USA > North Carolina > Gates County > Reynoldson > Pride of the past, hope for the future, 1827-1977 : a history of Reynoldson Baptist Church written in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the church > Part 12
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The church had recently been rebuilt, but there were still many things in need of attention before the W.M.U. hosted the first county meeting in 1924. The ladies gave generously of their time, money and talents to prepare for this and the church rededication the following year in May, 1925.
Mrs. T.L. Brown, wife of the pastor, became W.M.U. president in 1926. Under her leadership the W.M.U. celebrated her Ruby (40th) Anniversary in 1928. Southern Baptist women had as their goal "a Woman's Missionary Society in every Southern Baptist Church."35 Baptist women everywhere 'prayed daily for forty thousand new members, 40% increase in the total number of organizations and 4 million dollars in gifts."36
The ladies were anxious to achieve excellence in their work and to enable them to have a work guide they secured a Standard of Excellence Chart. One of the goals on this chart was to study mission books. They met April 25, 1929 to study their first mission book, "Ann of Ava".37 To stress and encourage the ladies to read and study mission books during the next decade, members and groups who achieved this goal were presented seals and cards.
Chowan Association was promoting mission education of the youth through the encampments it held each summer at Chowan College. No Reynoldson youth had had an opportunity to attend one of these week long sessions. In 1932 the four W.M.U. groups voted to donate $3.00 per circle to send Genevieve Brown to G.A. encampment during the summer.39Other Reynoldson lads and lassies have attended later sessions. Two, Mary Langston and Ellen Parker, sponsored by the W.M.U., attended a week long G.A. Rally at Meredith College in 1945.40
On several occasions the Reynoldson ladies have hosted the County W.M.U. Meeting and twice they have hosted the Chowan Baptist Associational W.M.U. Meeting. These occassions were on April 8, 1937, when the thirty-second annual session met here41 and again on March 30, 1948.42
Chowan College has always been dear to the people of Reynoldson. Many of her sons and daughters have sought higher education here. The
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depression years saw the Baptists struggling to keep the college doors open. Chowan College was Northeastern North Carolina's nearest and only link with institutions of higher learning. When her call for help was heard by the Reynoldson women, they immediately sought to help by sponsoring suppers to raise money for this cause.
The war years saw Chowan close her doors, and her former president, Dr. Carrick come to Reynoldson to be pastor. Mrs. Carrick, his wife, was soon involved in the local W.M.U. work. As program chairman, she again presented the Standard of Excellence to the women and instructed them in their use of it as a guide for better mission work.
The World War II years saw many young Reynoldson men serving as soldiers for their country, many in foreign lands. Letters to loved ones back home sometimes contained bits of information and pictures of far away places. These were shared with W.M.U. friends and sometimes used to add interest to the mission program.43 Members prayed for and re- membered their sons in service. As a reminder of their Service the W.M.U. purchased a service board and the names of the Reynoldson men were placed on this roll.44
After peace returned to the nation and the men were home again, the attention and prayers of the Chowan Baptists were focused on reopening the doors of Chowan College. Financial help was needed, and once again Reynoldson women rallied to this cause by contributing twenty cents per member.45
The early nineteen fifties saw the church engaged in building a new home for the pastor. The need of additional finances became a challenge for the women. They were once again busy with many projects to accomplish this. Some of their projects were suppers, Stanley parties, hen parties, making pillow cases from feed bags for sale, broom sales, calendars, selling drinks at ballgames, and offering commerative church plates for sale. The women were challenged to take one dollar and see it grow, trying to double it as many times as possible. The money was used where most needed such as to help pay for the new gas heating plant at church, to build cabinets, to plant shrubs at the new pastorium, to install outside lights at church and to enrich the parsonage building fund by $500.
