Events
I am available to speak to and to sing for churches, clubs, and other organizations about a variety of topics. I have given presentations in Idaho, Indiana, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee. View a list of possible presentations, or submit a request for me to visit your group.
2008
September 26 in St. Charles, Missouri
What: One Soldier's Story with John NotgrassJohn's grandfather Wesley Notgrass (1915-2007) joined the United States Army in 1941 and served for four years, one month, and seven days in the United States and Europe during World War II. Based on his grandfather's recollections and wearing his grandfather's uniform, John steps into character to share Wesley's life story in a first-person narrative, from growing up in the 1920s and 30s through his experiences during the war. The presentation is illustrated with photographs from Wesley's collection.Where: First Baptist St. Peters, 3533 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, MO 63376
When: Friday, September 26, at 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $2.00 per family. Please bring a fingerfood or dessert to share.
Contact: Margaret Porch, sccheleaders@gmail.com
October 11 in Cookeville, Tennessee
What: Recollections of a Confederate Soldier with John NotgrassSam Watkins was 21 years old when the War Between the States began in 1861. He marched and camped and fought with Company H of the First Tennessee Regiment until the end. John steps into uniform and character to share anecdotes from Sam's memoirs about that "unpleasant misconception of there being such a thing as a north and south." His stories are personal, humorous, and full of the faithful attitude with which Sam told them.Where: Putnam County Library, 50 E. Broad St., Cookeville, TN
When: Saturday, October 11, at 2:00 p.m.
Contact: Upper Cumberland Genealogical Association, 931-528-3215
November 10 in Edwardsville, Illinois
What: One Soldier's Story with John NotgrassJohn's grandfather Wesley Notgrass (1915-2007) joined the United States Army in 1941 and served for four years, one month, and seven days in the United States and Europe during World War II. Based on his grandfather's recollections and wearing his grandfather's uniform, John steps into character to share Wesley's life story in a first-person narrative, from growing up in the 1920s and 30s through his experiences during the war. The presentation is illustrated with photographs from Wesley's collection.Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 600 Water Street, Edwardsville, IL
When: Monday, November 10, at 7:00 p.m.
Contact: foche@charter.net
November 11 in St. Louis, Missouri
What: One Soldier's Story with John NotgrassJohn's grandfather Wesley Notgrass (1915-2007) joined the United States Army in 1941 and served for four years, one month, and seven days in the United States and Europe during World War II. Based on his grandfather's recollections and wearing his grandfather's uniform, John steps into character to share Wesley's life story in a first-person narrative, from growing up in the 1920s and 30s through his experiences during the war. The presentation is illustrated with photographs from Wesley's collection.Where: Florissant Valley Baptist Church, 1025 N. Hwy 67, Florissant, MO
When: Tuesday, November 11, at 2:00 p.m.
Contact: Kim Perry (314-868-0469) or Michele Kerans 314-402-1048
What: Recollections of a Confederate Soldier with John Notgrass
Sam Watkins was 21 years old when the War Between the States began in 1861. He marched and camped and fought with Company H of the First Tennessee Regiment until the end. John steps into uniform and character to share anecdotes from Sam's memoirs about that "unpleasant misconception of there being such a thing as a north and south." His stories are personal, humorous, and full of the faithful attitude with which Sam told them.Where: Bayless Baptist Church, 8512 Morganford, St. Louis, MO
When: Tuesday, November 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Cathy Mullins, 314-769-7965, ekcjmullins@gmail.com
2009
March 26-28 in St. Louis, Missouri
What: Greater St. Louis Area Home Educators Expo- Make It Your Ambition (John Notgrass)
- One Soldier's Story (John Notgrass)
When: Thursday through Saturday, March 26-28
Contact: www.stlhomeschoolexpo.com
April 3-4 in Indianapolis, Indiana
What: IAHE Home Educators Convention- Friday at 11:00 a.m. - Preserving the Harvest (John Notgrass)
When: Friday and Saturday, April 3-4
Contact: Indiana Association of Home Educators, www.inhomeeducators.org
April 6 in Chattanooga, Tennessee
What: Recollections of a Confederate Soldier (school program)Sam Watkins was 21 years old when the War Between the States began in 1861. He marched and camped and fought with Company H of the First Tennessee Regiment until the end. John steps into uniform and character to share anecdotes from Sam's memoirs about that "unpleasant misconception of there being such a thing as a north and south." His stories are personal, humorous, and full of the faithful attitude with which Sam told them.Where: Boyd-Buchanan School, Chattanooga, TN
