Henry Bryson, D.D.	1828-1847
A. S. Sloan	1847-1874
J. B. Muse	1874-1882
Supplies	1882-1889
O. Y. Bonner	1889-1891
A. J. Ranson, D.D.	1895-1901
J. B. Hood	1902-1910
W. A. Kennedy	1911-1912
J. N. Lesslie	1913-1920
M. T. Ellis	1921-1941
S. L. McKay	1942-1946
W. A Hayes, Pastor of the Lincoln Church	Supplied at Prosperity for 2 Years 1946-1948
W. L. Latham	1948-1950
J. P. Johnston	1951-1957
J. H. McFerrin	1958-1976
C. F. Edgar Pastor Emeritus ___________________________________ C. D. Crowell, Associate Pastor Pastor	1976-09/2003 09/28/2003 _____________________________________ 2002-09/2003 09/28/2003

Past and Present Pastors Prosperity ARP Church Taft, Tennessee

No original records of Prosperity have been preserved.

Among the elders of the church have been the following:

Samuel de Haven, M.B. Parkinson, B.M. McCalla, R. Moore, W.P. Watson,

R.A. McFerrin, G.W Crawford, J.L. Bishop, H.S. McCalla, J.P. Fife, J.A. Good,

A.R. Byers, J.G. Stewart, M.C. Moore, H.P. Moore, O.L. Kidd, C.J. Jones and

T. Moyers.

Among the deacons have been: Hugh Parkinson, S.M. Parkinson, H.T. Sloan,

J.T. Phagan, J.B Stewart, W.G. Moore, W.S. McFerrin, W.P. Watson,

Robert Bailey, Joe Caughran, T.G. Moore, A.R. Byers, E. Fife, W.R. Jones,

H.H. Burton, H. Sandlin, R.H. Drennan, H.O. Moore, J.H. Spray, E.R. Franklin,

and M.C. Forbes.

History of Prosperity ARP Church

Taft, Tennessee

The first settlement of Associate Reformed Presbyterians in Lincoln County, Tennessee was in 1826. They came from Abbeville, Chester and Fairfield Counties in South Carolina. Amount the early settlers were Drennans, Moores, McCallas, McMillens, Raymonds, McFerrins, Gleghorns, Parkinsons, Pinkertons, Sheffields, Sloans, Stewarts and Wileys; some of whose descendants are with us still. Some of these families settled ten miles south of Fayetteville and formed the organization for the Prosperity Associate reformed Presbyterian Church. Others settled six miles west of Fayetteville and formed Bethel Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

In 1826 Rev. Henry Bryson, who was reared in Laurens County, South Carolina, traveled alone on horseback to middle Tennessee to preach to the Associate Reformed Presbyterians who had moved to Lincoln, Marshall and Maury Counties. He rode back to South Carolina in the fall of 1827 and in the spring of 1828 he returned to Lincoln County, Tennessee. On Sabbath, May 10, 1828, he and Rev. John Renwick organized Prosperity Church.

The land where Prosperity has been 175 years was donated by Hugh Parkinson. Rev. Bryson, later Dr. Bryson, was installed as pastor of this church on the day of its organization. There is no record of either the names or the number of charter members of the church.

However, the name of James Jennant is recorded as having united with the church “by examination” on the day of the organization, and the name of an infant, Lewis Bryson, son of Alexander Wiley, is recorded as having been baptized on the same day.

Prosperity was apparently the first Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church organized in Lincoln County, Tennessee. Shortly thereafter, Bethel, about three miles west of Harms, and Head Springs in Marshall County were organized and Dr. Bryson served as pastor of these three churches. He demitted Head Springs in 1838, but continued as pastor of Bethel and Prosperity until 1847 when ill health forced him to resign.

Prosperity Church Flourished under Dr. Bryson’s care. During his pastorate two church buildings were erected. The first was of hewn logs and was built in 1828 and used for some time with only the dirt floor. The land was obtained from Hugh Parkinson.

During a protracted meeting one summer this log house was too small for the accommodation of the congregation and they went to a grove in the graveyard.

While they were preaching in the graveyard some young people got together and danced in the log church without the floor. When they got through dancing the boys decided to have some fun at Dr. Bryson’s expense, and sent for him to come into the church to talk with a young man (pretending to be) under conviction of sin and seeking the light. Dr. Bryson came and found the young man crying and feigning deep penitence. At once divining the situation, he ordered the boys all to their knees and to prayer.

Having done this, Dr. Bryson began the prayer by asking God to convert the young man if his penitence was sincere, but if not sincere to strike him dead at once. The young man jumped up in great fright and got away. A few days later he came to Dr. Bryson, saying in earnest he was converted and joined the church.

During 1841 and 1842 a substantial frame building, 52 feet by 52 feet, was erected. This building was used until 1881 when it was burned by an incendiary that had enough respect for the pulpit Bible to take it some distance from the church and leave it on a fence. Dr. Bryson died at his home in Viney Grove in 1878 and was buried in the Prosperity Cemetery.

In 1847, Rev. A. S. Sloan was installed as pastor and continued in this capacity for 27 years until 1874, thus being distinguished as serving the Prosperity Church longer than any other pastor. Under Rev. Sloan’s ministrations the field enlarged and a building was erected five miles north of Prosperity. This new church was named New Hope. Rev. Sloan preached at both churches and one bench of elders served both organizations for several years. New Hope later became a separate organization and, with Bethel formed a separate pastorate.

The Civil War caused a division of the church and one part of the congregation formed the United Presbyterian Church. Several Confederate soldiers are buried in the Prosperity Cemetery. The names of three slaves appear on the church roll prior to the Civil War.

In 1870 another church was organized by members of Prosperity. This church was known as Pleasant Plains. A church building was erected at Blanche, the Methodists and the Associate Reformed Presbyterians each having a half interest in it and each having preaching on alternate Sabbaths. Rev. Sloan served as pastor.

This organization was never strong. In 1885 it reported 35 members; in 1907 the membership was still 35, and $100 was paid to the pastor’s salary.

Rev. J. B. Muse was installed as pastor of Prosperity and Blanche in November 1874 and continued in this capacity until his resignation in 1882. It was during Rev. Muse’s pastorate that the present church building was erected. After Rev. Muse’s resignation, the church was without a pastor for six years and was somewhat irregularly supplied until Rev. O. Y. Bonner began his labors in 1888. Rev. J. A. Myers supplied the pulpit for some time. Rev. H. B. Balkely preached here during the summers of 1886 and 1887.

Rev. O. Y. Bonner was formally installed as pastor in May 1889. He organized the church’s first Sabbath School on the third Sabbath of December, 1888. He was the first superintendent of the Sabbath School which met only twice a month on days of preaching. The earliest available statistics of the Sabbath School are from 1893 and indicate that there were four teachers and 50 pupils. The Ladies’ Missionary Society was organized in 1888 and a separate account of this organization’s history is given elsewhere in this history. Rev. Bonner resigned his pastorate in June 1891.

During the next few years Prosperity Church was without a regular pastor. Various men came as supply pastors; among them were Rev. J. M. Garrison, W. S. Castles, W. B. Logan and others. In 1894 a Dr. W. W. Orr held a meeting at the church which resulted in 67 additions to the rolls.

In June, 1895 Rev. A. J. Ranson came as supply and he was installed as pastor of Prosperity and Blanche on November 10, 1895. It was during his pastorate that a young people’s organization was established. In 1901 this organization reported 60 members and contributions of $35. Dr. Ranson and his bride were the first to occupy the new manse. The manse was built on five acres of land given by Mr. Thomas McFerrin to the Women’s Society to be used for the purpose of constructing a manse. Rev. Ranson resigned November 17, 1901, and later became a missionary to India.

Rev. J. B. Hood was installed pastor November 5, 1902. He also acted as principal of Camargo School. He continued in the pastorate at Prosperity until his resignation in August of 1910.

Rev. W. A. Kennedy became the next pastor on February 11, 1911. It was during Rev. Kennedy’s pastorate that a building was erected at Coldwater. About this time the organization which had been established at Blanche began to falter seriously due to lack of members.

In 1911 this organization was moved to Coldwater and a nicely furnished building was erected. It was financed largely by two men: William McAnn and Hense Patterson.

The church was named McAnn’s Chapel in honor of Mr. McAnn and was supplied by the pastors of Prosperity. In 1918, weakened by deaths and removals, the congregation voted to discontinue the organization and the majority of the members transferred their membership to Prosperity. The church furniture, consisting of pews, pulpit, organ and chairs for children were all moved to Prosperity and are still used today. The pews used today were refinished by young people in the early sixties. Rev. Kennedy resigned the pastorate during the latter part of 1912 due to the condition of Mrs. Kennedy’s health.

Rev. J. N. Lesslie and his bride came to Prosperity in 1913. He was installed as pastor July 22, 1913, by Rev. H. B. Blakely and R. A. Young. During Rev. Lesslie’s pastorate the organization at McAnn’s Chapel was discontinued and Prosperity has had a full-time pastor since then. Rev. Lesslie resigned November 9, 1920.

Rev. M. T. Ellis began his ministry in Prosperity April 10, 1921, and was installed as pastor Sabbath, May 4, 1921, by Revs. J. L. Pressly and W. T. Simpson. Rev. Ellis continued in this capacity for 21 years.

Prosperity has had two parsonages: the first was built by Rev. W. B. Logan in 1894, but was never occupied by him. That building was destroyed by fire of unknown origin on the night of August 4, 1922 while the Ellis family was at church. A new manse was constructed on the same site in the fall of 1922. The McAnn’s Chapel at Coldwater was sold to the county school board for $1,000, and this money was put into the new parsonage which, in 1937. was valued at $3,000.

The Centennial Celebration was held August 11, 1928 with about 500 people in attendance. Addresses on this occasion were made by all living former pastors: Dr. A. J. Ranson, Rev. J. B. Hood, W. A. Kennedy and J. N. Lesslie.

1828 PROGRAM 1928

Centennial Celebration

The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church

August 11, 1928

Song………………………………………………………………Psalm 100

Invocation

Greetings…………………………………………………………Rev. M. T. Ellis

The Organization & First Pastorate…………………………...…Mr. H. K. Bryson

My Father’s Pastorate……………………………………..….…Rev. T. W. Sloan, D.D.

Pastorate of Rev. J. B. Muse and

Rev. O.Y.Bonner……………………………………………….Rev. G. G. Parkinson, D.D.

..

Prosperity and Blanche………………………………….………Rev. A. J. Ranson, D.D.

