PEOP LE & P LACES
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A Celebration of the Community Service of Robert Seymour and Pearl Seymour On Sept. 17, community members gathered at Olin T. Binkley Memorial Baptist Church to celebrate the lives and service of the late Robert Seymour and Pearl Seymour. Robert, who died in 2020, was the first pastor at Binkley Church and served for three decades. He was also a champion and fundraiser for many causes including services for older adults. Pearl, who died in 2011, was the organist for Binkley Church for 30 years, a piano teacher and a former president of the Chapel Hill Service League. A dozen speakers shared stories of the couple’s dedication to racial justice and inclusion, music, political engagement and providing food, shelter and community spaces. Photography by Megan Hollenbeck CHM 4
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1 Lillian Lee, member of Binkley Church and a former Chapel Hill educator. 2 Oliver Melvin, former member of the Orange County Human Relations Commission. 3 Marcus McFaul, senior minister at Binkley Church. 4 Frances Seymour, daughter of Robert Seymour and Pearl Seymour. 5 Jennifer Player, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. 16
chapelhillmagazine.com November 2022