First UMC, Whitewright, 125th celebration

BY CHARLA FLOWERS
First UMC, Whitewright

A day to remember! On Heritage Sunday, May 20, the First UMC, Whitewright, had a "Celebration" commemorating 125 years of history and service.

The Sunday morning worship service, under the leadership of Pastor Doyle Henderson, welcomed Rev. Jim Dorff, Area Provost as preacher.

Special music featured "Amazing Grace," "His Eye is On The Sparrow," "The Church in The Wildwood," "Standing on The Promises," "When They Ring The Golden Bells," and "Whispering Hope." The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Johnny Jennings, sang "Heaven Medley" and the invitational hymn was "Bringing in The Sheaves."

Immediately following the Sunday worship, the church and Scout Troop 42 members buried time capsules near the church's Historical Marker. 125 balloons were released by the youth of the church; a festive lunch followed in the Fellowship Hall.

Present members, former members, special guests, Scout members and families shared fellowship, music, activities, historical books, food, and worship as the church joyfully celebrated the church's past 125 years of faithful witness and service to the congregation, to the Whitewright community, and to the glory of God.

Rev. Doyle Henderson, the 58th pastor of Whitewright Methodist Church, appointed in Jan. 2004 says, "The special recognition of 125 years in Whitewright gives many memories to celebrate along with our strong desire to acknowledge our current witness and our future opportunities."

For more information, please call 903-364-2411, or visit www.first-umcwhitewright.org.