Mr. Nathaniel McLin

Captain Nathaniel McLin was the fifth child and second son born into the family of the late Deacon McCullough McLin, a farmer and Deaconess Marie Cannon McLin, an educator. His birth occurred on January 1, 1936, in Florence, Rankin County, Mississippi. He slept away peacefully on Saturday, September 3, 2022 while in Hospice at Mississippi State Veteran's Home in Jackson, MS. Captain McLin's siblings were the late Mrs. Rebecca Rosel McLin Harper (the late Mr. Cleveland C. Harper), the late Mrs. Cloteal McLin Candler (the late Mr. T. C. Candler), the late Dr. Velma Elaine McLin Mitchell (the late Dr. Claude Mitchell), the late Reverend Quincy Adam McLin (the late Mrs. Lucy Lockley McLin), the late Little Miss Minnie McLin (deceased as an infant), Mrs. Itelia Marie McLin Grant (Mr. Milton Otha Grant, Sr.), the late Reverend Rozelious "R. S." McLin (the late Mrs. Ella Kitchens McLin), the late Mr. Prentiss McLin (the Reverend Dr. Hattie Rogers McLin-Bronson), the late Reverend Leon McLin (Mrs. Inez Magee McLin), the late Little Master Levon McLin (Leon's twin, deceased as an infant), and Mr. Wilmer McLin (Mrs. Betty Underwood McLin). Captain McLin's parents also served as surrogate parents to Mr. Anthony McLin (Mrs. Florence McLin), son of the late Mrs. Rebecca McLin Harper, who was reared as one of Captain McLin's siblings. Captain McLin's Christian education was begun at his father's knee with the prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep," continuing with the family prayer meetings on Wednesday nights, attendance at Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, BTU (Baptist Training Union) Sunday Church Service, and Bible Class. He grew up in the Good Hope Community in Florence, Mississippi, and due to all the teaching and preaching, while still a young child, he accepted Christ as his personal savior, became a member of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized under the leadership of the late Reverend I. L. Lenyoun. He continued growing in his service to the church and was chosen to serve as a Junior Deacon when the Junior Church was organized in the early nineteen fifties for third Sunday Services. Reverend Lawrence C. Hickenbottom conducted/led the services. Other Junior Deacons were Deacon Levorn Hicks, who is presently serving on the Deacon Board at Good Hope Baptist Church, R.T. Braddy, Jr., and Millard Kitchens, who as adults went on to serve as deacons in their respective churches in Ohio. Upon moving to Washington, D.C., Captain McL in became affiliated with the Greater First Baptist Church under the pastorship of the Reverend Doctor Edward Thomas. He supported the church and attended services and other church functions as his work schedule allowed. He served as a chauffeur for the sick, taking them to doctor's appointments, banks, grocery stores, hardware stores, etc. When asked what he was going to do, he would say, "I am just going to blank out a day," which usually turned into providing services whenever he was called. Captain McLin was a good and faithful son when he came home on vacation, he never had a vacation because his father would have his "to do" list waiting for him. One time, he told his father, "You make difference in your sons. Why do I have to do everything?" His father replied, "You make the difference! You will do what I want done, like I want it done." Captain McLin, along with his sisters, Rebecca and Cloteal served as official chaperones and travel guides for their parents, taking them from the mouth of the Mississippi River in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, and many sites in between. They traveled to The Golden Gate Bridge in California, The Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, The National Baptist Convention, The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, The Changing of the Guards in Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia, National Gallery of Arts, in Washington, D.C. to see the King Tut Exhibit, The New York World Fair, New York City, Book Store, Dallas, Texas, where President John F. Kennedy was shot, sightseeing and visiting relatives in Moore Haven, Florida, Great America in The Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois. Captain McLin began receiving his formal secular academic training at his mother's knee, learning the alphabet. He attended elementary school at Steep Bank School, which is located next door to Good Hope Baptist Church. The school has been renamed in honor of his mother, who was an educator there for many years and is now known as Marie C. McL in Steep Bank School. Captain McL in also attended New Hope High