Picnic Dinner

My Pastorate………………………………………………………..…Rev. J. B. Hood

The Prosperity and McAnn’s Chapel…………………………………Rev. W. A. Kennedy

The Consolidated Church………………………………….…………Rev. J. N. Lesslie

Greetings from Sons and Daughters

Song…………………………………………………………………Psalm 133 C. M.

Benediction

Rev. S. L. McKay was installed as the next pastor of Prosperity on July 12, 1942, and served until his resignation March 31, 1946, when he accepted a call to Bethel Church at Oak Hill, Alabama.

The church had no regular pastor for a period of two years, but was supplied in part by Rev. W. A. Hayes. Dr. Hayes, a son of the congregation, was pastor of the Lincoln Memorial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and conducted services on Sabbath afternoons at Prosperity. (During this time, June 1942 till March 1946, the manse was redecorated.)

Rev. W. L. Latham came in June 1948 and began his ministry which lasted two years and seven months. During his pastorate plans were made for the Educational Annex, consisting of kitchen, fellowship hall, classrooms and a balcony in the sanctuary.

Rev. J. P. Johnstone was installed July 15, 1951, and served until his death November 24, 1957. In addition to the pastorate at Prosperity, Rev. Johnston took up the work at Lincoln Memorial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. During his work at Prosperity the annex was completed and the dedication services were held November 30, 1953. (Rev. B. T. Livingstone) The building committee was composed Messrs. Good, Forbes, Broadrick, Charlie Jones, McFerrin and Gracy. Participating in the dedicatory service was Rev. B. P. Livingstone, pastor of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville.

August 23, 1968 Robert Alexander (Rob) Good an Elder for 39 years died as the result of a tractor accident on which he was driving that overturned on him. His funeral was at the church on Sabbath afternoon the 25^th of August with attendance of a full house and standing room only.

Rev. Russell Shedd and Rev. M. K. Harwell supplied the pulpit for a brief period until Rev. J. H. McFerrin, a son of the congregation, and his family moved into the manse October 1, 1958.

During a ten year period from 1960-1970, a new piano and organ were purchased for use in the church.

Also the redecorating and roofing was accomplished at the church and the manse.

He served both churches at Prosperity and Lincoln until his death March 16, 1976.

During his pastorate the well was drilled which was financed by Edgar Sloan, M. D. Restrooms and water were put in the church.

Air conditioning was also put in. The YPCA refinished the church pews and sanded and finished the floors in the annex.

He placed signs on the road to show where Prosperity is and planted many shrubs and trees on the church lawn.

In April 1975, Mr. McFerrin had surgery and while he was away several men from the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama filled the pulpit. One was Elder Charles F. Edgar who was familiar with the Associate Reformed Presbyterians, having been baptized at Unity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church at Lancaster, South Carolina, when he was an infant and is a descendant of the McCain family at Unity. He spoke to Mr. McFerrin and offered to help in any capacity he could fill during Mr. McFerrin’s recuperation.

In June, 1975, Mr. McFerrin and some elders asked Mr. Edgar to preach once a month at Prosperity as Mr. McFerrin was interested in retiring. On July 30, 1975, Mr. McFerrin suffered a stroke and the session asked Mr. Edgar to serve as supply. He agreed to serve in this capacity while working toward licensure and ordination under a special clause of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod. He was subsequently ordained April 24, 1976, at the Prosperity Church by the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod and transferred to the Associate Reformed Presbyterian denomination in October of 1976 and installed as pastor at that time.

Mrs. Emma Clark, a member of the Prosperity congregation, lived to be 103 years old. She died on February 22, 1978 and her funeral was contrasted sharply in a Huntsville newspaper with that of a worldly bar-owner in Nashville whose funeral was the same day. Mrs. Emma walked with her dog in the rolling farmland of Lincoln County. Carrying a jug of water “in case the dog got thirsty”, she roved the land that she moved to years before with her sisters.

An 18-month marriage ended in a tragic death of her young husband and a child was lost in childbirth. But Emma could not exclude the neighborhood children. Attending the funeral services, these now-grown women said, “When I was very young I can remember her telling me, ‘Now I’ve just baked some cakes and you’ll have to help me eat them’”. Mrs. Emma was a gentle lady who kept chewing gum in her pocketbook for the youngsters she met on her walks.

Prosperity has given many men to the gospel ministry. Revs. J. M. Brown, D.D.; Thomas W. Parkinson; G. G. Parkinson, D. D.; J. W. Good, Ph.D.; Thomas H. McDill, D.D.; J. B. McFerrin, W. A. Hayes, Th.D.; J. H. McFerrin; Dan K. Moore and Ben Renegar were all reared in this congregation. Four sons of pastors have also entered the ministry: Revs. J. H. Bryson, D.D.; T. W. Sloan, D.D., W. B. Hood and C. Edgar. Professor B. L. Parkinson, Ph.D., who was reared in this church, was president of the Mississippi State College for Women.

Synod has met twice at Prosperity: October 1, 1847 with Rev. Nel M. Gordon presiding as moderator and again September 17, 1866 with Rev. H. H. Robison as moderator. Four of Prosperity’s pastors have served as moderator of Synod: Dr. Henry Bryson, Dr. A. J. Ranson, M. T. Ellis and Rev. A. S. Sloan.

The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Woman’s Synodical Union held its annual meeting at Prosperity in October 1975. In preparation for the meeting the interior of the church was remodeled. The committee members for remodeling were Mrs. William Newman, Mrs. Lawson Good and Mrs. Ed Byers. A new ceiling was installed with chandelier light fixtures. The interior was painted.

Bible school and revival meeting was held the week of July 10, 1978. The Rev. Gary Letchworth was the speaker.

On July 22 and 23, 1978 a celebration was held in commemoration of the 150^th birthday of the church. Visitors from throughout Tennessee and eight other states, some as far away of Oregon, gathered to observe the event.

The Edgars decided to move into the manse and become a part of our community. After renovation, they finally moved in on November 19^th, 1978, an open house was held at the manse in order for the members to observe the beautiful remodeling of the Manse.

July 9 through July 15, 1979, Mr. Arthur Allen of Augusta, GA conducted our meetings during Vacation Bible school this week.

Mr. Clay Jones, husband of Mrs. Rena Jones, died February 2, 1980. Mr. Clay was an Elder of the church.

A church supper and musical program by the New Vibrations, a group of students from a Charlotte, NC high school was enjoyed April 17, 1980.

Bible school and a week of revival was June 16-23, 1980. The speaker was Rev. John McGregor, Chaplin, Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. Youth work and special music was under the direction of Mr. Tom Huddleston of Huntsville, Alabama.

Under the leadership of Rev. Edgar, Kay Good Williams choose to attend a Christian College. She attended Covenant College and graduated in May 1981. In 1985, she volunteered for short-term mission service with the ARP World Witness Mission Board. She photographed many aspects of the ARP Mission work all over Mexico, and the photos were used in mission literature.

Our week of meetings and Bible school was held June 22-28, 1981. Our speaker for the week was Rev. John Carson of Ebenezer ARP Church of Charlotte, NC.

Jubilee Birthday services were held August 19, 1981 at 7:30 p.m. A covered dish supper was enjoyed by the congregation before the services.

The 71^st Annual Session of the Tennessee-Alabama Presbyterial Union met at Prosperity ARP Church on October 21, 1981. A quilt depicting each church in the TN-AL Presbytery Union was displayed at the meeting. Our appreciation goes out to Mr. Larry Bricker, who drew the sketch of our church and to Mrs. Virginia McElroy and Mrs. Dorothy Byers who did the beautiful embroidery work on the block which represents our church in the quilt.

1982. The looks of the church at Prosperity has changed. Now we have a brick church resting among the hills and trees of Southern Tennessee.

The 1982 Bi-Centennial stems from the union of churches in North America who joined on November 5, 1782, bringing congregations of the Associate Presbyterians from Presbyteries in New York and the Reformed Presbytery of PA. in this union in Philadelphia, PA. and went un-noticed for one hundred years. On April 25^th, the ARP Church celebrated the 200^th anniversary of this union and the congregation participated in a dinner on the grounds at 2:00 P.M. and Psalm singing under the direction of Mr. Calvin Smith.

Bible School and special meetings were held the week of July 11-17. Rev. Leslie Holmes, Pastor of First Presbyterial Church, Pascagoula, Mississippi was our speaker.

A Thanksgiving Breakfast was served by the College and Career class on November 25, 1982 from 7:00 to 8:00 A.M. with Thanksgiving worship at 8:30 A.M.

June 9, 1983. The New Vibrations from Idelwild ARP Church of Charlotte, N.C. performed at our church. They always try to include us on their tour each summer.

Our yearly Bible school and Revival meeting was held July 11-17. Rev. Calvin Draffin of New Albany, Miss. Was our speaker and his wife Libby, assisted in the Bible School.

1984. Bible School was held the week of June 11-15, 1984 and was very well attended.

General Synod met the week of June 11-17, 1984. Pastor Charles Edgar was nominated as Moderator. Even though he did not get the office the congregation was proud of this nomination. Elder Don Templeton and Sandra Derksen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Derksen, accompanied Mr. Edgar. Sandra served as a page at Synod.

Mr. Felix Maafo, Associate Director of New Life For All, taught joint Sabbath school at our church November 11, 1984. Mr. Maafo is from Ghana, Africa.

1985. Westminster Christian Academy Choir sang at the church for Wednesday night prayer meeting on April 3, 1985. A family night supper followed.

Bible school and Revival was held June 24-30, 1985. Rev. Paul Alexander, pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama was our speaker.

Congratulations to Ann Stevenson and Sandra Derksen. Ann Stevenson was selected as Valedictorian of the senior class at Lincoln High School and Sandra Derksen was accepted to the Tennessee Governor’s school of the Humanities for Gifted High School Juniors. July 7 through August 3, 1985.

Katie Edgar graduated Cum Laude from Covenant College with a BA in Elementary Education.

1986. The choir of West Suburban Hospital, Chicago, IL presented a sacred musical concert at our church March 7, 1986. Members of the choir stayed in the homes of different members and a family night supper was served.

New Vibrations of Idelwild ARP Church appeared at our church for their yearly concert June 13, 1986.

The yearly revival and Bible school was held the week of June 23, 1986. Rev. Charles Todd of Salem ARP Church, Atoka, TN. was our speaker.

1987. The Bible school and Revival was held June 22-28, 1987. Our speaker was Rev. William L. Barron, from Charlotte, NC.

Our pastor, Rev. Charles Edgar resigned from our pulpit, November 8, 1987.

