Church History
Part 32
This is the second part of a review of our church history for 2010, our 135th year.
In July our Vacation Bible School program was held form 5:45-8:15 P.M. Monday thru Friday. It was entitled “Galactic Blast.” VBS was successful with attendance one night reaching 41. Other activities in July included a 4th of July Picnic after the 11:00 A.M. service. There was a special Bible study on The Revelation of Saint John in June and July.
One of the great traditions of our church, which began in November of 1948, was continued on October 3rd. The Church Bazaar. This year revenue exceeded $4000.
Due to financial concerns, our church inaugurated, on October 17th ,a five part series of sermons on giving money to the church. Each sermon was presented by a lay person.
Also, on October17th Charge Conference was held at our church. This was the first time that five churches met at one church for this event. Each church went to a different area of our campus for the conference. Our church met in the minister’s office with the District Superintendent, Rev. Elmore. Evelyn Olaya served refreshments in the Fellowship Hall. Those attending from our church were Judy Cockerham, Sherie Self, Charles Dupree, Beth Lakey and Rev. Roberts.
On November 7th there was a special service for the veterans of military service. Howard Valentine was recognized at the 8:30 service for being the oldest active World War II veteran at our church. Military songs were sung at both services. The “little round flowerbed” was decorated with American Flags, as well as, flags remembering all branches of the military. A special flag was included to remember those either classified as missing in action or as prisoners of war.
On Saturday November 20th the Youth held a carwash and shrimp boil which raised over $1000. Earlier in the year the youth held a “ youth auction” to raise money. Both were greatly successful.
Homecoming was held on November 21st . This is thought to be the first one held since Rev. Bob Penton’s tenure. Our Homecoming celebrated the founding of our church and 135 years of proclaiming the Gospel. It was successful with about 153 in attendance at the church service. Rev. Langdon Garrison was the guest minister. Mrs. Clair Curry was presented The Heritage Award. This annual award was begun in 2006. A covered dish dinner followed in the Fellowship Hall and was attended by many former members.
December was a busy month with many special events. At the 11:00 P.M. service on December 12th the choir presented a cantata entitled Night Of The Father’s Love. Attendance for the cantata was 134. From 2-4 P.M. there was an Open House at the Parsonage. A “drive through live Nativity” was held at 5:00 P.M. on the 19th and was followed by a “Church Wide Christmas Party” at 6:00 P.M. On the 24th from 3-4 P.M. there was a “come and go” Communion Service. Between 5 and 6 P.M. there was a Christmas Eve Service which included Communion. On Christmas Day the church bell was rung. The tradition of ringing the bell on Christmas Day began in 2005.
Certainly, 2010 had its share of challenges, and some will need to be dealt with in 2011. However, as the January and February articles have shown, many dedicated people have been at work in a diversity of ministries. Our 135th year was a great one.
Church Historian,
Charles Dupree