When: Monday, April 6
Contact: bbschool.org
Feedback
First-Person History
"It was almost like a time machine. John Notgrass transported the students back into another time period. Dressed in uniform (his grandfather's), John took students back into the youth of his grandfather and then carried them forward into WWII. The students were enthralled with his rendition of stories gleaned from the personal experiences of John's grandfather, what a treasure trove of history which John aptly shared with the classes! He fully put himself into the part and relived events, both sad and hilarious. I can barely wait for John's next presentation." -- Tennessee
"What a blessing [One Soldier's Story] was!!!...Thanks for stepping out in faith and for all the work that you put into interviewing your grandfather and preparing your presentation. I enjoyed it, was inspired to keep going and learned some new history. Thanks for your boldness in proclaiming the Lord and may He open up many doors for you to share." -- Indiana
"He was excellent." -- North Carolina
"What a memory you have (can you spare a few brain cells?) and a knack for story telling. We felt you really WERE the young man you portrayed [Sam Watkins], and you made us laugh and cry and envision the war in a personal, rather than merely factual, way." -- Tennessee
"I am ten and don't normally like people talking but I liked this." -- North Carolina
"John Notgrass needs to develop more characters and do it again!" -- Indiana
"Great history lesson told in a captivating story form." -- North Carolina
Speaking
"His presentations are biblical, clear and sincere. What I appreciate most about John is his commitment to Christ and his solid Christian worldview. In an age of much confusion and minimization of Biblical living, John embodies the qualities of intentional living. Besides being an excellent speaker, he also is a historical re-enactor and singer/songwriter. I heartily recommend John Notgrass and encourage Churches and Home School organizations to book John for your next event." -- Missouri
"Thank you for sharing an edifying workshop." -- North Carolina
"He is a very good speaker. . . . When he talks to us it seems like he is talking to you personally." -- North Carolina
"Your talk was very inspiring and I look forward to reading and sharing your book with family members and friends." -- Tennessee
Music
"Our church is so grateful that you came and shared your music ministry with us. Everyone commented on what a great event it was! We were blessed by the content and delivery of the messages that were woven within your songs. Your thoughts displayed maturity, deep insight, discernment, and humor. You kept our minds sharp and our souls entertained. We appreciated the Biblically sound content of your songs. The skill and ease of your performance was very enjoyable. But, one of the greatest blessings that I received was seeing a young man so right with God, and so able to encourage others by his very presence. Please feel free to come back! We'd love to have you with us again." -- Tennessee
"It is amazing to me that you have been able to write such great lyrics." -- Idaho
"You have such talent as a song writer. It is wonderful to listen to your music and we are thankful you honor and praise God with your gift. Keep up the fantastic work. We look forward to your next CD." -- Indiana
"At times I think it will have to have it surgically removed from our CD player in the van. All the songs are known by heart. Even [the 2-year-old] can sing along with you, John. It is definitely the kids' favorite. Thank you so much for the songs from your family. They are truly a ministry." -- Indiana
Past Presentations
Here are some of the organizations that have hosted me in the past:
- Artios Academy, Nashville, TN
- Biblical Worldview Conference, Boise, ID
- Blount Home Education Association, Maryville, TN
- Calvary Christian Church, Cookeville, TN
- Cookeville High School, Cookeville, TN
- Cornerstone Christian Church, Livingston, TN
- Christian Home Educators Fellowship, St. Charles, MO
- Christian Home Educators of Ohio, Columbus, OH
- The Family Vision Library, St. Charles, MO
- First United Methodist Church, Gainesboro, TN
- Gainesboro Church of Christ, Gainesboro, TN
- Home Educators Encouragement Alliance, Atlanta, GA
- H.O.M.E. Homeschool Group, Nashville, TN
- Hopewell Church Covenant Family School, Columbia, TN
- Indiana Association of Home Educators, Indianapolis, IN
- Jackson County Historical Society, Gainesboro, TN
- New Hope Christian Academy, Gainesboro, TN
- North Carolinians for Home Education, Winston-Salem, NC
- Sam Davis Home, Smyrna, TN
- Secret City Festival, Oak Ridge, TN
- Upper Cumberland Civil War Round Table, Cookeville, TN