Charlie Marvin Taylor had his Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church. Charlie is the son of Brad and Angela Taylor and the grandson of Wilbur and Linda Taylor, Etta Hardy Rouse, and Dwight Rouse. Charlie began scouting at the age of six and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout while he was a member of Troop 241 at a Board of Review on January 10, 2023. Troop 241 did not recharter at the end of 2022. Wanting to continue his scouting journey, Charlie was welcomed aboard Morehead City Sea Scout Ship 7730 in February 2023. 

Skipper Michael Kies of Sea Scout Ship 7730 served as the Master of Ceremonies. Charlie’s pastor, Rev. Ronnie Hobgood, extended the welcome, recognized special guests and had an opening prayer after the presentation of colors and pledges led by Boatswain Alex Kies. Lighting of the candles was performed by Sea Scouts Teague Sullivan, Rex Morgan, and Aaron Kies. Nikki Kies, Mate/Secretary, presented an overview of Sea Scouting. Alaisha Murray, Boatswain’s Mate for Administration, outlined Charlie’s Trail to Eagle. Rev. Josh Hobgood, Youth Pastor, shared Charlie’s vision for a new CRIB sign at the church’s youth center for his Eagle project, which was approved on October 10, 2021.

Charlie chose Jim Rouse, his neighbor and life-long mentor to give the Eagle Promise. Mr. Rouse is one of the youngest (13 years of age) to ever receive the Eagle Award in 1945 and was also a member of Troop 241. Michael Kies led the ceremony of the presentation of the Eagle Medal, neckerchief, and parents’ pins. Charlie earned thirty-eight merit badges during his scouting career and was awarded three palms (bronze, gold, and silver) in addition to his Eagle Medal.

Charlie recognized three mentors:  Chris Smith, David Letchworth, and Josh Hobgood with mentor pins. Drew Marshall, Committee Member of Ship 7730 and an Eagle Scout (1986) gave the New Eagle Scout Welcome. Dr. Pat Curley presented Charlie with two awards: the Good Citizenship Award from the Marine Corp League and an award from the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians in recognition of Outstanding Achievement.

Eagle Scout Charlie Taylor expressed thanks to all who helped him on this journey to become an Eagle Scout. Special music, “The Eagle’s Flight – Eagle Scout Song” was provided by David Letchworth and accompanied by Josh Hobgood on guitar. During the ceremony, other music was provided by Mitzi Hobgood on piano, as well as music from the United States Marine Band and the United States Air Force Band. 

Following the Court of Honor, the congregation retreated to the CRIB sign for a dedication of the sign.  Following this dedication, everyone was invited to a covered dish supper in the Fellowship Hall provided by Charlie’s church family, friends, and family. 

Four white roses were on the altar table in memory of Donald Parrish, Sally Ruth Scott, Christy Smith, and all the Eagle Scouts who had gone before him. An orange rose was on the alter table in memory of Hannah Beth Roddy.

Charlie and his family thank everyone for any and every part played during Charlie’s Trail to Eagle: Scoutmasters, leaders, merit badge counselors, fellow scouts, friends, and all who encouraged and supported him along the way. Thank you also for the many acts of kindness and contributions of monetary value, materials, expertise, encouragement, help, and prayers during Charlie’s Eagle Scout Project. Special thank you to his church family and ship for helping make Charlie’s Court of Honor such a special occasion.