By CATHERINE LEGG / Community Columnist

This writer was fortunate to be invited to the Spring Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church Women’s Membership Endowment Presentation and Luncheon on March 21.

Eleven of the ladies were awarded perpetual memberships, and with each, a donation was made by the local organization toward the denominational mission work.

Receiving the Diamond Perpetual Memberships were Pauline Letlow, Ethel Taff and Glenda Terrell Cairns, who have each served 10 or more years.

The Silver Perpetual Memberships, signifying 25 or more years of service, went to Kathleen Keeton, Beverly Leach, Beverly Stamps and Jo Ina Alexander.

And the coveted Gold Perpetual Memberships, for more than 50 years of service, were awarded Jackie Ingram, Barbara Ingram, Pauline Ingram and Clara Hegwood.

In describing the recipients, member Mary Arledge said, “I admire these, and all of our ladies, for their dedication to our church and community. I have seen them so often helping at events and services. I can only hope that I can be the kind of Christian example that they are.”

Mary explained the main focus of the group is raising money to support the Cumberland Presbyterian missions and participating in service projects in the community and church.

The delicious lunch was served in the beautifully decorated fellowship hall where the ladies had all brought their very special dishes to make up a menu that could only be challenged by the very best restaurants.

Spring Creek Church is one of the oldest in the area. According to its early history written in 1963 by Hattie Prestridge: “The church was organized in 1876 by David Young Wyatt. The names of the families who were the first members were Alexander, Ingram, Black, Allen, Wyatt, Killingsworth, Bailey, Seale, Miskelly, Pardue, Lee, Crawford, Crump, and Stroup.”

In a church bulletin dated January 1953, there was an announcement asking if any of the ladies would be interested in organizing a Missionary Auxiliary unit. About a month later, the ladies had their very first meeting at the home of Ann Goad.

So that was the beginning of this vital, active, caring organization whose combined years of service exceed 350 years.

 

Catherine Legg can be reached by email at clegg2@bellsouth.net.