BY DR. JOHN H. CUMMINGS, GUEST WRITER TO THE TIMES
ORLANDO – On November 19, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. there was a community service program to acknowledge the 100th birthday of venerable and beloved local citizen Mr. Solomon Harris. The location was The Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 1110 Drew Ave. Orlando, Florida 32805. The enjoyable program was well attended by his family, friends and community citizens. Mr. Harris’ daughters Margie Joan Harris, Audrey Louise White and Cheryl Harris Rouse attended the service.
Mr. Harris was born in Leon County, FL, November 22, 1923. He later became a master mechanic and settled in Orlando with his wife Yvonne to whom he was married for more than 60 years before her passing. With true entrepreneurial spirit very early on he became his own boss, purchasing parcels of property in the Washington Shores area that became a gas station and auto parts and body shop. He purchased a home in the area during the late ’50s where they raised their 3 daughters and built a pool so that his girls did not have to swim in a lake or pool that was used first by whites.
Mr. Harris loves the Lord and his family and has been a diligent church worker and deacon for over 60 years and is now a member of Zion Hill for 25 years. Solomon has also been an added asset to the Washington Shore’s community for many years including mentoring to his nephews and many local young men among his many other civic endeavors. And even today at age 100 he will still climb atop a neighborhood roof if he sees it needs his repairing.
The commemoration program included presentations that well reflected the noteworthy life and legacy of Mr. Harris and highlighted his many achievements for our community and area. Notable among the inclusions were a Proclamation and letters that were presented by the event coordinator Ms. Stella M. Lewis, past President of the Washington Shores Neighborhood Association. The letters of recognition and commendation were from Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost of Congressional District 10, Mayor Jerry Demings of Orange County Florida, Mayor Buddy Dyer of the City of Orlando, Florida, Commissioner Michael Scott of Orange County District 6, and Commissioner Bakari Burns of the City of Orlando District 6.
Rev. Charles E. Williams, the pastor of Zion Hill Church delivered the occasion’s memorable and stirring message with the subject being “Thankful In Troubling Times.” The memorable celebration concluded with refreshments served by members of the church amid fellowship and further commendations to the appreciative honoree, Mr. Solomon Harris.