1988. The Rev. Charles Edgar, who had resigned as our pastor in November 1987, agreed to return as Supply Pastor to our Church.

Rev. Davie Wakeland of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, conducted our Revival which was July 11-17, 1988

On July 17^th, 1988, the 160^th Birthday Celebration of Prosperity was held at our church. Mr. Ben Johnston, Moderator of Synod attended along with many former members and families. Dinner-on-the-ground was served at noon with a Psalm/Hymn singing and visiting in the afternoon.

Mike Ogwal, refugee from Uganda, spoke at a meeting and family night supper at our church, September 21, 1988.

1989. On March 26, 1989 our First Easter Sunrise Service was observed. The service is modeled after the historic sunrise services at Old Salem, Winston Salem, North Carolina. The service begins in the sanctuary with the historic declaration---“The Lord is risen” and its response---“He is risen indeed.”

An eight member brass band from Westminster Christian Academy performed during the service in the sanctuary and then moved out into the cemetery to conclude the Sunrise Service. The band came from Huntsville, Alabama on Saturday night prior to services on Sunday. Sleeping bags were brought and the band members stayed overnight in the dining hall. Some of the W.O.C. ladies prepared supper and breakfast for the band.

Bible School was held the week of June 19-23, 1989, in the evening from 6:30-8:30. Attendance was good and a puppet program was presented in assembly with David Stephenson.

Rev. Rabun Williams, pastor of White Oak ARP Church in Moreland, GA. conducted our revival from July 9th-12^th. A fish fry, a custom for several years, was given following the revival. We had a guest speaker, Ralph Hood, a humorist. His grandfather was pastor at Prosperity Church from 1902-1910.

The annual Thanksgiving Breakfast was observed November 19^th with approximately 60 people in attendance. Immediately following breakfast we had a special Thanksgiving Service in the sanctuary.

1990. On February 18^th, 1990, Westminster Christian Academy presented a talent show and were treated with a spaghetti supper by the W.O.C. ladies. An offering of $100.00 was given for Bonclarken Ropes Course.

Prosperity observed their 2^nd Easter Sunrise Service on April 15, 1990 with several visiting pastors in attendance.

Also the brass band from Westminster Christian Academy provided inspirational music for this service. There were approximately 70 in attendance. Coffee and donuts were served after the service by ladies from the W.O.C.

On May 18, 1990, Sandra Myers, a member of our congregation, graduated with highest honors from Washington University in St. Louis with a BA degree in Chinese Language. She is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Derksen.

Dot Dagenhart was the guest missionary speaker on October 24^th. She presented slides that depicted life in Pakistan.

The annual Thanksgiving Service and Breakfast was observed November 22^nd.

1991. Our 3^rd annual Easter Sunrise Service was March 31, 1991. We are increasing in number each year.

Margie Edgar, one of our youth, went to work in the Mexico Mission during the week of March 22^nd. She participated in the construction of two houses and is the daughter of the Rev. Charles Edgar and his wife, Joyce.

Rev. Charles Edgar was honored on June 1, 1991 by Westminster Christian Academy for his faithful years of service to the school. At the school a Charles. F. Edgar, Jr. Teacher Endowment Fund was established which Prosperity contributed to.

Bible School was held June 3^rd.-7^th. The theme was “I can do all things thru Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13.

At the family night supper June 26^th an offering of $70.00 was taken for the swimming pool at Bonclarken.

A series of special meetings was July 7-10 with the Rev. Dean Olive as our speaker. He is pastor of the Madison Grace Baptist Church.

The annual fish fry was July 11^th. At the B&D restaurant.

The Thanksgiving Breakfast was November 28, 1991 with a “Thanks Service” immediately following.

1992. The 4^th Easter Sunrise Service was April 19, 1992. The brass band from Westminster Christian Academy presented special music in both the sanctuary and the cemetery. There were approximately 65 in attendance. Coffee and donuts were served after the service by ladies from the W.O.C.

Rev. Roy Hulling from the Madison Mission Church was the guest speaker for the family night supper on Wednesday, April 22, 1992. He spoke concerning the work in the Madison Mission.

At the family night supper on May 27, 1992, the guest speakers were Mr. and Mrs. David Rogers. Their message concerned work they had done for Christian International Radio in Africa.

Margie Edgar, daughter of Rev. Charles Edgar and his wife Joyce, left June 27, 1992 for Rio Verde, Mexico to help with Bible Schools and camps during the month of July.

Revival Meetings were held June 28 to July 1, 1992. Rev. Bill McClain conducted the services with wife Barbara and children Laura, Graham, Julie and Allison in attendance. Thursday following the meetings, everyone was invited to the Bar-B-Q Shack for the annual fish fry.

Speakers for the Family Night Supper on October 28, 1992 were Mike and Mary Lott, candidates for Wycliff Bible Translators.

The annual Thanksgiving Breakfast was on November 26, 1992 with a large crowd in attendance. A very inspiring praise service followed the breakfast.

Memorial

Alfred Brown Moore – Born July 18, 1901, died January 21, 1992.

Mr. Alfred lived in Lincoln County his entire life of 90 years. He attended Prosperity ARP Church all that time. He served as an elder for many years.

1993. Sara Weber, one of our young people went to Jamaica in March for a week to do mission work. She helped in Bible School and other classes for this special work. April, 1993. She gave a presentation of her work at the family night supper.

April 4, 1993

A sign was erected in front of the church in memory of Mrs. Dorothy Byers. She devoted so much of her time to this church, taking care of the flowers and plants in front and around the church, visitations on behalf of the church, held offices of the W.O.C, sent the devotional books to non regular attendees, cleaning the church and at home she entertained visiting preachers, Presbyterial delegates, and young people from the church. She will be missed.

The 5^th Annual Easter Sunrise Service was April 11^th with approximately 110 in attendance. The brass band from Westminster Christian Academy presented special music in both the sanctuary and the cemetery. Also, Prosperity Church Choir offered special music under the direction of Jocintha Rogers.

Bible School was the week of May 31^st – June 4^th. Average attendance was 32. All W.O.C ladies participated in some way. Offerings received went towards the Family Living Project which is helping “Hannah’s House” of Fayetteville. This is a shelter for abused women and children.

Special Meetings were July 18^th – July 21^st 1993 with Dr. John Hill from Charlotte, North Carolina as the minister. All the W.O.C ladies helped to prepare meals during this week.

We had two missionary couples to tell of their work at Family Night Suppers. Jack and Sally Kennedy on September 8, on their work in Mali, Africa and David and Lisa Bacon on November 18, 1993 about their work with Mission Aviation Fellowship.

November 14, 1993, we had Mr. James Curtis of New Tribes Mission. He gave a missionary presentation for a joint Sabbath School.

Mr. Bill Evans, a student at Vanderbilt University, was ordained into the ministry at Prosperity, Tennessee August 7, 1993. He will be a Bible teacher at Erskine College this fall. The W.O.C ladies gave a reception in his honor following the ordination service.

The annual Thanksgiving breakfast was November 25^th with the young people preparing the meal. A special thanks service followed breakfast.

1994

The 6^th Annual Easter Sunrise Service was held in April with approximately 110 in attendance. The brass band from Westminster Christian Academy presented special music.

An Easter Egg Hunt was organized on April 2^nd for the young children. About 30 young children and adults were present.

We had one college graduate, Ryan Towry, and one high school graduate, Lee Motlow.

We had several family night suppers during the year on Wednesdays. Mark Russell, a graduate of Westminster Academy and a student at Auburn University spoke on May 18^th. He will be teaching religion to the schools in Russia for a year.

The special meetings were May 29^th-June 1^st. They were led by the Rev. Parker Agnew, pastor of the Cleveland Street ARP Church, New Albany, Missisippi.

Bible School was June 26^th – 3o, 1994. We had an enrollment of 60. An offering was taken for our young people’s trip to Mexico in 1995.

Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast was November 24^th. The young people cooked and served this meal followed by a Thanksgiving Service.

A grocery pounding was given to David and Yvette Tanner this year. David is our new pianist.

We had two special music programs this year. The Arthur Sulser male choirs came singing on September 21^st. On December 19^th, the Twickenham Singers provided beautiful Christmas music for us. Our pastor, the Rev. Charles Edgar is a member of this group.

1995. March 18, 1995. Missionaries Bill and Kathy Warner came to Prosperity for a young people’s supper. They also were with us on the 19^th for a joint Sabbath School class where they told of their work in Mexico.

The 7^th Annual Easter Sunrise Service was on April 16^th. The brass band from Westminster Christian Academy presented special music.

The W.O.C ladies served coffee and doughnuts after the service. Bible School was June 5^th - 9^th with all the W.O.C participating in some way. There were 39 enrolled and an offering of $95.00 was received.

Our revival services were held June 26^th – 28^th with Rev. David Hammond as the speaker. The Thursday night following services is the annual fish fry. Katie Beth Jennings and Julie Motlow attended the Music Drama Camp at Bonclarken the week of July 9^th. Every active family in our church now receives the ARP Magazine. Mrs. Jewel Good takes care of the subscriptions.

Several speakers came to tell about their work at Family Night Suppers. Some of the speakers were Scott and Tanya Berthiamune on Mexico, Paul Alexander on the Ukraine and Bill and Kathy Warner on Mexico. Moderator of Presbytery, Teddy Ray, told about prayer ministry that he leads in the Fayetteville Church.

We have been privileged to have an exchange student from Russia in our congregation this year. She is Nataiya (Natasha) Bashurina and she is staying with our pastor and his wife.

Sixty-two people attended the Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast. The young adults cooked for the congregation followed by the Thanksgiving Service.

1996. January 27, 1996. Mason Young and David Sawyer entertained at the Family Night Supper. They are a Christian Country Duo. Mason Young is the son of Dr. Reynolds and Cecil Young.

The Easter Egg Hunt was on Saturday afternoon, April 6^th. Youth Chairman Mrs. Lena Weber organized this event.

Prosperity’s 8^th Annual Easter Sunrise Service was April 7^th. Ben Johnston and wife Joann attended. Ben is editor of the ARP Magazine and took photos for the magazine. Ben attended Prosperity as a youth while his father was pastor.

World Missions Chairman, Joyce Edgar, requested a love gift to be given to Natasha Bashurin, a Russian exchange student for a trip to Carnegie Hall.

