By Chris Valley

Transfiguration Catholic Church on Blackwell Rd. in Marietta welcomed the Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader and candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, to preach at the 11:45 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Oct. 25. He was warmly welcomed by the overflow congregation.

Making introductory comments during the Mass, Transfiguration pastor Father Henry Gracz noted that it was particularly appropriate for Rev. Jackson to preach this particular Sunday.

"The Scripture readings today really challenge us," Father Gracz said. "We hear not only of the love of God but of the love of neighbor … concern for the poor, the unclothed, the elderly and orphans."

Rev. Jackson spoke of the challenge to find a common ground among people, nationally and internationally. This task particularly is incumbent upon Christians, he explained, because, "(although) we may not be brothers and sisters in law, we are brothers and sisters in Christ."

Using the Chernobyl nuclear disaster as an example, Rev. Jackson stated that the world is a "global village," quoting Marshall McLuhan. A domestic Russian tragedy soon brought nuclear fallout to Europe, and within a limited time to the United States as well.

"The challenges we face call for leadership to emerge," he said, "to find common ground and meet common needs." Service, Rev. Jackson noted, is the measure of character.

Rev. Jackson was critical of President Reagan's handling of the Persian Gulf situation, Lebanon, and especially the economy. "Wall Street crashed and the President panicked," he exclaimed.

Turning to the church service itself, Rev. Jackson noted that the meaning of the "New South" could be seen in "our being here together today."

He recalled that Marin Luther King, Jr. once said, "Eleven o'clock on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America." Rev. Jackson expressed pleasure that "Transfiguration Church represents the New South, the future."

Remaining throughout the Mass, Rev. Jackson participated in the congregational singing led by the Gospel Choir of St. Anthony's Church from the West End in Atlanta. During the sign of peace, he took the opportunity to greet, with handshakes, hugs and kisses, many of the Transfiguration parishioners and visitors. During these greetings, he displayed a warmth and gentleness not conveyed in news coverage of him.

Reaction by Transfiguration parishioners to Rev. Jackson's message was favorable. His sermon often was punctuated with applause by the congregation.

Parishioner Judith Cosgrove said after the Mass that she was "very impressed. I think a lot of parishioners responded favorably to him."

Another parishioner, Jerry Devarennes, commented, "It was a very moving experience. He brought us a very warm message."

Usher Joe Bender noted that Rev. Jackson's message "fit in with the Gospel theme throughout."

The visit to Transfiguration Church was the third appearance at a church that day by Rev. Jackson, who is an ordained Baptist minister. Previously he spoke at the Hillside International Chapel and Truth Center and at Antioch Baptist Church North. Following Transfiguration, he was scheduled to speak at the two additional churches, according to a local campaign aide.

The Christian Council of Metropolitan Atlanta contacted churches seeking opportunities for Rev. Jackson to speak in recent weeks and Transfiguration parish was among those accepting.