Kirk Cameron speaking at Gum Spring Library/Photo by Kate Foelsch
STONE RIDGE, VA—Actor, author, and director Kirk Cameron attracted a record crowd at the Gum Spring Library in Loudoun County this weekend with his Brave Story Hour.
More than 600 people attended Saturday’s event, hosted by Brave Books and Cornerstone Chapel of Leesburg. Cameron read aloud his illustrated children’s book, Pride Comes Before the Fall, to a crowded room of eager listeners. The book warns about the consequences of pride and the value of humility.
A line of grandparents, parents, and children snaked through every aisle of the Gum Spring Library’s ground floor. It continued out the front door, with nearly 200 more people waiting in the bright sun outside, hoping for a chance to hear Cameron in person.
Cameron conducted three presentations to accommodate as many people as possible. It was the largest crowd the library has experienced since its opening in 2014, according to library staff.
Part of the crowd awaiting Kirk Cameron at Gum Spring Library/Photo by Sharon Hancock
Last year the “Growing Pains” actor approached more than 50 libraries across the country to host a children’s story hour. Many of the libraries held a drag queen story time, but refused Cameron’s request, saying their communities weren’t interested. When he challenged them and said he would “assert” his “rights in court,” they changed course and opened their doors to him.
A crowd of 2,500 people showed up for Cameron’s first story hour in Indiana, where he read his book As You Grow. He’s since presented his story hour in several states, including Arizona, Georgia, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.
"Huge crowds have come to support [us] because we understand that this is a nation built on [Christian] principles…that have led to our prosperity and success and our liberty,” Cameron later explained. “It’s when we teach our children these values that we can secure healthy, prosperous futures for our children.
“So that’s what we’re doing. This is a bigger play than just reading stories to kids. It’s about revival and cultural transformation, [returning] to the standards that led to our success,” he said.
Pastor Gary Hamrick of Cornerstone Chapel joined Cameron at Gum Spring Library. “At a time when the hearts and minds of children are being assaulted by Kirk Cameron/Photo by Kate Foelsch
the culture, Kirk brings a refreshing reprieve with his children’s books that promote godly principles and values,” Hamrick said.
Cameron also talked to Saturday’s crowd about the National Monument to the Forefathers, located in Plymouth, Mass. Using a bluish-gray replica, he pointed out the statue’s allegorical figures that represent faith, morality, education, law, and liberty, and discussed how these standards still apply today.
The release of Pride Comes Before the Fall coincides with Pride Month, a celebration of the LBGTQ movement during June. Cameron noted pride is the deadliest sin, so he wants to focus on the importance of “the life-giving virtue of humility. That’s what my brand-new book is about!”
During Cameron’s presentations, a handful of adults gathered in another library room for Teach Truth Day of Action. The movement defends LGBTQ rights and is supported by the Zinn Education Project, the Human Rights Campaign, Black Lives Matter at School, and others. Cameron later tweeted about the movement, saying such efforts have harmful consequences for children.
Those who listened to the Brave Story Hour agreed. Attendee Jacqualin Schermerhorn said although she doesn’t have children, “I came to support Kirk because he’s doing a great job to help educate our young kids today with the right values.”
Teachers Gary and Natalie DeBaldo sat in on the first session with their 4-year-old and 8-month-old. They are glad to see more children’s books that espouse Christian values, Natalie said.
“As public school teachers in Fairfax County, we’re on the front lines of what’s basically bringing down the children,” she said.
Schools execute “a huge push for LGBTQ pride,” Gary added. “It’s celebrated in morning announcements. It’s just pumped into [the students]. We’ll never let our kids go to public school.”
Several members of the On His Road Motorcycle Ministry came out to support the story time because “it’s counter to the drag queen readings,” said member Tom Foust. “We think we need other Christian voices like this.”
Member Rose Scholl agreed. “The church has been silent for too long. Having this
event is taking a stand. It’s a start. It’s like when you [first] go to the gym and you start with lifting a five-pound weight. This is the five-pound weight,” she explained.
“When society’s going one way, we need to be going the other,” fellow biker Joe Livingood added.
Biker Dennis Scholl, Rose’s husband, nodded. “We have 10 grandkids and the way forward is Jesus,” he said.
On His Road Motorcycle Ministry members/Photo by Sharon Hancock
Some attendees came simply to see Cameron in person. “I grew up with ‘Growing Pains’ and I wanted to see Kirk Cameron. I’m starstruck,” admitted mom Kerrie Kavulic. She attended with her daughters Keira, 14, and Katelyn, 13.
One gentleman, who didn’t give his name, brought a poster-sized photo of Cameron as Mike Seaver on the hit TV show, which he got autographed. He said his biggest hope was to get a photo of himself and his father with the actor. Cameron happily Kerrie, Katelyn, and Keira Kavulic/Photo by Sharon Hancock obliged.
“I thought it was great,” said attendee Brian O’Malie. “I realize how important it is for parents to read to kids. We’re 100% supportive of this today.”
His wife, Voni O’Malie, a Sunday school teacher for 15 years, agreed. She noted the importance of children having access to books “that have a God-value that they can apply in their lives. I like seeing kids get a good foundation.”
“I really don’t think it could’ve gone better,” reflected Pam Pryor, Executive Director of Communications at Cornerstone Chapel. “It was done well, spot on. The crowd was kind, the library staff was kind. Must be a God thing.”
Jacqualin Schermerhorn with Brian and Voni O’Malie/Photo by Sharon Hancock