The church also gave Natasha a love gift for her graduation from high school. Our Special Services were July 23^rd – 26^th with Rev. Mike Howell as the speaker. He is from Christ Presbyterian Church in Gadsden, Alabama. On Thursday night, June 27^th following the special meetings the Annual Fish Fry was held. Summer Bible School began the week of July 15th. There was an attendance of 57 and an average daily attendance of 42 children. A closing program and wiener roast was given on Friday, July 19^th.

At the Family Night Supper on July 31^st, we were entertained by the Himebook Brothers, who gave a wonderful concert.

Two youths attended Music Drama Camp in July. They were Katie Beth Jennings and Lorn Coble.

The Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast was November 28^th at 7:00 a.m. followed by the Thanksgiving Service of Devotion and Praise at 8:15 a.m.

The Annual Day of Prayer by the Prosperity Church was December 3^rd.

1997. Youth Chairman, Mrs. Kay Derksen gave a Valentine Party for the young children. They addressed Valentines to send to the elderly and shut-ins. Eight children were present for the party. Mrs. Derksen gave an Easter Egg Hunt for the children on the Saturday afternoon before Easter.

We have had several family night suppers with a wide variety of speakers. The Gideons presented a film and talk on their work in distributing Bibles to different places in the world.

Terry Gibbs from Wycliff Bible Translators was our speaker at the August 12^th Family Night Supper.

Our special meetings were June 15^th – 18^th with R.C. Sproul, Jr. as the speaker.

There was Bible School Fun Day in July. A Bible video was shown, crafts were made and a skating party was held after lunch.

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Renegar celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary on May 24^th.

Steve and Lena Weber were surprised by their children with a reception for their 25^th Wedding Anniversary.

We had two young people to graduate. Justin McElroy from Lincoln County High School and Sara Weber from Redeemer College, Ontario Canada.

Mrs. Margaret Edgar, mother of the Rev. Charles Edgar, was honored by her grandchildren on her 90^th birthday. An open house for her at Prosperity Church was Sabbath afternoon, August 17^th at 2:00 p.m.

Prosperity’s 9^th Annual Easter Sunrise Service was April 22^nd. The brass band from Westminster Christian Academy presented special music.

The Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast was November 27^th at 7:00 a.m. The young people cooked and served this meal followed by a Thanksgiving Service of Devotion and Praise.

1998. Youth Chairman, Kay Derksen gave a Valentine Party for the children on February 7, 1998. They addressed valentines for the shut-ins and elderly of the church and community.

A joint dinner celebration on February 22^nd was given in honor of Miss Eunice Byers’ 90^th Birthday and the 70^th Wedding Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Coy Grigsby.

The kick off of “The Outreach North America Campaign” was also started with a video presentation at this time. Our goal was $10,500.

On April 12^th, the 10^th Annual Easter Sunrise Service was observed with a large crowd in attendance. The Westminster Christian Academy Brass Band gave some very inspiring music. Ladies from the W.O.C. served coffee and doughnuts after services.

There were three members from Prosperity who graduated from High School and College. Bryan Coble from high school and Steve and Bob Weber (father and son) from college.

Moderator of General Synod, Jim Dixon spoke at the Morning Worship Service on June 21, 1998.

Reverend Charles (Chip) Edgar III brought the morning message on July 5^th at the 11:00 a.m. service. He is the pastor of St. Marks Episcopal Church in Glen Elly, Illinois and a former member of our congregation.

Our special Meetings were August 2^nd - 5^th with Rev. Charles Bradley, pastor of Hopewell Church, Culleoke, Tennessee as the speaker.

Kim and Greg Long led special music on Monday through Wednesday nights.

An Officers training class began on September 9, 1998.

Mr. William Deaton from ARP Foundation spoke at the Family Night Supper on October 14, 1998. The annual Thanksgiving Breakfast and Praise Service was observed on November 26^th with 40 people in attendance.

1999. Youth Chairman, Mrs. Geraldine Jennings gave a Valentine Party for the children’s class. Fifteen invitations were mailed out. Games were played and refreshments were served. Valentine cards were addressed for the shut-ins and elderly.

Mr. and Mrs. Coy Grigsby celebrated a milestone in their lives on February 9^th by observing their 71^st wedding anniversary.

Mr. Steve Weber was installed as Elder on February 28, 1999.

Bill and Kathy Warner, Missionaries to Mexico, came to the Family Night Supper in February. They presented slides and told of their work in Mexico.

An Easter party was given on March 27^th for the young children by Youth Chairman, Mrs. Geraldine Jennings. Mrs. Kay Derksen gave the devotional and prayer. Easter cards were sent to the shut-ins and elderly. Games were played and refreshments were served.

The 11^TH Annual Easter Sunrise Service was observed on April 4^th. The Westminster Christian Academy Brass Band gave some very inspiring music. Ladies from the W.O.C. served coffee and doughnuts after services. Each year we see an increased attendance.

A “Friends Sunday” was on April 18, 1999. Friends and neighbors were invited to a fellowship lunch following services.

Mr. J.W. Kennedy, a member of Prosperity ARP Church spoke at the “Historical Walk at Maple Hill Cemetery” in Huntsville, Alabama, on April 11, 1999.

Annual Summer Bible School was held July 19^th - 22^nd. Theme for this year: “We Shine For Jesus”. There were 44 enrolled with average attendance of 36. Offering total was $87.48 and was given to the Lincoln County Red Cross.

Summer Revival Services were August 1 – 4 with Ben Dowling, pastor of Oak Hill, Camden and Prosperity, AL as the speaker.

Greg and Kim Long directed the music for the services. Martha Banks was the pianist.

We extended congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Eskin Jennings on their 50^th Wedding Anniversary. We were honored to celebrate with them at a reception here at Prosperity church.

Missionaries Mike and Mary Lott were honored with a family night supper and a pounding of groceries. They will be living in the manse for a year. They are conducting Bible Study at the Manse each Wednesday night.

A Reformation Party was held at the Manse on October 31 with 19 in attendance.

The Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast and Thanksgiving Service was November 25^th.

2000

Missionaries Mike and Mary Lott presented a youth contemporary music program at the church on January 23, 2000.

A Valentine Party for the youth was given on February 5, 2000 by the Youth Chairman, Geraldine Jennings. The 12 children present played games and signed 21 valentine cards to be mailed.

We offered congratulations to Margaret and Coy Grigsby on their 72^nd wedding anniversary February 22, 2000.

A St. Patrick’s Day Party was given by Youth Chairman Geraldine Jennings for our youth. There were 11 children present and 4 adults.

We welcomed Gaynell Bates as a new member of our congregation in February. R.M. Gibson and Gaynell Bates were married on April 2, 2000 at Mrs. Bates’ home.

An Easter party and Egg Hunt was given by Youth Chairman, Geraldine Jennings. There were 12 children and 4 adults in attendance. Games were played and eggs were hunted.

The 12^th Annual Easter Sunrise Service was April 23, 2000. The Westminster Christian Academy Brass Band gave some very inspiring music. Ladies from the W.O.C. served coffee and doughnuts after services.

Revival Services were May 21 – 24, 2000 with Major Michael Yarman, Army Chaplin Corps, conducting the services. Greg and Kim Long directed the music for these services.

We were saddened by the death of Mrs. Lena Weber on May 20, 2000. Lena taught the beginners class in Sabbath School. She truly delighted in this work and all the children loved her dearly. She will be missed.

Jubilee Birthday dinner was given July 21, 2000. Mike and Mary Lott were honored also at this dinner. They were given a microwave, linens and spices as they were returning to the mission field in Indonesia.

A surprise 25^th Wedding Anniversary Reception was given by Angie Coble for her parents Doug and Brenda Coble. There were approximately 70 in attendance for this event.

Bible School was July 30 – August 2, 2000 with 50 adults and children enrolled. A special thanks to Mrs. Charlene Feuchtinger and Mrs. Lisa Jennings for their hard work.

Our congregation surprised Rev. Charles Edgar and Joyce with a dinner after church on August 6, 2000 as this marked the 25^th anniversary of their pastorate at Prosperity. A scrapbook of their years with us was given to them.

On August 17, 2000, Scott and Tanya Berthiaume attended a Fish Fry Supper at one of the local restaurants with many members from the congregation. The Berthiaume’s are missionaries to Mexico.

We welcomed missionaries Keith and Glynni Lorick and children with a family night supper on September 27. They will be staying in the manse throughout the year. They are missionaries for Peru.

A Fall Festival party was given on October 31, 2000 for the youth by Charlene Feuchtinger, Youth Chairman.

The Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast and Thanksgiving Service was November 23, 2000.

We were saddened by the death of Mr. Lawrence Hardiman on August 24, 2000. He had been a long time caretaker of Prosperity Cemetery.

2001

Katie Beth Jennings, a member of Prosperity ARP Church, was named “Most Intellectual Girl” at Fayetteville Jr. High School. The academic achievement is awarded to the girl with the highest grade point average from grades 7, 8, and half of the 9^th grade year.

A Valentine Party was given by Youth Chairman, Charlene Feuchtinger. Six children and 3 adults were present. Outgoing Youth Chairman, Geraldine Jennings was presented a red rose.

We welcomed Rex and Carol Walker as new members to our congregation on March 25, 2001.

There was a St. Patrick’s Day party on March 10, 2001 given for the youth by the Youth Chairman, Charlene Feuchtinger.

On April 1, 2001 the youth of our church presented a musical program which was enjoyed by the congregation. A special thanks to Joel and Charlene Feuchtinger for their dedication to the youth work.

The 13^th Annual Easter Sunrise Service was April 15, 2001. This is a very moving service as the congregation moves out into the cemetery for the final part of the service. We are witness to the glorious Easter Sunrise. The Westminster Christian Academy Brass Band provided the very inspiring music and the Ladies from the W.O.C. served coffee and doughnuts after services.

A family night supper on Wednesday May 9, 2001 welcomed Paul and Lorriane Alexander to discuss their ministry in the Ukraine.

Youth of all ages were invited to a rock-a-thon on MAY 25, 2001. Children of all ages were invited to bring their rocking chairs to rock. This event was held to support our youth fellowship and puppet ministry. There were 19 present and $425 was given in support.

On June 6, 2001 we celebrated the Jubilee Birthday with a covered dish supper, Robin Stephenson told about her trip to Russia for a week to help with the Opora Ministry for recovering alcoholics. She had a very interesting presentation to share with us.

Several of our members are due congratulations in the month of June. They are: Martha Lee Coble on her retirement from Highland Rim School where she has been employed for the past 31 years; Eugene and Frances Renegar on their 54^th Wedding Anniversary; Julie Motlow graduated from Lincoln County High School; Melissa Walker, daughter of Rex and Carol Walker, who was elected Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences in the spring elections of the SGA at Austin Peay State University.