This era saw Mrs. L.C. Powell as president and under her leadership four groups were organized again. This time the circles and the society both held monthly meetings.46 On August 28, 1952, dedication services for the new parsonage were held. Immediately after the service, the W.M.U. honored the new pastor ad family, Rev. and Mrs. O.S. Edmonds, at a tea and open house.47
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Open House at the Reynoldson Pastorium on August 28, 1952. Left to right, Mrs. J.R. Freeman, Sr., Ethel Parker, Mrs. J.N. Eure, Rev. and Mrs. O.S. Edmonds, Mary Linda Eure, Mrs. Daught Powell, Mrs. Frances Carroll, Mrs. T. Beaurie Parker, Mrs. Ethel Eason, and Mr. T. Beaurie Parker.
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Open House at the new pastorium. Left to right, Mrs. J.R. Freeman, Sr., Mrs. Jack Carroll, Mrs. T. Beaurie Parker, Peggy Seiling, Mr. T. Beaurie Parker, Mrs. O.S. Edmonds, Elaine Edmonds, Rev. O.S. Edmonds, and Mrs. Daught Powell.
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During this same era, the W.M.U. achieved its goal of becoming an A-1 Organization. Special recognition was given at the May, 1954 associational meeting for her 1953 Achievements.47 This year the Annie Armstrong offering reached an all time high of $76.45.48
On February 16, 1954, the Reynoldson W.M.S. paid tribute to her oldest member, Mrs. Nina Edwards Carroll Ellis, on her eighty-fourth birthday.
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W.M.S. honors its oldest member, Mrs. Nina Ellis, (cen- ter) on Feb. 16, 1954. Seated on the chair with her are her grandson, Jack Carroll and his wife, Frances.
The W.M.S. Of Reynoldson Baptist Church Honors Its Eldest Member
Mrs. Nina Edwards Ellis, granddaughter of Jethro Goodman, who gave the land on which Reynoldson Church stands was entertained at the home of her grandson, Jack Carroll, Tuesday, February 16, 1954, by W.M.S. of Reynoldson. One hundred and fifteen guests called to pay their respects on her birthday.
"Mrs. Ellis, daughter of Elizabeth Goodman and John Edwards, was born February 16, 1870, in the Reynoldson Community in Gates County. Mrs. Ellis, one of three children, was reared in a christian home. Her mother was always at church with a winning smile and a handshake for every child as she would go from one to another with a "Howdy-baby- Howdy." Mr. Edwards is remembered as he carried the large wicker basket, containing the elements of the Lord's Supper which they prepared as long as their health would permit, down the aisle fourth Sunday mornings quarterly.
Mrs. Ellis grew up in Reynoldson when education was at its peak at Reynoldson Male
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Institute. She was one of the few girls to receive her education at this institution.
Nina Edwards was married first to Mr. John Carroll. To their union were born two children, Gretchen and John, Jr. Mr. Carroll died while John, Jr. was still an infant and Mrs. Carroll was left to rear her children in the home of her parents. Later Mrs. Carroll married Mr. Mills P. Ellis. They purchased the Preacher Waff property, adjacent to Reynoldson Baptist Church property, where they lived until Mr. Ellis passed on. She then went to live with her grandson in Gates. At no time in her life has she lived more than three miles from Reynoldson Church. She is still one of the most regular W.M.S. and church attendants.