School in Rankin County. His principal there was Professor T. C. McLaurin. Captain McLin graduated from high school at Tougaloo College Preparatory High School, Tougaloo, MS in May of 1954. He enrolled in Tougaloo College, endeavoring to become a doctor and became a chemist major. After a hiatus from education while pursuing other interests, Captain McL in graduated from Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS, during the college's One Hundredth Commencement on Sunday, June 1,1969, caring a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. Captain McLin was united in holy matrimony to the late Mrs. Geraldine Walker McLin in Jackson, Mississippi on December 19, 1959. This martiage was blessed with two daughters, Dr. Dannis Maria McLin and Dr. Debra Ann McLin Brown (Dr. Billv W. Brown). Years later, Captain McLin met Mrs. Joyce Cannon McLin, formerly of West Point, Mississippi. They were wedded in Brandywine, Maryland on April 13, 1991. This union was blessed with a son, Mr. Nathaniel McCullough "Nick" McLin. Captain McLin served his country in the United States Army from 1960 until 1962. After receiving an honorable discharge from the military, Captain McLin worked at Avery Construction Company. He also gained some experience as a carpenter's apprentice, working with Mr. Fred Price. After relocating to Washington, D.C. in 1966, Captain McL in began his career in government work as a security guard at the National Gallery of Art. His dedication to duty and hard work led him to become the first African American (Black) Captain of the Guard, supervising a department with over 300 guards. This is the position which he held until retirement. He received many certificates, awards, and letters of commendation for his leadership and encouraging his employees to strive for excellence in their work. As a component of professional development for his occupation, he attended many workshops and seminars sponsored by the Protective Services in Washington, D.C. He received many certificates and endorsements in law enforcement. While working at the National Gallery of Art, Captain McLin met kings and queens, princes, presidents, and other world-renown dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II and the late Prince Phillip Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles of Wales and late Princess Diana of Wales, President George Bush, and First Lady Barbara Bush, just to name a few. He accompanied the King Tut exhibit from Washington, D.C. to New Orleans, Louisiana. Upon retiring and returning to live in Florence, Mississippi in 2000, Captain McLin renewed his membership with Good Hope Baptist Church. He served and attended Sunday School, Church Service, Congregational Meetings, Prayer Meetings, and Bible Class faithfully. He was a member of the Brotherhood Ministry, which he supported fully. He was a staunch supporter of the Youth and Education Departments. The youth were rewarded by Captain McLin for attendance in Sunday School, for earning good grades in school, earning noteworthy achievements, and sometimes as an incentive in sports to try harder, with monetary awards. Captain McLin enjoyed giving donations whenever money was being raised for special projects. For numerous years, he was charged with updating the Church marquee, which he kept current with upcoming events, announcements, Bible verses, and quotations. Captain McLin was not a member of the Missionary Society, but he performed missionary services. The scripture Ecclesiastes 9:10, is appropriate. "Whatsoever thy hands findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." "He went about doing good' describes his missionary work. Captain McLin began presenting roses to ladies in the church and in the community who were ill. His list grew so long that he had to purchase special orders of 25 dozen roses. Ladies who were ill were sure to get a bouquet on Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas etc. His flower route extended from Rankin, Hinds, and Simpson Counties and beyond. Captain McLin remained active by running errands, mowing lawns, trimming hedges, etc. He was a good handy man. He completed mechanical work on the tractor, his daughters' cars, as well as tried to find parts, etc. for his own vehicle. He was also an excellent babysitter for his grandchildren, Courtney, and Jejuan. Later, when his daughters established Benson Educational Center to accommodate the many students that they were providing tutorial services and music lessons for inside of their homes, he became a part-time volunteer, reading to students, and providing playground supervision. Captain McLin had the patience of Job. Patience