When Rudolph Emmanual Christmus came to America at the age of 24, he had high hopes and expectations. He has not been disappointed, and feels very blessed he had the opportunity to work and provide for his family.
He told his life story to a gathering of people at the McMinnville Warren County Senior Center in observance of Black History Month.
He originated in the British colony Guiana on the northern coast of South America. Since 1966 it has been known as the independent nation of Guyana, a sovereign state on the Caribbean coast of South America.
“It is a beautiful place where I come from,” said Christmus. “I was trained to work there by a hard boss.”
He is of the generation of hard work, having held employment in a Brooklyn, New York shipyard, and worked in Canada for some time before moving to Nashville.
“We have to work and learn to be conservative,” said Christmus. “I believe if you don’t work, you don’t eat. No government help for me. If you wait for that, you will die.”
His parents taught him and his two siblings to work to survive. He remembers there not being enough food for the entire family, so his mother would make sure the children ate first.
Christmus believes in benevolence, saying he will gladly give anyone food if needed, but will not give them money.
“I will give my last penny to someone to eat,” said Christmus. “I have brought my children up to do the same.”
Senior Center attendee Evelyn Foreman, 91, praised Christmus for his presentation and thanked him for sharing his experiences.
“We are so lucky to live in this country,” said Foreman. “We need to hear this, because we are so lucky and blessed as a nation and need to remember that.”
The 69-year-old Christmus says he is very happy here and thankful for the opportunity provided to him.
“I know the Lord brought me here,” said Christmus. 
Senior Center director Cheryl Mingle said, “We are fortunate to have Mr. Christmus among us, he is an inspiration to everyone he comes in contact with.”
The McMinnville Warren County Senior Center is located at 809 Morrison Street, and can be reached at 931-473-6559, or by visiting www.wacosrctr.org.