw Post Number: 51 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.70.69.62 |
ok ok ok.....I do not want this to turn into a ••••••• match about who's experience is valid.......this is exactly what I was talking about in my post to bob. I am no very good at verbalizing myself somedays so bear with me here. 10 people can witness the same car accident. When the police officer arrives and asks all of the witnesses what they saw, he will get 10 different accounts. They will all have a common thread, they all saw the car accident. However, one person may have seen the driver of the car do something different than what another person saw. If it were a hit and run the fleeing car would have a common thread it was a dark car. one person may say dark blue, one person may say black and another person may say dark green. The point is several people can see/experience the same thing and each person may take a different message from it. All versions/experiences are valid. I have yet to see anywhere that bob says "it didn't happen". Actually it is quite the contrary, what he has said is if you said you had that experience ok, you had that experience. What he has also said is he did not have the same experience that alot of the posters here have had. That does not make him wrong. What I was trying to impress upon bob is this(I hope you are still reading but I will email you just in case). As the president of the alumni association, we ALL need to feel accepted by that Almuni Association. Whether our experience is good, or bad. We all need to feel connected to one another. I find it difficult to feel accepted when I see the head of my alumni association posting "PS. I make statments about “the vast majority” and “most students”… I can make those statements because I have been closely involved with the GCC Alumni network of people in the GCC Alumni Association and have had hundreds of emails and Facebook notes that support those statements. " The impression that is left is that the alumni association has "chosen sides in the battle". What I want to say is there is no battle that the Alumni should feel they need to fight. Period. The GCCAA is big enough and strong enough to support both students (and staff) which have had a good experience and those which have had a bad experience. It needs to be welcoming for both. If people are left with the impression that GCCAA is only for those with a positive experience, the people which have had a bad experience will feel alienated. I don't want this. I want it to be a welcome for all. I hope I have clairfied my position | ||
| quietgrl New member Username: quietgrl Post Number: 17 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 24.226.102.190 |
Bluesman... you make me feel good... | ||
| tmw Member Username: tmw Post Number: 52 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.70.69.62 |
see bluesman......now that's what I am talking about. | ||
| rjc2 New member Username: rjc2 Post Number: 13 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 71.211.168.32 |
Points well made. Couldn't agree more that the GCCAA should include all experiences. Absolutely. I think one of the many good things that will come out of all this is a vast, inclusive GCCAA network. I hope we can agree that my good experience at GCC in no way invalidates your pain, and I appreciate that you recognize I am not denying your experience and am absolutely saddened by it. I was reacting to only one side of the story being told in the press. But someone made the point that it may be more important right now for all the hurtful things to come out so people can find healing in that. I can't disagree with that. On the subject of GCC, I don't need healing. Lord knows we all need it for many things, that just doesn't happen to be one of mine. I am not arguing. I am not denying. I was fleshing out the story. And it is great that people are sharing on here. I think it can only lead to good things for an individual getting to see he/she was not alone. Anyway...here I am posting again!  Gotta go do a show now. I hope to see EVERYONE on the 29th. That's for ALL of US to be together. Some will say good bye...some will say good riddance, but it will be good} to all be there and be together. | ||
| dignityquest New member Username: dignityquest Post Number: 23 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 99.245.112.186 |
Just to stick my oar in. Bob, I remember you and always thought you were great. Clearly, you still are. What bluesman says really echos my sentiments. In the end, when someone tells me their story, the degree to which it was my experience is completly irrelevant. I would just add that for some of us, it is not only that we see those here as brave champions who have overcome amazing things, we also know we could of and should done more earlier. This doesn't fix it, but I'm just so glad people are talking. The only way I can imagine that healing can happen. Looking forward to seeing you and everyone on the 29th. DQ (Jeff) | ||
