he story of Sir John Wenmoor began many centuries ago in a land across the Atlantic Ocean. Wenmoor was in his early teens during a time when England was immersed in lengthy battles and crusades on the Continent, and most adult knights and soldiers were away from the homeland, fighting for king and country. Barbaric tribes from the north saw this as an opportunity to overtake and plunder the nearly defenseless land, as its only guardians were young boys, women and elderly men.

They rowed across the waves in their longboats and plundered the countryside. Initially, the attacks were successful. As they marched further inland, Wenmoor, a mere 14 years old, took charge of the elderly men and younger boys in both his village and the surrounding ones. With this ragtag army, he mounted defense after defense against the invaders. Thanks to his unusual battle tactics, he and his “troops” successfully stopped the heavily armed and battle-seasoned plunderers.

As the story has been told, these unusual battle tactics included Wenmoor organizing and leading small group attacks on the enemy camps, under the cover of darkness. Once there, he’d bait the armed troops into chasing one or two of his men through the woods, leading the invaders right into ambushes or traps. Men and horses toppled into covered pits that Wenmoor and his men had dug. They also let loose swinging logs from towering trees, which came swishing down to meet the riders. It’s also said that trip-ropes pulled across the path of the horses were another of Wenmoor’s methods.

These tactics protected the English homeland. Eventually, the invaders retreated and launched their boats across the sea to the north, returning home. The reigning king knighted Wenmoor, and bestowed upon him the distinctive identity “Custos Terrae,” meaning “Custodian of the Land.” The king also granted Wenmoor a large parcel of the finest forest and stream land from his own holdings. Thus is the story of Sir John Wenmoor.

Now centuries later, in a land unknown at the time of his life and protective conquests, Sir Wenmoor is being honored again as “custodian of the land,” through his name being carried forward by developer Tom Wenrick.

“In honor of Sir John Wenmoor, we have adopted as our inspiration, the expression “Custos Terrae,” and his name, Wenmoor, for this exquisite parcel of South Tulsa with its forest and clear running stream.”

Thank you, Tom, for arranging today’s program.

This Week’s Program

Dixie Pebworth

ur speaker today is Pastor Dixie Pebworth. He and his wife, Ann, have been married for 22 years, during which they’ve had three sons and five grandchildren. However, they’ve also overcome many obstacles during their more than two decades of marriage.

Pastor Dixie had a drug addiction and received an 80-year prison sentence. During his incarceration, he changed his life through the Word of God and he pursued his education both in business college and Bible school.

Pastor Dixie is currently vice president and CEO of Freedom Ranch, Inc., a non-profit organization, and senior pastor of God’s Shining Light Church. Under the direction of Pastor Dixie, Freedom Ranch, Inc. has a sober living housing program, and two businesses designed to provide employment to support the ministries. Come hear Pastor Dixie share how God has transformed his life and restored his family.

Pastor Dixie, the Rotary Club of Southside Tulsa welcomes you today.

Southsider Quick Notes

Last week…
- The ROD last week was Jessica Cox, and Mike Murphy of the Tulsa Boys’ Home was our guest speaker.

- We’ve had two prospective new members approved by the board: Donna Petty and Major Meek. The Board has also voted and approved Paul Poyner becoming an honorary member.

- Our May attendance was 84 percent. We were 4th in the district for attendance. Go Southside!

- August 1 is the deadline for the discount on your dues and meals, so get your payment in!

- Remember, we’re gunning for 100 percent of our members giving $100 to the RI Foundation this year!