John Monte turned 100 on Dec. 4.
There was no question whose birthday celebration it was at the Second Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Milford on Saturday. Centenarian John Williams Monte lit up the small country church with a warm inviting grin and comforting embraces. Dressed in a sharp suit with scarlet tie and pocket scarf, Monte did not come close to looking like his 100 years.
“The Lord kept me here for a reason,” stated Monte as he addressed a packed congregation.
Born in Bowling Green, Virginia, on Dec. 4, 1914, Monte graduated from Union High School in 1934. A World War II veteran, he is a member of the commonly referred to “Greatest Generation,” and is one of fewer than 2,000 remaining veterans of that war. During his four-year engagement, he served posts in Germany, France, and Scotland.
“You must have a world of fond memories,” stated Linda Gray to Monte when starting the emotionally charged program. “The world has a treasure in you.” Gray served as Mistress of Ceremony of the day’s program.
A lifelong Christian, Monte—who is known as Deacon Monte, Brother Monte, and perhaps most affectionately as Uncle Monte—was touted by many in attendance as an inspiration to scores of people. Monte did not only preach the Word, but he lived it daily.
“Monte is an inspiration and is so giving,” stated Reginald Beverly. “Education is very important to him, and he has been a mentor to many.” Beverly and Monte are friends and former classmates since the seventh grade. Beverly will join Monte as a centenarian in January.
As an activist, Monte was a member of the Congress for Racial Equality (CORE), a non-violent civil rights organization that advocated for African Americans in an effort to improve race relations and policies. In addition, he served as organizer and president of a union for hospital workers at the Washington Hospital Center.
“John taught me how to fight for people who couldn’t fight for themselves,” stated Julie McCullough, who met Monte 40 years ago at the Hospital Center. “John’s campaign slogan was ‘You have to fight to win.’”
As part of this celebration, Monte was presented with President Barack Obama’s Proclamation and Birthday Wish, and Gov. Terence McAuliffe’s Greeting and Acknowledgement by Rev. Paul Dorsey and Mr. Richard Chapman, respectively.
“You’ve been a man of your word, and I thank you for it,” stated Rosco Childs, who was one of several in attendance who was moved to song when trying to express his gratitude to Monte.
Perhaps Monte’s most impressive legacy is the mark he has made in the community by serving in leadership roles in the Second Mount Calvary Baptist Church and the Sunday School Union. Monte was affectionately described as a model citizen, pure joy, and living proof that it takes a community to raise a child. Numerous speakers vouched for his unending generosity and love shown not only to his biological family, but to anyone who needed support.
When asked what his secret was to a long life, Monte stated with a smile, “Just be careful out there.”
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