We welcomed Matt Slayton into our congregation on June 10^th.

We were saddened on June 30^th by the death of Mrs. Margaret Grigsby.

The summer service began July 15^th with Rev. Ralph Laquardia conducting Sabbath services at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Nightly services were held from July 16 through 18 at 7:30 p.m. We also celebrated the annual Fish Fry on Thursday, July 19^th.

Bible School began August 5, 2001 and closed on August 8^th. Teachers and helpers were: Charlene Feuchtinger, Laura Walker, Carol Walker, Eugene Renegar, Kay Derksen, Katie Beth Jennings, Joel Feuchtinger and Lisa Jennings.

We welcomed Cody Feuchtinger as a new member to our congregation based on his profession of faith and baptism on August 12, 2001.

We continue to have Bible Study and Prayer Services on Wednesday nights. We average 10-15 in attendance each week.

The Men of the Church have a Prayer Breakfast the last Saturday of each month at the Church.

Auburn Jennings was promoted to the Early Elementary Sunday School Class on September 9, 2001

In October 2001, Our Church sent $500 to World Witness for the Pakistan Evacuation Fund.

On October 20, 2001, the Tennessee-Alabama Presbytery met at the Fairmont Presbyterian Church in Bristol, Tennessee. This Church was accepted into the Tennessee-Alabama Presbytery. Those attending from Prosperity were: Rev. and Mrs. Charles Edgar, Elder and Mrs. Eugene Renegar and Deacon and Mrs. Ronald Derksen. While there, our ladies met with the women from Fairmont and discussed starting a W.O.C chapter.

We welcomed Kendel Kitchen as a new member to our congregation based on his profession of faith and baptism on October 28, 2001.

There was a hayride and hot dog roast at the manse on November 2, 2001.

Toy filled shoeboxes were sent to Samaritan’s Purse for Operation Christmas Child. This project is carried out under the direction of Franklin Graham, Director of Samaritan’s Purse.

A surprise birthday party was held for Mr. Coy Grigsby on November 17, 2001 to celebrate his 93^rd birthday.

Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast and Thanksgiving Service was held on November 22, 2001. Neal McKinney and helpers prepared the breakfast.

We were saddened on December 1, 2001 by the death of Dr. David Early. He was a retired Veterinarian and again we were saddened on December 6, 2001 by the death of Mrs. Janie Stephenson and on December 7, 2001 by the death of Mr. Coy Grigsby.

2002

We welcomed Dana Crowell to fill our pulpit on Sunday, January 6, 2002. He has been bringing us the message the first Sunday of every month since.

Margaret Inez Edgar, mother of our pastor, Charles Edgar, was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 27, 2002.

March 17, 2002, Matt Slayton and Rex Walker as Deacons. Mat was ordained and Rex was installed.

The 14^th Annual Easter Sunday Service was held March 31, 2002; at 5:15 a.m. The Westminster Christian Academy Brass Band provided the music during the services, in the sanctuary and at the cemetery.

Coffee and Donuts were served in the Fellowship Hall afterwards.

The Ordination and Installation of Dana Crowell as Associate Pastor of Prosperity ARP Church was May 18, 2002. Dana’s Mentor and former teacher, Pastor Jeff Meyers of Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church, St. Louis, Mo. preached the sermon, “The Gift of God & The Office of the Ministry.” We are grateful to God for calling Dana to be our Associate Pastor. Pastor Meyer preached for us on Sunday Morning, May 19, 2002.

Vacation Bible School was held August 4 – 7, 2002 with the Closing Program and Ice Cream Supper on the 7^th. Veggie Tales was used for the Theme again this year. For the Craft project, 19 shoe boxes were gift wrapped to be filled later and sent to Samaritan’s Purse for Operation Christmas Child. These boxes are delivered to the underprivileged around the world by Franklin Graham and his staff and numerous volunteers.

We welcomed Terry and Lynn Gibbs and their two daughters on August 11, 2002. We held a joint Sunday School Class and the Gibbs Family told about their stay in Thailand.

Our Special meetings started on Sunday Morning, August 11, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Frank van Dalen preaching. He preached again Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. Nightly services were held the 12^th through 14^th at 7:30 p.m. Rev. van Dalen preached from the book of Revelation.

The Annual Fish Dinner at Trotter’s Restaurant was on August 15, 2002.

On September 26, 2002, Circle II was organized by the W.O.C with Charter Members being Brenda Coble, Kelley Crowell, Margie Ligon and Jeanne Pitts.

Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast and Thanksgiving Service were held on November 28, 2002. Neal McKinney and helpers prepared the breakfast.

2003

February 8, 2003. A Valentine Party for the youth was given by the Youth Chairman. They addressed and signed valentine cards. February 21, 2003. A web site was published for Prosperity ARP Church of Taft. This web site is a front door to our church and is used to promote the 175^th celebration.

March 2, 2003. A Congregational Meeting was held and Deacon Ronald Derksen presented to the congregation a proposal to replace the roof shingles with a metal roof and the means of financing the replacement. The color was subject of discussion and the vote was ratified the next week and the majority of the members voted for the charcoal gray color. A roof replacement account was established, so donations could be made to minimize the bank note. The estimate was approximately $15,000.00. The final amount was $13,409.00. The roof account balance at the closing of the bank note was $5,000.00. Donations were given in memory of Geraldine Jennings a member of the congregation who passed away shortly before and Wayne Towry an Elder of the congregation who passed away in November 2002. The Memorial Fund contributed a sizable amount. April 15, 2003, the roof replacement was completed.

April 20, 2003. The 15^th Annual Easter Sunrise Service was held at 5:50 a.m. The Westminster Christian Academy Brass Band provided the music during the services and at the cemetery, band members this year totaled 25. During the service in the sanctuary, special music was sung by Ann Chekelis and Himebook Brothers. Coffee and Donuts were served in the Fellowship Hall afterwards.

April 30, 2003. A Family Night Supper was held with special guests, Bill and Kathy Warner, missionaries in Mexico. Prosperity supports Bill and Kathy with their work in Mexico.

April and May, 2003. The congregation is preparing for the celebration. The church building has had a good spring cleaning and members took to the cemetery with the help of trustees from the county and cleaned the headstones and markers so that the names can be read again. Repairs have been made in the sanctuary and hallway. Signs for the direction to Prosperity have been put in place and painted.

May 21, 2003. The United States Achievement Academy Recently recognized Laura Walker, a student at Fayetteville Junior High School, for outstanding academic excellence. Laura is the daughter of Rex and Carol Walker, members of Prosperity ARP. Laura was named the USAA National Award Winner for English. The Academy recognizes fewer than 10 percent of all American high school students.

The week-end of May 31 and June 1, 2003, Prosperity ARP Church celebrates their 175th anniversary.

The officers and trustees of the Prosperity Cemetery Association feel that there are many who would like to attend both of these events. There are many who live far enough away that requiring two trips would be a great inconvenience, and in many cases would be prohibitive. We have therefore rescheduled our 2003 Decoration Day annual meeting to coincide with the church's celebration. 

The church has received inquiries from people planning to attend from as far away as Alaska. We expect to have an opportunity to meet many old friends and many new friends.

Preparations are started to make this celebration an event to remember.

1. All signs leading to Prosperity are cleaned and painted.
2. Headstones at the cemetery are cleaned so that the names can be read.
3. Repairs are made to the Fence at the cemetery.
4. Bathrooms are modernized with railings.
5. Dining room curtains cleaned, new rods installed and facings repaired.
6. Restoration of the 1922 Church Quilt and a display created in the dining room.
7. Repairs are made in the sanctuary and halls.
8. Pictures framed from past Pastors and displayed in the hall.
9. Podium repaired for Guest Book.

A top to bottom cleaning of the church building was completed.

Many ‘Thanks’ to the members who have helped to get the job done.

Program 175^th Celebration

Saturday, May 31, 2003

11:00 a.m.  - Prosperity Cemetery Association annual meeting, followed by our usual covered-dish dinner.

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Registration for the 175th Celebration, fellowship, genealogy and photo viewing and swapping (please bring any of your pictures to share!). A copier will be available.

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Eugene Brasher Chorale of Huntsville, Alabama will present a program.

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Chicken Supper.

7:00 p.m. - ? - Introduction of speakers and guests and a review of Prosperity by Eugene Renegar, followed by various speakers including but not limited to Mr. David Sides, Moderator of Synod and Mr. Ralph Hood.

Sunday, June 1, 2003

11:00 a.m. Worship Service followed by a catered dinner on the grounds (+/- $6.00 per plate).

1828-2003

Many thanks to all  members of Prosperity who made this 175^th Celebration a great success. A few names come to mind: Mrs. Bernice Good, Mrs. Jamie Slayton, Mrs. Kay Derksen, Mrs. Beth Jennings, Mrs. Martha Lee Coble, Mrs. Peggy Wright, Mr. Ted Wright, Mrs. Frances Renegar, Mrs. Kelly Crowell,  Mrs. Joyce Edgar,  Rev. Charles Edgar and Rev. Dana Crowell,  Elder Lawson Good, Elder Eugene Renegar, Deacon Rex Walker, Deacon Ronald Derksen and all the many members and friends that have helped to make this celebration a success, Thank You for your help.

August 08, 2003  After more than 25 years at this location, a sign for the direction to our church and cemetery was removed at the intersection of Camargo road and Highway 110. This  was ordered by the TN State Highway Department. Previously a large sign from a different organization was placed at this location and obstructed the view of the intersection and therefore the State had no alternative but to order all signs removed.

August 09, 2003  Prosperity ARP organized a HOBO Dinner and Hayride at the Manse for our members and invited guests. This evening was a great success. Mark and Doug Coble cooked the Hobo Dinner which was greatly appreciated by all attending this evening. Ronald Derksen and Rex Walker lined up the tractors and trailers for the Hayride. Everybody had a great time during the ride which was part in day-light and part in the early evening darkness. The attendance was more than we could have dreamed of. Total attendance 80.

September 3, 2003 Nancy (McFerrin) Cox spoke at the Wednesday night supper concerning her work in Belize.

An item of mention from last year’s history is that Wade and Martha Lee Coble celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary on January 24^th.