| edgeandrea New member Username: edgeandrea Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 74.103.3.94 |
Hi everyone...silly me, i have been trying to post and I can't make it work. I guess I really am getting old. I have been reading all of this with great interest. I was a student at GCC from 84-86. Many mixed emotions about my time but, but without question I knew then, and I do now that something was very very wrong at that place. As a prefect, I played the game (to survive) and was on the giving and receiving end of wrong doing. What I remember most though was the solidarity amongst those who became close friends, and the fun we created amidst the insanity. Dawn I would really love to get in touch with you, we were friends! I tried to contact you via your email address but it bounced back...I would like to try again, can you repost your email address? I am sorry to all of you who are still suffering. I know that many experienced harsher treament than I. Will be watching and thinking of you all. Oh and btw, Bob C. how dare you defend what went on, in any shape or form. You were part of the BS that caused so much suffering. YOU WERE THERE when kids were stood up and humiliated in front of the entire school? Maybe you would feel differently had it happened to you. | ||
| dream_truth Junior Member Username: dream_truth Post Number: 49 Registered: 3-2006 Posted From: 72.45.165.10 |
Bob, your last year at that school was my first year. I remember how FF loved and favored you and would bring you back every year and talk about you like a celebrity. I understand that your experience at the school was primarily positive, that doesnt surprise me. Anyones experience was directly related to how FF decided you would be treated, largely based on who your parents were and their relationship to the school, and their willingness and ability to protect their kids. Consider this, if you had been abused at the school and left with psycological scars, would you join the happy go lucky alumni association? | ||
| papillon Junior Member Username: papillon Post Number: 34 Registered: 7-2007 Posted From: 24.40.146.45 |
Hey RJC2 ... no offense, please, but you sound a tad freaky to me. What happened to people at GCC and CoJ wasn't just an experience, a story, a point-of-view or a soundbite. It was life-changing karma with spiritual consequences. And it really doesn't matter how people rant or rave, or feel or what they discuss here. In the spiritual realm, what will be, will be. On some level FF knows this, and maybe the strange sort of mental illness he seems to be exhibiting is his protection (for now). Your posts sound glib to me, too mental (in your head, not your heart). You mention my brother by full name in some of your posts and discuss your punishment with him as a fairly enjoyable time. However, my brother turned 40 this year, and his experience at GCC altered him forever. GCC changed his outlook on life and harmed his attitude toward other people. He lost a great deal of respect - for self and others - and dignity. To this day, he has no contact with GCC and refuses to discuss his experiences there, saying only that he prefers to forget about it. I understand your zeal in wanting to make the alumni association "one big happy family" or whatever, but GCC wasn't exactly fun times at Brockville High for many people ... and that's just the facts, Jack. You might not need "healing" but you could benefit from some sensitivity training. | ||
| cryfreedom Member Username: cryfreedom Post Number: 68 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 24.226.27.60 |
edgeandrea-------I'm sure I know who you are. I would love to hear from you. Try dvickery@cogeco.ca Cheers------Dawn | ||
| gcc8286 New member Username: gcc8286 Post Number: 2 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 24.71.223.142 |
edgeandrea do I have to defend you against RJC2 AGAIN? You cannot have forgotten - I am going to tell my dad to stop the car, and I am gonna get outta that car and I am going to have a few words with you......I'll call you tomorrow with the rest - I am laughing to hard you "Black Widow" Hey cryfreedom been reading the threads and glad to hear you alive and kicking.... | ||
| priest_of_satan New member Username: priest_of_satan Post Number: 8 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 74.114.251.86 |
