Bethel dedicates library in honor of Gloria P. Holmes

By Valerie D. White
Special to the Outlook

Family, friends and well-wishers joined in the celebration on Sunday at the dedication of the Dr. Gloria P. Holmes Media Center at Bethel Christian Academy. 

Holmes, the wife of Rev. RB Holmes Jr., has played a key role in the inspiration and education of hundreds of students in college and K-12 in both Duval and Leon counties during her storied career that spans nearly half a century. 

The dedication included a short program, ribbon cutting and portrait unveiling. Attendance was limited due to COVID-19 and the surge of the Delta variant.

Bethel Christian Academy, located at 406 N. Bronough St., was established in 1992 under the auspices of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church as an outreach to the community. It serves children from kindergarten to eighth grade. Holmes has been an administrator at the school since 1999.

When the original announcement was made, the accolades and testimonials started pouring in. Graduates and church officers delineate her demeanor and influence. Many said her impact is far-reaching and her influence obvious. 

“As a graduate of Bethel Christian Academy and a member of its first class of students, it is an honor for the BCA library to be named after Dr. Holmes,” said Caila A. Coleman, an attorney and legal analyst. “She has always advocated for the education of children and was pivotal in helping to shape our young minds. Her love and encouragement paved the way for us to believe in our dreams and become successful in our respective careers.”

“Perhaps the greatest gift that Dr. Gloria Holmes has given is her inspiration to so many men, women, boys and girls who were less inspired and in need of a role model,” said James Matthews, chairman of the Deacon’s Ministry at the church. “She has a unique ability to positively impact people of all walks of life in a gentle, caring way. The naming and dedication of this library in her honor represents excellence, commitment, achievement, leadership and service. An honor such as this is reserved for great people of our time, and she is certainly one.”

Holmes, a graduate of Spelman College, received her master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan and her doctorate in library and information studies from Florida State University. Beginning her career as an English teacher in Jacksonville, Florida, she has been a library media specialist, director of educational media for both Duval and Leon County public schools, as well as an assistant dean in the College of Education at Florida A&M University. 

The director of BCA sees the necessity of the dedication ceremony.

“The media center has not been named, but because of the phenomenal legacy of Dr. Gloria P. Holmes at Bethel Christian Academy and Bethel Family Life Center honor is due,” said Marilyn Jackson. “This building and media center have stood for 29 years, and Dr. Gloria P. Holmes certainly has placed her brand of excellence in this domain.”

The former director also shared the same sentiment.

“She is a leader, motivator and now having Bethel Christian Academy’s library named in her honor,” said Cheryl Bouyer, a veteran educator. “This could not have happened to a more deserving and dedicated administrator.” 

Bouyer praised Holmes by quoting Proverbs 31:31 “Give her the first of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

Former student Eugene Moore, who eventually became an educator, also congratulated Holmes.

“Dr. Gloria Holmes is certainly well deserving of this distinguished honor,” said Moore, a graduate of Steele-Collins Charter Middle School, another educational institution under the church’s umbrella. “She has dedicated her life and work to the educational and spiritual development of the students at Bethel Christian Academy since its humble beginning. Hundreds of lives have been touched through her hard work in administration and curriculum development.”

Moore went on to express her impact on his life as he progressed from being an administrative assistant at the school to becoming a kindergarten teacher.

“She has been an amazing example of excellence and kindness and constant encouragement to myself and others,” he said. “She has more than earned this notable distinction of a library named in her honor.”

Holmes holds membership in Kappa Delta Pi, an honor society in education; Beta Phi Mu, the international library science honor society; Phi Kappa Phi, an honor society of the “best and brightest from all academic disciplines.” and Phi Delta Kappa International, an organization committed to educational development and student access.

“I thank God Almighty for the many wonderful blessings He has bestowed upon me throughout my life,” Holmes said. “Certainly, I am deeply grateful and humbled by this distinctive honor given to me.”