September 27, 2003 A tour to the Amish Village in Ethridge, Tennessee is organized, which includes a Wagon Tour to the different farms which takes about 11/2 hour and a lunch in a restaurant at the entrance to the Amish Village. A signup list is published in the hall for the ones who would like to participate. This tour is organized for members and invited guest of Prosperity ARP Church. A group of 23 people from Prosperity ARP Church went in a caravan to Granny’s Welcome Center in Ethridge, Tennessee. There they went on a horse-drawn-wagon tour of the Amish Community. The wagon stopped at one house where the Amish were making Sorghum Molasses. Several people bought different size jugs of molasses. The wagon stopped at a couple of other houses where various ones bought several different items such as Peanut Brittle, Jelly and Trinkets. After the tour we went across the road to the Dutch Country Café and Store. Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch there and several items were bought in the store including homemade bread and cookies. Everyone had a wonderful time.

September 28, 2003 A congregational meeting was held  at the request of  the Rev. Charles F. Edgar to make a change and retire him  from his full time pastoral duties after 27 years and be the Pastor Emeritus of Prosperity and that the Rev. C. Dana Crowell be appointed to Pastor of Prosperity ARP Church in Taft. The Congregation voted to accept his request.

October 19, 2003. We welcomed our newest members: Justin Richmond and Steve, Melanie, and Margaret (Maggie) McKamey and the the non-communicant children of Steve and Melanie: Stephanie, Elisabeth, Lonnie and Ruth.

October 24, 2003 The Rev. & Mrs. C. Dana Crowell organized a Chili Cook Off & Pie Baking Contest at the Manse. A total of about 45 - 50 members and guests attended this event and it was a great success. The winners of this event were: Chile Cook Off:  1. Brenda Coble, 2. Frances Renegar, 3. Carol Walker; Pie Baking Contest: 1. Debbie Motlow, 2. Maggie McKamey, 3. Frances Renegar. Everybody had a great time and the children enjoyed the Manse and the grounds for their plays. A thank you is in order to Deacon Rex Walker, who installed outside spotlights, a basketball goal and post, and a door in the garage storage room. This event will be an annual event for Prosperity ARP Church.

November 2003 Melanie McKamey had back surgery. She came to the manse from the hospital where Joyce Edgar helped care for her. The Women of the Church prepared food for Charlie, Joyce, Melanie and her family each night for supper.

November 16, 2003. After a long illness, Wade Coble a member of our congregation passed away. He and his family are long time members of our congregation. He had committed himself to the Lord.

November 27, 2003. The annual Thanksgiving Breakfast was held with a Thanksgiving Service afterwards. Mark Coble, Doug Coble, Neal McKinney and helpers prepared the breakfast and with the help from Beth Jennings, Brenda Coble and helpers this breakfast and service was a wonderful event. Approximately 50+ members and guest attended this event.

November 28, 2003 Mrs. Donnie Rowell, a long time member of Prosperity ARP Church died on November 28, 2003.

December 15, 2003. In the early morning Miss Eunice Byers passed away. She was 95 years old and a member of Prosperity ARP Church. She was a very strong supporter of the World Witness Mission field and will be dearly missed by all Missionaries and their families. Funeral services were held at Prosperity ARP Church on Saturday December 20, 2003. The WOC women prepared food for a meal at the church for her loved ones. Visitors from Arkansas (former students) came to pay their respect by attending the funeral services.

Mr. Claude Tackett, a former student from Arkansas, gave $150 in memory of Miss Eunice Byers. He specified the money be used for the youth and for items for the kitchen. A grill for the kitchen and Two NIV Bibles for Kay Derksen’s junior class were purchased. Mrs. Omaree Grigsby donated some lovely trays to be used in the kitchen.

2004

January 14, 2004 A family night supper was held for three church members who had celebrated birthdays in January.

February 1, 2004 A baby box shower was given for Angie Coble

February 7, 2004. A Valentine Party was held at Prosperity ARP Church. There were eight children and three adults in attendance. The children were: Hannah & Patrick Coble, Callie & Austin McNeal, McKinley, Eli & Millie Slayton and Laura Vance. The adults were: Martha Lee Coble, Kay Derksen and Jamie Slayton. Twenty-six Valentines were signed to send to the shut-in and the senior citizens of our congregation. Games were played with prizes given to the winners and refreshments were served. Every child received a prize. A good time was had by all.

February 8, 2004. After a long illness, Cecil Haley (C.H.) Yates passed away. He was 83  years old. Years ago, he had committed has life to the Lord and was a member of Prosperity ARP Church. Funeral services were held at Higgins Funeral Home on February 10th and burial was at the Lebanon Cemetery.

March 8, 2004. The last payment (#11) was made to pay off the Note by the bank for replacement of the roof. Replacement of the roof exceeded our General funds and the congregation agreed to take out a loan to pay this expense. Donations to the roof fund and interest of a Certificate of Deposit made it possible to retire the note with 11 payments from date of signing the loan.

March 10, 2004 A family night supper on March 10, 2004 was given to welcome special guest Mei Mei Edgar, adoped child of Chip and Beth Ann Edgar. Mei Mei came from China. Everyone enjoyed seeing her.

March 14, 2004 Homecoming Dinner was after morning services. There were several people who had gone to church at Prosperity as children present. A good day of fellowship was enjoyed with lots of delicious food.

March 14, 2004. Zhanna Feuchtinger was received into the church membership at Prosperity ARP Church. Zhanna is the wife of Joel Feuchtinger. She and her son Alex are originally from Russia.

April 04, 2004. Matt Ligon was installed as an Elder in Prosperity ARP Church, Taft, TN. Matt is the husband of Margie Edgar Ligon, father of Emma Ligon and son-in-law of Rev. & Mrs. Charles Edgar. Matt’s parents live in Muscle Shoals, AL and attend the ARP Church there.

April 10, 2004. Two new water coolers were installed in the hall. These coolers were paid for by the Memorial Fund.

April 11, 2004. After serving for many years as Clerk of Session at Prosperity ARP Church Taft, TN. Lawson Good has turned the office of Clerk of Session over to Steve Weber, Elder of Prosperity ARP Church.

April 11, 2004. The 16^th Annual Easter Sunrise Service was held at 6:10 a.m. The Westminster Christian Academy Brass Choir provided the music during the services and at the cemetery. Rev. Dana Crowell and Rev. Charles Edgar officiated. The service is modeled after the historic sunrise services at Old Salem, Winston Salem, North Carolina. During the service in the sanctuary, special music was sung by Kay Campbell and Ann Chekelis. Coffee and Donuts were served in the Fellowship Hall afterwards. Total members and guests in attendance were about 60.

April 11, 2004. Eric Scott McKinney, infant son of William and Sherry McKinney was baptized today by his Grandfather, Rev. Charles Edgar. Other family members in attendance for the baptism were both grandmothers, Mrs. Abbatt and Mrs. Edgar, two aunts and uncles and several cousins.

April 18, 2004 A baby box shower was given for Zhanna Feuchtinger. She was very thankful to all the ladies for their kindness.

April 21, 2004 Congratulations to Lawson and Bernice Good on their 48^th wedding anniversary.

April 25, 2004. Michael Joe Neal was baptized and became a member of Prosperity ARP Church. Michael is the fiancé of Angie Coble. They plan to be married at Prosperity on May 29, 2004.

May 13, 2004 Congratulations to Fred and Omaree Grigsby on their 51^st wedding anniversary.

May 23, 2004 Katie Beth Jennings was presented a Halley’s Bible Handbook on her graduation from Lincoln County High School.

May 27, 2004 Congratulations to Joel and Zhanna Feuchtinger on the birth of Nicholas Paul Joel Thomas Feuchtinger.

May 29, 2004 We extend our congratulations to Michael Neal and Angie Coble who were married this date.

June 6–9, 2004 The Vacation Bible School started each night at 6:30 p.m. There were 48 enrolled with 38 average attendance. The Wednesday Night Picnic Supper was attended by 62 people.

June 6 & 13, 2004 Special offerings were taken for the Lynn Gibbs family. Mrs. Gibbs passed away and her family need support to help with traveling expenses.

June 27, 2004 Covenent Baptism of Nicholas Paul Joel Thomas Feuchtinger, infant son of Joel and Zhanna Feuchtinger.

July 4, 2004 Congratulations to Rex and Carol Walker on their 33^rd wedding anniversary.

July 11-15,2004 Rev. David Hammond was the speaker for the Summer Preaching Conference. His very inspiring messages were taken from the book of Genesis on the life of Joseph.

July 2004 Congratulations to Lorne Coble on his graduation from Lincoln County High School.

July 11, 2004 Cathy Coble became the newest member to our congregation.

July 16, 2004 The annual Fish Fry was held at the church.

July 30, 2004 We were greatly saddened by the death of Nicholas Paul Joel Thomas Feuchtinger, infant son of Joel and Zhanna Feuchtinger. Our hearts and prayers go out to this family.

August 19, 2004 Mr. R. M. Gibson, a life long member of the Prosperity, Tennessee ARP church, entered into rest. We offer Christian sympathy to Gaynell Gibson and family.

August 2004 Rev. Charles Edgar and wife Joyce are beginning their 30^th year of service to the Lord at Prosperity ARP Church. We appreciate all they have done since coming to Prosperity.

September 25, 2004 The Annual HOBO Dinner was held at the church. There were 60+ people in attendance. The dinner, again, was a great success.

October 29, 2004 The 2^nd annual Chili cook-off and pie baking contest was held at the manse. The Best All Round Chili winners were: First Place, Kay Derksen: Second Place, Cathy Coble: Third Place, Jamie Slayton. The Best All Round Pie Baking winners were: First Place, Carol Walker: Second Place, Jewel Early: Third Place, Jamie Slayton.

October 31, 2004 We extend our Christian sympathy to the McElroy Family at the recent death of their father, Clyde McElroy.

November 7, 2004 Covenant Baptism of Madison Claire Neal, daughter of Michael and Angie Neal.

November 14 & 21, 2004 Operation Christmas Shoe Boxes were collected for Samaritan’s Purse. Mrs. Margie Ligon was in charge of the collection and shipping.

December 20, 2004 Annual Christmas Party with a short program by the children. Mrs. Carrol Walker was in charge of the musical part and Mrs. Kelly Crowell of the overall program.

2005

February 5, 2005 The Annual Valentine’s Party was held at Prosperity ARP Church. There were children and adults in attendance. The children were: Megan Crowell, Sascha Feuchtinger, McKinley & Millie Slayton Annie Williams, Felicia and Tristan Leonard, Emma Ligon and Meg & Annie Willis. The adults were: Kellie Crowell, Margie Ligon and Jamie Slayton. Valentines were signed to send to the shut-in and the senior citizens of our congregation.