She is known as "Grandmother Ellis" to many besides her four grandsons, five great grandsons and one great granddaughter. May she live to enjoy many more happy birthdays."49
Over the years W.M.U. work had become more organized and in March, 1955, Mrs. C.T. White, Jr., president, submitted the following W.M.S. report to conference. "W.M.S. has 48 members, 4 circles, which hold 2 meetings a month and has 20 tithers. The W.M.S. contributes regularly to the Cooperative Program, and does community missions such as visits sick, carries fruit and flowers, and sends cards. The mission study book, Under the North Star, was taught with 41 attending classes. The W.M.S sponsors all junior organizations (R.A., G.A., and Sunbeams, but not YWA),"50 This same year the W.M.U. decided to organize a Y.W.A. with Mrs. O.S. Edmonds and Mrs. John Robert Langston as leaders.51
Under the leadership of Mrs. J.N. Eure, special emphasis was placed on perfect attendance at both circle and W.M.S. meetings. Mrs. W.J. Parker was recognized for being the only member to achieve this goal.52 The ranks grew and the next year, three women, Mrs. Eure, Mrs. Aubrey Harrell and Mrs. Franklin Curle, were also honored for having perfect attendance.53
Through the years others have been honored by the W.M.U. Mrs. Amanda Carter was presented a W.M.U. pin in 1957. She had been a member of the society for the longest time.54 Rev. and Mrs. J.S. Cobb were presented a gift in honor of their 50th Wedding Anniversary.55 Mr. and Mrs. B.E. Smith were also remembered on their 50th Wedding Anniversary in February, 1962.56 Rev. and Mrs. Stewart were honored with a gift and a reception soon after they returned from their honeymoon in August, 1961.57 Upon hearing that the Billy Presleys were expecting a bundle of joy, the W.M.U. honored Mrs. Presley at a stork shower in 1967.58
A new sanctuary was planned and erected in 1956 on the same plot as the former church. Since it was erected in front of the old building, the old building served for several years as the church educational building. During this period the ladies were again busily engaged in many money making projects. They raised money for the building fund and projects of their own. They purchased the new pulpit furniture, but this time the cost
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was $658.50, instead of the former price of $25.00 in 1925. This furniture was placed in the pulpit in honor of Rev. and Mrs. O.S. Edmonds.59 They raised funds for other things such as shrubbery and kitchen furnishings. Whenever additional funds were needed, the ladies would respond and work to accomplish this goal.
The Diamond Anniversary of the W.M.U. fell within the period of the Baptist Jubilee Advance, a five-year celebration (1959-1964). The Woman's Missionary Union pledged to be a part of this great advance. "The goals of the anniversary year were a part of the Jubilee and therefore, were directed toward the purposes of the five year period. The goals for the Lottie Moon Christmas offering and the Annie Armstrong offering were increased progressively from 11 percent to 15 percent."60 Feeling that this movement could not succeed without prayer to support it the W.M.U. declared the five year period an Era of Prayer. Their first goal was to have a prayer retreat. Reynoldson women chose to observe this goal in July, 1962 and met in the home of Mr. and Mrs. T. Beaurie Parker for this occasion. In July, 1963 the group returned to the Parker home to hold another prayer retreat. At this time Mrs. J.R. Freeman's welcoming remarks were as follows:
"We welcome each to the Diamond Anniversary year Prayer Retreat. This was the first goal and one which could be achieved prior to the beginning of our anniversary year, which began last October. We observed this goal last July here in this very spot. We enjoyed it so very much, our community missions committee again chose Prayer Retreat as a project for this month (July, 1963). We are glad Mr. and Mrs. Parker let us come back to be with them. The atmosphere here is one of relaxation, peace and freedom. In such an atmosphere there is opportunity to know God better, to love him more and to know oneself as well. We are happy for your presence and I do hope each person here will be glad they came."61
Reynoldson Diamond Jubilee Celebration in 1962. Left to right, Mrs. J.N. Eure, Mrs. Jack Carroll, Mrs. Elsie Tyler, Mrs. Priscilla Byrum, and Mrs. Frances Anne Langston.
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Past Presidents of Reynoldson WMS observing the 75th Anniversary of WMS and 50th Anniversary of the G.A.'s in May, 1962. Left to right are Mrs. Virginia White, Frances Carroll, Ruth Eure, Mrs. T.L. Brown, Jennie Bess Freeman, and Virginia Nixon.
50th Wedding Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis. Left to right, George Ellis, Nina Ellis, Mother, Gretchen Ellis, daughter. Mrs. Ellis, like grandmother, Bettie Edwards, served for years as treasurer among the women.
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Results of prayer and giving through the Weeks of Prayer were measurable as the Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong offerings reached an unprecedented high.
Soon the church was to again become involved in a building program. This time the old was to give way to the new. The building which had stood for more than one hundred years was dismantled and replaced by a new brick educational building. The women aided this effort in various ways such as furnishing the kitchen and providing toys for the nursery.