HEY PAPILLON quit being an arse! There are a select few from different years/classes that seem to have been hammered by GCC in one way shape or form. POINT - anyone non-staff kid or from the CofJ has qualms non of us can even understand. Were you a staff kid? Did i know you...haven't bothered to track your timeline at GCC - my name is Jason Price and I was there - causing s*it constantly, standing up for all to see in "light sessions", doing time on D etc. Brainwashed am I? Nope. Bob Creighton was not my buddy at GCC nor is he now - we were peers and acquaintances at GCC who figured out the GCC game. GCC was a game people - not that hard to figure out when looking back. My god, so FF was a bloody television evangelist and his minions bought into it - he was bloody good at it too - burning records, Parents and non-CofJ/Staff kids bought the preaching and became nuns/monks/whatever. It was nutty for sure, but bloody well bought into by the masses. If you didn't play the game it didn't work - very much like life I'm afraid. Jason Price akak Priest of Satan <ala> headhuntertoronto@yahoo.ca } | ||
| jungle_john New member Username: jungle_john Post Number: 4 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 216.191.202.186 |
Wow.... POS. I was there 81-84 and it was a farked up place. I came out of a troubled household but was not trouble. That place was a complete mindf**k for a 14 year old. It was only in grade 12 that a friend helped me figure out the "game". The game being put someone else down to elevate yourself. Chill out, we all had different expeirences. And Bob, no offence, you don't speak for me. I severed all ties when I left the place and don't have your rosy picture of "Good ole GCC". (Message edited by jungle john on September 05, 2007) | ||
| 87expellee New member Username: 87expellee Post Number: 9 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 66.78.124.38 |
Jason Price, I'm dumbfounded by your posts. You think it's ok to 'poke' (see Assault) someone (a child). No... then how about sexual interference of a minor. One entrusted to you. One you were PAID (handsomely) to look after, educate, and prepare for the real world! Unfortunately, our protectors (captors) knew nothing of the real world. Speaking of the real world, where do you live? NORTH KOREA or THE MIDDLE AGES?? I could go on and on but I fear it falls on deaf ears... remind you of anyone? | ||
| wagener84 Member Username: wagener84 Post Number: 68 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 199.214.192.50 |
I think we all need to settle this over a nice cold pint... lol Any takers?? | ||
| rozpriceenglish Intermediate Member Username: rozpriceenglish Post Number: 101 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 172.129.240.148 |
ooh!!!!! me me me me me me me me! POS - very much like life??!! WTF? who do you work for, the military? because that's the only group i can think of that would own their employees lock stock and barrel for any amount of time. oh. wait. THEY CAN'T ADMIT MINORS!! seems to me that perhaps you're stirring the pot so that you don't lose your FF given designation, am i right? am i RIGHT mister?! (poke in chest) well, you just give the rest of these good people a chance to heal in their own time and own way, and you go run that obstacle course sixteen times! seriously, though, it's not a competition. and no, you didn't win the 'i speak for the gcc alumni award'. maybe you audition again after the leads are assigned - we could use some good strong voices for the chorus... or set design. or costume design. or lighting... or... or... | ||
| rozpriceenglish Intermediate Member Username: rozpriceenglish Post Number: 102 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 172.129.240.148 |
ooh!!!!! me me me me me me me me! POS - very much like life??!! WTF? who do you work for, the military? because that's the only group i can think of that would own their employees lock stock and barrel for any amount of time. oh. wait. THEY CAN'T ADMIT MINORS!! seems to me that perhaps you're stirring the pot so that you don't lose your FF given designation, am i right? am i RIGHT mister?! (poke in chest) well, you just give the rest of these good people a chance to heal in their own time and own way, and you go run that obstacle course sixteen times! seriously, though, it's not a competition. and no, you didn't win the 'i speak for the gcc alumni award'. maybe you audition again after the leads are assigned - we could use some good strong voices for the chorus... or set design. or costume design. or lighting... or... or... | ||
| priest_of_satan New member Username: priest_of_satan Post Number: 13 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 74.114.251.86 |
Nope that is not what I am saying... Mike, yeah you are right - not actually riled up over here. Singular perspective only...I liked Dan Ortolani and still do - no matter what I read. No one is perfect - and you do bring up a very good point when saying....parents spend $$$ for kids to get an education not be... 87expellee & junglejohn we obviously went to school together...care to share names? Mike definitely having a beer with you and chilling out at the closing - looking forward to it. cheers | ||
| mandatoryfun New member Username: mandatoryfun Post Number: 8 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 74.98.115.237 |