was always one of his strong points. However, his nieces and nephews knew and would tell anyone else, "Uncle Na don't play!" But he had grandchildren and great grandchildren that could bring out a softer side of him. In all things, Captain McLin was very observant, and he was very "time-conscious." He believed in being on time and starting everything on time!! Captain McLin was a benefactor of the Masonaires singing group, aiding them directly by making monthly contributions, donating to, and attending programs sponsored by the Masonaires, the proceeds of which were used by the group to aid community members who had illnesses and/or who had experienced disasters, and to help with their expenses, etc. Captain McLin was incredibly good with taking care of people and animals who were ill. He was very compassionate in taking care of his parents during their illnesses. He would also "babysit" his eldest sister, Rebecca, as well as help to care for other members of his family. He spent much of his time visiting people who were homebound with illnesses and various disabilities. He would also visit people who were confined to nursing homes. Survivors include wife of thirty-one years, Mrs. Joyce Arita Cannon McLin of Clinton, Maryland, daughters, Dr. Dannis Maria McLin and Dr. Debra Ann McLin Brown (Dr. Billy W. Brown) all of Florence, Mississippi, son, Mr. Nathaniel McCullough McL in of Clinton, Maryland, granddaughter, Mrs. Courtney Le' Angie Brown Whitfield (Mr. Boris Montel Whitfield), grandson, Mr. Billy Jejuan Brown, great granddaughter, Miss Harmony Anecia Bene' Whitfield, great grandsons, Master Kingsley Isaiah Whitfield, and Master Amry Levi Whitfield, all of Florence, Mississippi. Other survivors include sister, Mrs. Itelia McLin Grant (Mr. Milton Otha Grant, Sr.) of Florence, Mississippi, brothers, Mr. Wilmer McLin (Mrs. Betty McLin) of Jackson Mississippi, and Mr. Anthony McLin (Mrs. Florence McLin) of Florence, Mississippi, sisters-in-law, Mrs. Inez McLin (the late Reverend Leon McLin) and the Reverend Hattie McLin-Bronson (the late Mr. Prentiss McLin) of Jackson, Mississippi, Mrs. Sandra Watkins, (the late Dr. Roy Watkins) of Chicago, Illinois, brother-in-law, Officer Luther Watkins (Mrs. Evelyn Watkins) of Brandywine, Maryland, a special cousin who was more like a brother Mr. John Wesley McLin (Mrs. Ernestine McLin), a multitude of many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Prior to becoming stricken with illness, Captain McLin penned the following information in his own handwriting, entitled “Did You Know?”: Dear Family and Friends: Did you know the following information about me? *Nathaniel McLin was reared on his parents' farm (Deacon M. C. and Deaconess Marie Cannon McLin) in Rankin County, Florence, MS. I graduated from Steep Bank Elementary School (You may see this building on the other side of the old church building). I graduated from Tougaloo Preparatory High School, Tougaloo, MS I graduated from Tougaloo College with a B.S. Degree in Chemistry I spent twenty-six (26) months in the U.S (United States). Army, obtaining an M.O.S. in Ordinance Supply. Primary Assigned Duty, Training Specialist, E-4. Highlight, Drill Team. Won 1* Place in Battalion Competition. I spent twenty-eight (28) years on the National Gallery of Art Protective Staff (Washington, D.C.) I started this job as a Private. Worked as Gallery Guard, Gallery Patrolman, Sergeant of the Guard, Lieutenant of the Guards, Training Officer of the Guards, and Captain of the Guard. (The first Black Captain today, we would say the First African American Captain, of the National Gallery of Art. A few of the highlights of my twenty-eight (28) years at the National Gallery of Art: Supervisor for twenty-five (25) years Captain for fifteen (15) years Responsible for all activities that took place within a seven (7) block area at the NGA Coordinating the security with the Secret Service for visitation of the U.S. Presidents from 1975 to 1995, --each year at the National Gallery of Art Preparing security for Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, Prince Charles, U.S. Supreme Court, and Cabinet Members when they visited the National Gallery of Art The most memorable exhibition, "King Tut' A ticket system was instituted to keep people from standing in line for hours to see the exhibit. This ticket system was adopted for visitors to the White House. The most unpleasant action that I had to take: Call someone in and inform him/her that they are being terminated from their job at the National Gallery of Art.” Respectfully submitted, Captain Nathaniel McLin

Mr. Nathaniel McLin

January 1, 1936 - September 3, 2022