Where were the young married women who belonged to the church? Were they helping with youth mission groups? Maybe. Were they members of the regular W.M.U. Rarely. Where were they? There seemed to be no Baptist Mission group where they felt they belonged. What could be the answer? Of course! A Baptist Young Women's group could be organized where young women of similar ages with similar interest and desires could come together to plan and carry forth God's work in their own way. In October, 1973 this group became a reality. Several young women between the ages of 18-30 joined together to become the Reynoldson Baptist Young Women's group. Mary Lou Bracy was their first president.62
October 1973 Mary Lou Bracy became the first president of the Baptist Young Women.
Many miles have been traveled and many lives changed since the eventful day in 1885 when the Reynoldson ladies first organized. The names of the youth organizations have changed. Today the former Sunbeams are known as Mission Friends, the Girls Auxilary as Girls in Action, Y.W.A. as Acteens. The R.A.'s are now sponsored by the Brotherhood. The youth groups, the Baptist Young Women with Shelia Smith as president and the adult women with Ruth Doughtie as president, compose the W.M.U. Claire Presley is W.M.U. director.
Woman's Missionary Union is a living force which motivates people into action as they guide young and old into a growing awareness and acceptance of being "Laborers together with God."63
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W.M.U. State Meeting was held at Ridgecrest in 1976. Those attending were left to right, front row, Virginia Nixon, Virginia White, Blanche Parker, Ruth Doughtie, W.M.U. President and back row, Shelia Smith, Baptist Young Women President, Hattie Bracy, Ruth Eure, and Clairie Presley, W.M.U. Director.
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The Authentic Costume Contest in Gates County's Bicentennial Celebration was re- presented by two Reynoldson members and one former member, who wore dresses of former Reynoldson Church members. Left to right, Betty Ann Riddick Baines, Margaret (Peggy) Seiling Lefler, and Sally Mathias Freeman.
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Sunbeams Mission Friends
The Sunbean Band, a mission organization for children, was organized April 8, 1888 under the leadership of Miss Claudia Waff, sister of Rev. Waff. On this day there were sixty members present and they decided to meet on second Sundays after Sunday School.1 For many years during Mr. Waff's years of service, Willie Jones was the secretary for the Sunbeams.2
After the Waff's left Reynoldson, interest in this youth organization dwindled. It was revived and reorganized in 1919 under the leadership of Miss Edith Freeman and Miss Katy Lynn Pittman (Mrs. B.A. Owens), youth leaders. In 1920 there were 36 Sunbeams. During these years the groups met four times a year (February, May, August and November) during the morning worship hour.4 Their theme song was "A Sunbeam, A Sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam." Their parent organization, the W.M.U., was always willing to encourage and help the children. They gave them their first Easter Egg Hunt on March 26, 1932.5
On June 19, 1961, Mrs. J.R. Freeman, Sr., youth leader, reported to the W.M.U. that the Sunbeams had celebrated their 75th anniversary. Seventy-five of the 79 young members were present.6 Sunbeams were the children learning, playing, singing and loving their way into hearts as they learned about missions.
In 1970 Sunbeams became Mission Friends. The age group and purpose remain the same as it has been since G.A.'s and R.A.'s were added. The lovely thought portrayed by the word Sunbeam, a shining ray, has not changed since the children still study and learn about missions, the mission fields, and Christ's love for all as Mission Friends. "Give us the children of today for missions and we take the world for Christ tomorrow."7
G.A.'s and R.A.'s
For many years the Sunbeam Band had been the only youth mission organization at Reynoldson. Even though the Southern Baptist Women had seen a need for a girls' missionary organization as early as 1913, it was eleven years later in 1924 before the Reynoldson women answered this challenge and fostered organizations for both the girls and boys. Miss Edith Freeman organized the Girls Auxillary and the Royal Ambassadors. Soon the older boys and girls were developing in missionary interest and service as they gathered together for mission study, stewardship education and community missions work. During the first years of these
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Miss Edith Freeman reorganized the Sunbeams, G.A.'s and R.A.'s in the early 1920's.