February 13, 2005 The Annual Congregational Meeting was held at the Church.

February 18, 2005 The replacement of both entrance doors were finalized. This project has been in the making for the last 6 months. During this time the congregation was kept informed about the progress. Due to the size of the doors it took the factory extra time to give quotes and availability to the Diaconate.

March 27, 2005 The 17^th Annual Easter Sunrise Service was held at Prosperity ARP Church at 5:30 a.m. The Westminster Christian Academy Music Students provided the music during the services and at the cemetery. Rev. Dana Crowell and Rev. Charles Edgar officiated. The service is modeled after the historic sunrise services at Old Salem, Winston Salem, North Carolina. During the service in the sanctuary, special music was sung by Anne Chelekis, Zhanna Feuchtinger and the Fayetteville A.R.P. Choir. Coffee and Donuts were served in the Fellowship Hall afterwards. Total members and guests in attendance were about 80.

May 8, 2005, The Rev. Charles Edgar officiated the Covenant Baptism of his grandson John Tyler McCain Ligon the son of Matt and Margie Ligon during the hour of worship.

May 31 – June 3, 2005 The Vacation Bible School started each night at 6:00 p.m. There were 35 enrolled with average attendance of 25. The Wednesday Night Picnic Supper was attended by approx. 40 people.

June 26-29, 2005 The Rev. David Hammond was the speaker for the Summer Preaching Conference. His very inspiring messages were taken from the book of Exodus 35, 36, 37 and 38.

June 30, 2005 The annual Fish Fry was held at the church.

July 17, 2005 The Covenant Baptism of Ivan Noel Feuchtinger was held, infant son of Joel and Zhanna Feuchtinger. Officiating Rev. Dana Crowell.

2006

Session Records

1 January 2006

1. The regularly scheduled meeting of the Session was conducted after the worship service. Elders present were Ralph Jones, Lilburn Jennings, Steve Weber, Matt Ligon , Lawson Good, and moderator Pastor Dana Crowell and Pastor Emeritus Charles Edgar. Elders absent were Eskin Jennings and Eugene Renegar. Also present was Ron Derksen representing the Diaconate.

2. The meeting was opened with Pastor Crowell reading Psalm 133. Elder Weber led in prayer.

3. Elder Weber read the minutes from the 4 December 2005 meeting. Motion to approve the minutes was made by Elder Jennings, seconded by Elder Ligon, and the minutes were approved as read.

a. During the 6 November 2005 meeting Elder Weber read a letter from the General Synod soliciting an "additional Christian offering for retired (ARP) employees and widows." That item was referred to the Diaconate for study. Mr. Derksen reported that the Diaconate can, and will, send a $300.00 contribution on behalf of the congregation.

b. Previous discussions entertained the suggestion to occasionally extend the use the Church manse to people outside of the congregation and who had no direct affiliation with the congregation or the denomination. The item as sent to the Diaconate for their input. Mr. Derksen reported that the Diaconate recommended not doing this. The Session agreed. Thus, the Church will not pursue such an endeavor.

c. Mr. Derksen also reported that the Diaconate was able to send $250.00 to the World Witness organization.

Session Records

5 February 2006

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Pastor Crowell offered for consideration the suggestion to get a missionary to live in the manse. The individual would serve as an Assistant to the Pastor. A time period of 1 year was also suggested. The main duty of such person would be to meet with area residents with a view to bring Christ to our neighbors and possible integration into our congregation. There was some discussion about such an endeavor and it was mentioned that a similar idea was floated a few years ago. It was agreed that we would be in prayer about the suggestion and continue discussions at a future Session meeting.

b. Elder Weber reported that he had received a brochure and poster from the Christian Education Committee outlining opportunities for young people to serve as summer camp counselors or participants. He stated that he would bring them to the church for display on the bulletin board.

c. Elder Weber also announced that he was selected by the denomination's Inter-Church Relations Committee to serve as the fraternal delegate to the Christian Reformed Church's annual Synod scheduled for June in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Session Records

5 March 2006

b. There were further discussions about the upcoming TN/AL Presbytery meeting scheduled for 17-18 March 2006 at Prosperity. Preparations continue.

a. Discussions were entered into concerning the naming of a delegate to the General Synod in June 2006. Elder Weber made the motion that Elder Ligon be Prosperity's delegate to Synod and that he (Elder Weber) could be the alternate. Elder Good seconded the motion. The motion passed.

b. Elder Good made the motion, seconded by Elder Weber, that Elder Jennings be the delegate to the upcoming TN/AL Presbytery meeting, and that Elder Renegar be named alternate. Motion passed.

Session Records

2 April 2006

OLD BUSINESS.

a. During the 5 February 2006 Session meeting, Pastor Crowell offered for consideration the suggestion to get a missionary to live in the manse and serve as an Assistant to the Pastor. Pastor Crowell indicated that he had spoken to David Kaufman about the possibility of his accepting such position. At that time, Mr. Kaufman expressed some interest in the position. Since then Mr. Kaufman declined the position. We will continue to explore pursuing an Assistant to the Pastor.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Regarding the Church's annual summer meetings, it was reported that both Reverend Dan Doriani and Reverend Thaddeus Bond would not be available to preach. Reverend Dean Olive, however, is available and has accepted our request to preach at our meetings in July. The exact dates are yet to be set.

Session Records

7 May 2006

NEW BUSINESS:

Pastor Crowell presented to the Session two dates that he desired to take as vacation days. Those dates were 11 June and 2 July. If the Session agreed to his request, he indicated that he had arranged to have Mr. Fred Smith, from Reverend Dean Olive's Grace Baptist Church, preach at Prosperity on the eleventh. For the 2 July date, he indicated that he had made arrangements for Dr. John Johnson to preach. Dr. Johnson is an Elder at the Hopewell church. Elder Good moved that Pastor Crowell's request be granted and preaching arrangements accepted. Elder Renegar seconded the motion. It is amusing to note that during discussions of the motion, Elder Renegar reported that he had once been told that when a preacher requests a "day-off" from the pulpit, he should be granted the request. If the preacher is any good, he deserves it; if he's not very good, the congregation deserves it. The motion passed.

It was announced that the dates of our summer meetings this year would be 9-13 July. Further, Vacation Bible School would be conducted the week of 16 July.

April 16, 2006 5:45 a.m. The Eighteenth Annual Easter Sunrise Service was held at Prosperity. Officiating were the Rev. Dana Crowell and the Rev. Dr. Calvin Todd. Special music was performed by the Westminster Band, the Fayetteville ARP Church Choir under the musical direction of Joe Stephenson and Zhana Feuchtinger. Joe Stephenson performed the opening with the special music: Were You There……………. After the conclusion of the special services at the Cemetary, coffee and donuts were served in the Fellowship Hall. There were approximately 65 in attendance.

4 June 2006

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Pastor Crowell brought up the fact that a certain family had occasionally been attending our worship services. He solicited advice from the Session members regarding how to encourage this family to continue coming to our church. There was some discussion but no consensus was obtained except that we would be in prayer over the matter.

b. Elder Weber informed the Session that he had received correspondence from Outreach North America that included copies of a recent newsletter from that organization for dissemination to the congregation. Outreach North America is an ARP organization particularly involved with the "home mission field" focusing on new church planting and renewal in existing churches.

c. The Session was reminded that Mr. Fred Smith, from Reverend Dean Olive's Grace Baptist Church, had preached at Prosperity on the 11 May, and on 2 July Dr. John Johnson, an Elder at the Hopewell church, would preach.

Session Records

9 July 2006

OLD BUSINESS.

a. Prosperity's annual Church meetings started today. Pastor Crowell reported that he, along with Reverend Dean Olive who will lead our meetings, walked the Yukon-area community inviting folks to our meetings.

b. For the record, it is reported in these Session minutes that the sacrament of Communion was celebrated in the congregation on 25 June 2006 under the leadership of Pastor Crowell. The bread was served to the congregation by Elders Jones and Renegar. The fruit of the vine was served by Elders Ligon and Weber.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. It was reported that Mr. Tony Self donated both labor and materials to install Bible holders in the pews of the church.

b. It was also reported that the Diaconate had acquired a new refrigerator for Prosperity's kitchen.

c. Elder Good requested permission to modify the Church's statistics sign that hangs in the back of the sanctuary to more clearly indicate that the statistics reflect Sunday School information rather than weekly worship service data.. Elder Weber made the motion, seconded by Elder Renegar, to allow Elder Good to proceed. Motion passed.

d. Pastor Crowell informed the Session that this year's Vacation Bible School will focus on teaching the Bible story of the Gospel from the virgin birth through the Resurrection. Paperback NIV Adventure Bibles will be provided to the students.

July 9 – 16, 2006 – Our Annual Summer Meetings were held this week. Rev. Dean Olive, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Madison Alabama was the featured speaker. He spoke to us from the book of Romans.

July 16 - 19, 2006 – Bible School was great this year. Rev. Dana Crowell and his daughter, Megan, wrote the curriculum. They studied the life of Christ and each child that attended received a Bible of their very own. They memorized John 3:16 and had a program on the last night.

Session Records

6 August 2006

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Elder Weber read a letter from Outreach North America. The letter contained an invitation to participate in a January 2007 conference on nurturing church vitality. Pamphlets describing the conference were distributed to each Session member. Further discussion will be entertained during the next session meeting.

b. There was some discussion regarding moving the American flag out of the sanctuary. The consensus was to leave the flag in the sanctuary.

August 2006 – Mrs. Margie Stevenson gave the Church a beautiful Hammond organ in memory of her husband, John William Stevenson.

September 2, 2006 Robert Lawson Good a life long member and Elder of Prosperity ARP Church, entered into rest. We offer our Christian sympathy to the Good family. September 5, 2006 Services were held at 3 p.m. Prosperity ARP Church.

