“I Saw God”

GWM: In looking back on your life, what would you like for people to remember about you?

Johnny Leach: God is a good God. He said He wouldn’t disappoint you. One of these days, I’m going to meet Him. We got a song, “You gots to move. You gots to move. All God’s children gots to move, one of these days.” I want people to be able to say, “I knew that old man. He was a good man in his day. He tried to help those who couldn’t help themselves.” One day we’re gonna die, and I want to die happy. I know that if I treat my neighbors right, like I wish to be treated, when I come to the end of my journey, I’ll be able to hear the Lord say, “Servant of God, well done. Your battle has been fought. Your victory has been won. ”

Isaac Leach: That’s what I’m talking about. It’s happiness. People need to visit places like Magnolia and Drayton Hall and learn about more than just history. They need to know about compassion and caring.

GWM: Do you remember any stories of slavery days at Magnolia or Drayton Hall?

Johnnie Mae Leach: We never heard about our enslaved ancestors. We heard about my father’s grandfather who was a constable and owned a store, and they lived pretty well until he died. We heard about the good things, not stories of slavery.

GWM: Mr. Leach, what does the Ashley River mean to you?

Johnny Leach: Sitting by the river makes me think about the past. It’s a happy place for me. One day I was by the river and saw God. I don’t know how to explain it. Now when I look down the river, I pray, and all my concerns are released to God.

GWM: Johnny Leach lived and worked at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, adjacent to Drayton Hall. During Drayton Hall’s ownership by the Drayton family in the mid-20th century, he took care of Drayton Hall’s landscape and visited often. He recently passed away, and let us hope his vision became real.

 

L-R: Isaac Leach, Ted Leach, and Johnny Leach at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, adjacent to Drayton Hall.

 

Main Image: Ashley River, a view at dawn perhaps seen by Johnny Leach, who said, “One day I was by the river and saw God. I don’t know how to explain it. Now when I look down the river, I pray, and all my concerns are released to God.”