James Lawrence
Lawrence the name bearer of the Lawrence-Gregory Community Center.
By Denise Vickers-Leon and Dilcy H. Hogan
Posted: 5:31a.m .est, October 18, 2007

 

James Lawrence

Many who have attended services conducted by the Strong & Jones Funeral Home may recognize James Lawrence as one of its attendants. Deeply committed to upholding their mission to provide gracious, dignified service, few probably know the personal impact Lawrence has had in providing the same to so many of us in regards to recreation in Tallahassee.

Lawrence started his career in the recreation field after he completed his military service and returned to Tallahassee. Arvah Hopkins, the city manager at the time was instrumental in getting him the job. Lawrence began work in October 1955 as the first Negro Supervisor of Recreation, inclusive of all phases of recreation, golf, tennis, playgrounds, athletics, and development of the Dade Street Recreation Center in 1959 and Jake Gaither Recreation Center in 1964.

Although the phrase separate but equal, was frequently tossed around, Lawrence found that words alone were not producing positive recreation opportunities for African Americans in Tallahassee. Prayer and community support for facility development by influential men such as M. S. Thomas, James Otis Mobley, C. M. Speed, Sam Howell, Edwin Norwood, Sr. convinced governmental authorities to provide support to establish the needed recreation facilities.

The opening of Dade Street Center became an instant success. Beulah Gregory and James Rhodes became the center first directors. Most social activities were held at the facility. Along with very supportive parents from the neighborhood, the children were taught how to behave and carry themselves as proud citizens. Great emphasis was placed on academics as well. Lawrence was pushed to add adult programs causing him to be steadfast in his efforts to bring about the understanding that black people were working and didn’t have time for programs. Eventually as need indicated, adult programs were added and continued to flourish.

To provide additional services to the African Americans Jake Gaither Center was opened. Name after the legendary football coach at Florida A & M University, the new center was led by Mary Hill and Herbert Graham the first directors.
The City of Tallahassee was reorganized by zones in 1968. This meant that supervision of both recreation centers was split.In 1970 staff was depleted at Jake Gaither Center and as a result, Lawrence was asked to move over to train Staff, and continue manage the Jake Gaither Golf Course. He remained as Center Director for two year. Afterwards, his responsibility was reverted to management of the golf course.

In 1980, Lawrence became superintendent of the recreation divisions, consisting of six multi purpose centers and three specialty centers. Needing only twenty-five years with the City to retire, in typical, James Lawrence fashion, he remained with the City for twenty-nine years. Finally, letting go of the reins in 1984.

The greatest appreciation the City of Tallahassee could bestow upon Lawrence came into fruition in 2002 when in honor of his dedicated years of tireless service, the Dade Street Community Center was renamed the Lawrence-Gregory Community Center.

Born and raised in Tallahassee, Lawrence attended Bond Elementary school, which was held in a church at the time, and his mother was a teacher there. Later he transferred to Lucy E. Moten (FAMU) where he completed high school. His final education was completed at Florida A & M University whereby he received the B.S. and Master’s degrees. He is married to Betty Lawrence, they have three adult children Mamie, Darrell and Dail and the grandfather of six.
Although a building may bear his name, it is the memory of the gracious, dignified services provided by James Lawrence that so many of us will always remember when we see his name