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Mr. and Mrs. B.A. Owens. Katy Pittman Owens helped reorganize the Sunbeams.
Sunbeam Easter Egg Hunt held in 1949 or 1950.
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new organizations, Miss Edith Freeman, and Mrs. J.R. Freeman, Sr. were the leaders. 1
1928 may have been the year of Reynoldson's first Senior Citizens entertainment. It was this year that the G.A.'s and R.A.'s held a special program for their grandmothers.2 The ladies were pleased with the knowledge the boys and girls displayed and soon purchased special song books for youth.
The W.M.S. was always busy working to help improve the church and its surroundings. The G.A.'s and R.A.'s participated in some of these projects. They were actively involved in such church beautification projects as planting shrubs and flowers on the church grounds.3
For more than thirty years (1924-1957), the W.M.U. sponsored and furnished leaders for both the G.A.'s and R.A.'s. The highlight of the R.A. work under this W.M.U. sponsorship occurred in November, 1953, when the Reynoldson R.A.'s hosted the district R.A. Conclave. Soon after Mr. Stewart became pastor of Reynoldson, the Brotherhood became the parent organization for the R.A.'s. They were soon sponsoring a boys' baseball club5 which was the beginning of an atheletic program which now encompasses year round activities for both boys and girls involving softball, baseball, basketball and volleyball.
In 1962 the boys honored their fathers at a father-son banquet.6 Today they still have an evening of food and fellowship. The girls also have a special event to honor their mothers near Mother's Day.
From the beginning of the G.A. and R.A. work, the W.M.U. encouraged and helped the boys and girls reach out and learn. Special encampments at Chowan College offered educational and recreational opportunities for these young people. In 1932 the W.M.U. sponsored Genevieve Brown's attendance at the Chowan Encampment.7 Over the years many other Reynoldson youths attended camp at Chowan, and Mary Langston and Ellen Parker attended Camp at Meredith. In 1953 when Mrs. J.R. Freeman, Sr. was Youth Director and Mrs. Ernest Curle was G.A. Leader, all 16 G.A. girls and their leaders attended the G.A. encampment at Chowan College. Since the opening of waterside Camp Cale, the encampments are held there.
During the 1950's and 60's, the G.A. leaders emphasized "Forward Steps". Studying, learning and climbing these steps enlightened the girls about Girls' Auxilary work, its goals and its ideals. Several girls climbed the G.A. ladder to become Maidens, Ladies-in-Waiting, Princesses and Queens. Only two achieved steps beyond Queen. Margaret (Peggy) Seiling achieved Queen-with-a-Sceptor, while Vivian Casper achieved
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the highest recognition of any Reynoldson G.A. She was crowned Queen Regent in November, 1959.8 To inspire the girls to climb the ladder of "Forward Steps," the W.M.U. would award a charm bracelet and a G.A. charm when they had successfully completed a step.
Today the W.M.U. and the Brotherhood sponsor all youth organizations. The girls are now known as Girls-in-Action. The mission goal of these organizations remains the same of educating and growing "Knowbodies".
In order to provide the young people with an opportunity to utilize their knowledge, the church began Youth Week. During this week the youth of the church become responsible for the different church offices. Therefore, they can learn by doing.
The first Youth Week was held in April, 1954 with Robbie Hayes Eure as pastor.9 The other officers were not recorded. The first recorded youth W.M.U. president was Sandra Doughtie in 1963.10 This event has become an annual affair which encourages and teaches the Reynoldson youth to step forward for Christ.
Reynoldson Youth around 1920. Mr. M.P. Ellis is in the horse and cart.
