Reunion History
Bellinger Family History
 
A family reunion is a symbol of the collective and individual strength, unity, and togetherness of the family unit. The survival of the African-American family lies in the acquired wisdom of time and learned experiences of the past.  
The gems and pearls, our senior family members, provide the bridge of historical continuity and the true articulation of the message for future generations. Reunions strengthen links of blood and kin, pays homage to those who came before us, and enrich our legacy for children born and unborn. Family unity serves as a guide for survival, measures for human excellence, and true demonstrations of perseverance.
 
The ancestry roots of slaves born in Barnwell County, South Carolina, Nancy Bellinger (1840-1917) and Edmon Bellinger, and her offspring... Robert, Garfield, Emily, Elliott, Clifford, Augusta, John, James, Peter, Gavin and Lovick...formed the BELLINGERS.
 
"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord and whose hope the Lord is...For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8 KJV) 
 
The roots of our family tree run deep filled with love, strength, and harmony.  The roots of our family tree are firmly grounded in God able to weather any storm and praise Him in all things.  With God's blessing, the Bellinger Family will continue to grow and prosper for many generations to come.
 
In 1989, on Independence Day Weekend, the 1st Bi-Annual Bellinger Family Reunion was held in Blackville, South Carolina spearheaded by Leslie Bellinger.  The rationale for a bi-annual event was to offer families the opportunity to attend their spouse's reunion on even years to maintain family harmony.