By Dr. Thom South
A book of the stories Kenneth R. Brown told has been published. Bro. Brown was the first student to enroll at Central Baptist College when the BMA of Arkansas began the college in 1952. He became the history instructor and, later, head of the History Department, teaching at the college for 40 years. Many of his students have stated that he was their favorite professor.
One reason he was popular was the stories he told in his classes. When he retired from teaching, he was urged to write a book of his stories and reluctantly began to write about his life. It was thought that those who knew him would appreciate a collection of the stories he told in his classroom and at the many venues where he was asked to speak around Arkansas.
He began writing about the “momentous event” of his arrival on this earth. He wrote of early experiences in his life, but then he stopped. When encouraged to complete the book, he said, “Nobody wants to read about my life.” From the comments and encouragement from almost everyone who knew him, it was determined that there was an interest in his stories.
Bro. Brown went into the presence of the Lord in 2013. His daughter, Judy South, and I tried to remember his stories and compile them into a book. The title selected for the book is What Color Was That Bull Anyway? Most of his former students will recall the “Bull story.” Not everyone knows that when he returned home from that event and shared what had happened with his family, his mother-in-law asked, “What color was that bull anyway?” Be sure to find the whole story in the book!
The first part of the book contains the stories he wrote about his early life. The second part has the stories recalled and collected by Judy and me. The storyteller may have died, but his stories live on for another generation to enjoy.
The books are available for a cost of $15. Profits from the sale of the book will go to the Kenneth Brown Scholarship Fund at Central Baptist College. The Souths will have copies of the book available at the BMAA meeting in Branson, Mo., April 16-18. You may order a book to be mailed to you by sending a message on Messenger to Judy Brown South or call Judy at (501) 517-3203 or me at (501) 607-1234.