G.A.'s, R.A.'s and Sunbeams in 1953. First row, left to right, Carroll Nixon, Richard Sawyer Willard Nixon, Linda Curle, Nancy Hayes, Frances Neble, Lou Rachel Eure. Second row, Kay Bracy, Brenda Taylor, Norma Hayes, Raye Curle, Paulette Harrell, Jean Bracy, Joan Sawyer, Thurman Lee Bunch, and Ethel Eason. Third row, Paul Nixon, Lester Glisson, John T. Eason, Gayle Curle, Betty Jo Savage, Ann Sawyer, and Mrs. Virginia Nixon.
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G.A.'s in 1953. First row, left to right, Brenda Taylor, Jean Bracy, Raye Curle, Paulette Harrell, Joan Sawyer, Gayle Curle, and Betty Jo Savage. Second row, left to right, Norma Hayes, Anne Sawyer, Ethel Parker, Hannah Riddick, Mary Leigh Savage, and Shirley White.
R.A.'s in 1953. First row, left to right, Thurman Lee Bunch, John T. Eason, Lester Glisson, Paul Nixon, and Carroll Nixon. Second row, left to right, George E. Eure, Agrippa Sawyer, John T. Bracy, and Bobby Harrell.
Nov. 1959. Vivian Casper, Queen with a Scepter. Attendants were Deborah White and Stuart Doughtie.
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Robbie Hayes Eure was the first Youth Pastor in April, 1954.
G.A. Coronation in Nov. 1959. Peggy Seiling - Queen, Anna Freeman - G.A. Attendant, Vivian Casper - Queen with a Scepter, G.A. Attendant - Nancy Hayes, and Deborrah White - Attendant for Vivian Casper.
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Y.W.A.'s
During the early 1940's, Reynoldson W.M.U. sponsored a Y.W.A. with Mrs. Louise Pittman serving as the leader. Y.W.A. material was used as their study guide, even though the group consisted of both the young men and women of the church. War and rationing caused the demise of this organization.1
When the W.M.U. held its business session on September 20, 1955, a new item of business concerned the reorganization of the Young Women's Auxiliary. Soon Mrs. J.R. Freeman, Sr., youth director, reported that this had been accomplished. The Y.W.A.'s had as their leaders Mrs. O.S. Edmonds and Mrs. John Robert Langston.2
In July, 1957 these leaders requested the W.M.U. to purchase two white Bibles for the Y.W.A.'s to present to two of their members who were soon to marry.3 Thus, twenty years ago the first White Bible Service was held. This special tribute is still being held for the young ladies who are soon to be wed.
The Reynoldson Y.W.A.'s attended the district meeting in Edenton in February, 1962. At this meeting Mary Eldar Wiggins (Buck) was elected regional Y.W.A. president for the year 1962-63.4 The name of this organization has now been changed to Acteens. The young lady who was regional president remains active with this group. Mary Edlar and Susan Bunch are the adult leaders to help guide and direct other young women on their upward paths.
In 1962-1963, Mary Edlar Wiggins was Regional Y.W.A. president.
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Acteens in 1975. Left to right, Faye Council, Susan Bunch, leader, Mary Edlar Buck, Leader, Juanita Parker, Darlene Harrell, Susie Parker, and Sharon Winslow.
Brotherhood
In 1941 under the leadership of Mrs. Vance Pittman, an effort was made to organize the young people above high school age into a group. This group included both young men and young ladies. They used Y.W.A. material as their guide and reported as a Y.W.A. organization. The call to service for their country was heard by many of these young men. Consequently, the organization soon ceased to exist.1
On January 7, 1955 Rev. O.S. Edmond presented the following recommendation of the Board of Deacons to conference: "The church sponsor a Brotherhood to be organized between February 15th and 18th."2
At the organizational meeting held at the Gates Community Building on February 18, 1955, the following officers were elected: President - J.R. Freeman, Jr .; Ist Vice President - Charles R. Eure; 2nd Vice-President - John Robert Langston; 3rd Vice-President - Dick Tyler; Choirster - Aubrey Harrell; Secretary-Treasurer - Jack Carroll.3 Soon there were 39 members busily engaged in mission work. They visited the sick and needy, witnessed for Christ, learned about stewardship and held prayer services.4
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