Yeah, about people’s different perceptions. I mean, they’re just so different. POS, thanks for being able to hear out people’s negative perceptions; I had ‘em in spades (the place kinda killed me on the inside) and I appreciate you keeping an open mind. That said, that you can meet DO and come out thinking he’s a good guy . . . it’s just really, really hard to swallow. Are you wrong about him? Damn straight. Could you not see how scared his own family was of him? How his own wife sat at their table in a posture of fear and deference, venturing to add to conversations he led only when she thought it was safe? I know you are telling the truth . . . but I’m still kinda bewildered. No explanation needed, of course, bud! I’m just pointing out the dichotomy of perception. It’s just like when the two guys on here who post with their real names and seem to have a realistic and compassionate view of the damage wrought by the school -- they have a favourable view of JJ. JJ!?! <gasp!> <sputter!><choke!> My sister, who went for almost as long as I did and liked the school (it kills me, but what can ya do?) will admit that she was one of the worst and really effed with people as a matter of course. That’s just my point, I guess. Nothing earth-shattering: people have wildly different experiences of the same thing. For me rjc2’s open-mindedness is definitely appreciated, but the views of his and others’ who were there for a long time remain baffling to me, though they come by it honestly, I think. For me, the wrongdoing was obvious. Couldn’t you sense the deadness of the staff? | ||
| mandatoryfun New member Username: mandatoryfun Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 99.231.188.51 |
My login became defunct like so many others of yours did (I reapplied for the same username and password and it went through) and I think this is the thread that was going to be relevant for my question, but I've lost my bearings, and I wanted to ask: Would someone be so good as to post, or point us toward, the apology letter that was issued in the 90s? Did anyone else take exception to the plea for money that came at the same time? "Oh, we're sorry . . . . Will you send some money now?" Hahahahahaha! The cluelessness is comical to me sometimes. "Sorry we didn't treat you humanely . . . Now how 'bout a doll?" <sigh> | ||
| gcc_1981_grad Member Username: gcc_1981_grad Post Number: 97 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 70.51.137.19 |
apology - http://www.rickross.com/reference/communityofjesus/communityofjesus4.html | ||
| mandatoryfun New member Username: mandatoryfun Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 99.231.191.202 |
Ah, if that was in response to my request, gcc_1981_grad, then thanks. Actually, though, what I'm referring to is an officially sanctioned hard copy letter that went out to the alumnae in the late 90s, accompanied by a request for money. Anyone? | ||
| strength Intermediate Member Username: strength Post Number: 108 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.71.20.23 |
Me too. I'd be really interested in that GCC letter of the 1990's. I remember hearing about it later on. The school had lost my contact info around the time that the letter was sent out, so I didn't get a copy. Can anyone write some of it in to a post, or tell us more about the content?? | ||
| quietgrl Junior Member Username: quietgrl Post Number: 48 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.193.90.64 |
I got that letter... and I had a copy.. I have to go searching... There was a definate apology in it ... that was ruined by a financial request at the bottom... I remember reading it going "Wow... wow... ok... here we go... how typical..." I thought they could have at least waited and sent out a second financial request. | ||
| wagener84 Intermediate Member Username: wagener84 Post Number: 110 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 199.214.192.50 |
I got the same letter...and it left the same bad taste in my mouth. It was something like..."we sincerely felt that what we were doing was right..but it unintentionally hurt some people........oh, we are financially hurting so send money". I also got a letter from a CofJ Brother who had been in my class at GCC in the 70s and early 80s. Hadn't heard from him in over 20 years..and out of the blue I get a letter. "Hey Mike..hows it going...been a long time...oh, were going on a choir tour of Russia and need cash". | ||
| priest_of_satan Member Username: priest_of_satan Post Number: 95 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 99.229.48.106 |
Mike, this is brother Jason - you may have heard that TMLSE has been having its challenges since 1967. We have discovered a tribe of road hockey players deep in Africa and need seed money to bring them to Canada. All that I am asking is that you send me no less than $100,000.oo and help lodge Bogatu Umbargatti's family for 5 years. Don't worry, we will send them to Calgary. Thank you for your help Micheal. Richard Pettie |
