the promised land then and now

But fortunately Maguire's house was spared, and stands today in the Promised Land Community. It is privately owned, and not opened to the public..The "Big House" is now 189 years old..The house is beautiful. It has been restored numerous times. Thomas Maguire perhaps had some funds when he came to Gwinnett county .It would have been difficult to acquire 956 acres and twenty-six slaves otherwise. He and his sister owned some very fine pieces of furniture, that was brought over from Ireland.

Mr. Robert and Moena Livsey (my inlaws), purchase the plantation in the 1920's. They were farmers and the parents of eighteen children, thirteen lived. They felt that if a person think highly of themselves, they will act that way. The Livseys have a lot of dignity and high self esteem. They advocated for their family, a firm faith in God, hard work,education, so they could become achievers. Be the best of whatever you are.

Fortunately today we have entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, teachers, editors, white collar and blue collar workers, politicians and the list goes on.

The revival of the Promised Land begin in 1969, Thomas and Dorethia Livsey, returned to Georgia after spending ten years in Chicago. They started a business, you guessed it, we named it the "Promised Land", because of the historical significance.

We have five children, Sheryl, Yolanda, Thomas A (Tommy), Kevin and Kobie. The business consisted of a grocery store, restaurant, barber shop, beauty shop,a washerette,and a car wash. Even though the business was opened and operated by family members including our children.Thomas was employed at the United States Post Office in Atlanta. I was employed at Georgia Power, in Atlanta.

Yes the journey wasn't easy it required a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Thomas also sub-contracted eight homes in the community. We are proud of this community. There is a lot of heritage and a lot of sweat went into it. Previously it was a community rich in family ties and traditions, today it has grown immensely. The results is what you are observing today. This is not the Land of 'Milk and Honey', because sometimes emotions over rule good judgment.The cliche that I frequently share with visitors goes like this, "If you don't make it over yonder, you can always say that you have been to the Promised Land".

Descendants of the Anderson, Blackmon and Lyon families, still reside in the community. They have also made outstanding contributions.

We feel blessed to have the New Bethel A.M.E. Church in our community this church is now 118 years old. This church offers a beacon of light for the community and for weary souls to worship. It is where we obtain the blessings of the Lord, which motivates and sustains us to continue to press forward. The New Bethel A.M.E. Church has grown from thirty members in 1968 to 2000 in 2009. We have experienced phenomenal growth in this community.The Reverend Ronald L Owens is the pastor.

In conclusion soon after that terrible invasion of the Promised Land. The Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln was written into law and adopted, as a result of that, the slaves were freed. The nations slaves were liberated.The Promised Land became the free home for blacks,as well as, whites in 1863.

The belief was during the years of slavery and afterward during reconstruction, if the blacks made it to this particular area, the Promised Land would offer them safety and provisions.

Now in that same belief, a vibrant community has emerged. This is a community of cooperation for everyone regardless of their race, creed or color. The spirit of accomplishment continues to grow. Ambitions, concerns and desires prevail. The inspiration passed down by our ancestors continues to resound, like phrases such as: 'Good, Better, Best...Never Let It Rest Until Your Good Becomes Better and Your Better Becomes Your Best !!!