3 September 2006

NEW BUSINESS:

a. The Fall meeting of the Tennessee-Alabama Presbytery is scheduled for 15-16 September 2006 at the Cleveland Street ARP Church in New Albany, Mississippi. Elder Weber made the motion, seconded by Elder Ligon, that Eugene Renegar be named our primary delegate to the meeting and Lilburn Jennings be named alternate/secondary delegate. The motion passed.

b. With the death of Elder Lawson Good, it was announced that the congregation was in need of someone else to bake and prepare the communion bread and set up the sacramental table when communion is offered. Elder Good, and his wife Bernice, had performed this function for many years. As of this date the Church does not have any replacements. Pastor Crowell would solicit volunteers from the congregation.

c. It was mentioned that the watermelon cutting, held last Wednesday evening, was a success and the melons were good!

d. It was reported that a family within our congregation (the Slaytons) had rented a home in which to live while their new house was being built. However, it was discovered that the rental house was infested with Brown Recluse spiders and, thus, the family was forced to re-locate to the home of their in-laws. Elder Renegar made the motion, seconded by Elder Jones, that this family be extended the invitation to use the Church's Manse until such time they could move into their new home. The motion passed.

e. Elder Weber reported that our last congregational meeting was conducted in February 2005 and should have conducted one in February 2006. It was decided that Elder Renegar would address the congregation, inform them of this fact, and if there were no objections we would wait until February 2007 to conduct the next one.

f. It was agreed that during the October 2006 session meeting we should discuss the appointment of a new trustee for the Church to replace Lawson Good.

g. There was no other business for discussion.

September 6, 2006 Goodrich Eskin Jennings a life long member and Elder of Prosperity ARP Church, entered into rest. We offer our Christian sympathy to the Jennings family. September 8, 2006 Services were held 11 a.m. at Higgins Funeral Home.

Session Records

1 October 2006

OLD BUSINESS:

a. Elder Weber previously reported that our last congregational meeting was conducted in February 2005 and we should have conducted one in February 2006 but did not do so. It was decided that Elder Renegar would address the congregation, inform them of this fact, and if there were no objections we would wait until February 2007 to conduct the next one. This was agreed to by the congregation.

b. With the passing of Elder Lawson Good, the congregation was in need of someone else to bake and prepare the communion bread and set up the sacramental table when communion is offered. Elder Good, and his wife Bernice, had performed this function for many years. Pastor Crowell solicited volunteers from the congregation and the Slaytons (Matt and Jamie) volunteered to accept this responsibility.

c. The Slaytons were formally extended an invitation to stay in the church's manse. As of this date they had not yet decided to accept the invitation. The rationale for this action is delineated in the Session minutes of 3 September 2006.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. It was iterated that the congregation now has five people on its Widow List. They are: Martha Lee Coble, Jewel Good Early, Bernice Good, Lynn Towery, and Vida Yates.

b. The Diaconate was commended for their expedient attention to the needed repair of a water leak at the home of Mrs. Bernice Good.

c. It was previously agreed that we would discuss the appointment of a new trustee for the Church to replace Lawson Good during this Session meeting. However, it was decided that we would continue to be in prayer about this issue and address it further during the next Session meeting. During the next meeting we will also discuss filling elder vacancies created by deaths of Elders Wayne Towery, Lawson Good, and Eskin Jennings. Pastor Crowell indicated he would research the required procedures to be followed as detailed in our denomination's form of government book.

d. Discussion was entertained about passing out "free turkey coupons", as was done last year, to families within the Yukon community. Coupons would be in the amount of $12.00 and could be redeemed at Gerald's Foodland in Fayetteville toward a turkey or $12.00 worth of groceries. Mr. Derksen indicated that the Diaconate has over $600.00 budgeted to support this effort. The coupons will be distributed in early November.

October 2, 2006 – Leadership Training Workshop for the Tennessee District of the Tennessee – Alabama Presbyterial was held at Prosperity. We had supper and wonderful fellowship.

Gene Templeton, President of Presbyterial, gave an account of the 96^th Session of the Presbyterial meeting. She told about how many people attended and some of the reports.

October 22, 2006 – A love offering was taken up after Worship Service for the Amish people of Lancaster, PA. This will be to help with medical bills and to rebuild the school. Our prayers continue to be with the families who lost their children. May God bless them.

Session Records

5 November 2006

Prior to routine business being conducted, Mr. and Mrs. Fred (Omaree) Grigsby made a reaffirmation of faith in front of the Session, led by Pastor Crowell. Elder Weber moved to accept the Grigsby’s reaffirmation and to accept them as members of the Prosperity congregation. Elder Renegar seconded motion. Motion passed. Mr. Derksen then led the assembly in prayer.

OLD BUSINESS:

a. Previously the filling of elder vacancies created by deaths of Elders Wayne Towery, Lawson Good, and Eskin Jennings was discussed. Pastor Crowell indicated he would research the required procedures to be followed as detailed in our denomination's form of government book. The Pastor reported nominees to fill such vacancies must be called for during a congregational meeting. Thus, it will be announced next Sunday (12 Nov 2006) that a congregational meeting will be conducted the second Sunday in December (10 Dec 2006) to accomplish this requirement. Prospective candidates for nomination are Mr. Matt Slayton and Mr. Fred Grigsby.

b. It was previously agreed that we would discuss the appointment of a new trustee for the Church to replace Lawson Good. Elder Jennings moved that Elder Renegar be named trustee to replace the late elder Good. Elder Weber seconded the motion. After some discussion, the motion passed.

November 3, 2006 – Our annual Chili Cook-Off and Pie Baking contest – Winners were:

Chili Pie Baking

1. Carol Walker 1. Randy O’Reilly

2. Cathy Coble 2. Megan Crowell

3. Kay Derksen 3. Bernice Good

On November 12, 2006 our annual church covered dish dinner. Afterwards Turkey coupons were handed out to neighbors on all the roads leading to Prosperity. Those who did not go out on the roads fixed Samaritans Purse Shoe Boxes to be mailed. We had 31 boxes this year.

Session Records

10 December 2006

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Session was conducted after the worship service. This December meeting was conducted on this date, rather than on 3 December, because a congregational meeting was conducted on that date. Elders present were Ralph Jones, Steve Weber, Eugene Renegar, Matt Ligon, Lilburn Jennings, moderator Pastor Dana Crowell, and Pastor Emeritus Charles Edgar. Present, too, was newly elected elder, Matt Slayton, whose ordination will be conducted on 7 January 2007. Also present representing the Diaconate was Ron Derksen.

OLD BUSINESS:

a. Pastor Crowell had been previously notified that a young, single male in our congregation fathered a child out of wedlock. Pastor Crowell informed the Session that he had met with this individual. During this meeting the individual both recognized and repented the sin that had been committed. No further action is required of this Session or congregation. The issue is closed.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Mr. Matt Slayton and Mr. Fred Grigsby were elected to the office of elder and deacon, respectively, during a congregational meeting conducted 3 December 2006. (It should be noted that the Session minutes of 5 November 2006 stated that the congregational meeting was to be conducted on 10 December 2006. However, it was later moved forward one week to 3 December 2006.) It was agreed that the ordination service for these two individuals would be conducted on 7 January 2007.

b. Discussion was again entertained about getting a family to live in the church’s manse. (This idea had previously been discussed several times in the past with slight variations. (see February 2006 minutes)). Pastor Crowell and the Session are still hopeful that this might come to fruition. Such family would be considered missionaries of the church whose main duty would be to meet with area residents with a view to bring Christ to our neighbors and possible integration into our congregation. It was agreed that we would continue to be in prayer about this matter.

c. Pastor Emeritus Edgar spoke about his recent visit to Pakistan and, in particular, about the Chicawatni Project in that country. He queried the Session about donating funds to this project. There was some discussion about having the congregation make a donation. Mr. Derksen indicated that at this time of year the Church’s budget is usually very strained. No further action was taken.

December 2, 2006 – Our WOC Christmas luncheon was held this Saturday with a wonderful lunch. We exchanged gifts and had our Bible study on Luke – with Cathy Coble leading. The meeting was opened with prayer by Joyce Edgar. Omaree Grigsby is our President and is doing a wonderful job.

.

December 3, 2006 – A called Congregational Meeting was held after Worship Service this Sunday morning. Mr. Eugene Renegar was the Moderator. Nominations were made for Fred Grigsby to be Deacon and Matt Slayton for Elder. Minutes from the last meeting were read by Steve Weber, Secretary. Kay Derksen, Treasurer, gave a brief financial report. The vote was cast in favor for Mr. Fred Grigsby to be Deacon and Mr. Matt Slayton to be Elder. Matt Ligon closed the meeting with prayer.

December 20, 2006 – Our annual Christmas Program was held on this Wednesday night. All of our children were Angels, Shepherds and Wisemen. It was a true blessing to see all of our children gathered around the Stable and Manger. We had fellowship, food and exchanged gifts. The true meaning of Christmas was with all of us.

When in Pakistan, Mr. & Mrs. Edgar learned that World Witness wanted to repair an existing building and start a Boy’s Hostel. A sum of $5,000 was needed to make these repairs. Mr. Edgar promised that he would raise this amount for them. After returning from Pakistan, the Edgars started a campaign to raise $5,000. The $5,000 plus $700 was given by our church members. We sent $5,700 to World Witness for repairs to the building.

Elders and Deacons 2005/2006

Elders		Ordained and Installed as Elder:
Lawson Good	Ordained and Installed as Deacon January 22, 1961	February 23, 1975 Deceased: September 2, 2006
Eugene Renegar	Ordained and Installed as Deacon May 2, 1965	February 23, 1975
Eskin Jennings	Ordained and Installed as Deacon September 29, 1968	December 16, 1979 Deceased: September 6, 2006
Ralph Jones	Ordained and Installed as Deacon January 22, 1961	March 11, 1990
Lilburn Jennings	Ordained and Installed as deacon September 29, 1968	December 08, 1985
Edward Byers	Ordained and Installed as Deacon April 18, 1954	January 22, 1961 Deceased: December 30, 1998
Wayne Towry	Ordained and Installed as Deacon December 16, 1979	December 08, 1985 Deceased: November 20, 2002
Steve Weber	Ordained and Installed as Deacon December 02, 1990	February 28, 1999
Matt Ligon	Installed as Elder	April 04, 2004
Deacons		Ordained and Installed as Deacon:
Frank Eslick	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	September 29, 1968
R.M. Gibson	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	October 2, 1977 Deceased: August 19, 2004
Doug Coble	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	March 11, 1990
Ronald Derksen	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	December 2, 1990
Jimmy Jennings	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	March 30, 1997 till February 22, 2004
Joel Feuchtinger	Ordained and Installed as Deacon Rotated back as Deacon	March 30, 1997 February 22,2004 Moved: August, 2006 to Wisconsin
Rex Walker	Installed as Deacon	March 17, 2002
Matt Slayton	Ordained and Installed	March 17, 2002

2007

Session Records

7 January 2007

NEW BUSINESS:

Deacon Ron Derksen reported that both the community and Gerald’s Foodland grocery store were pleased with the “turkey coupons” given throughout the Yukon community for the Thanksgiving holiday. He indicated that the cost of this program was about $800.00 and suggested that we plan on doing this service again next year.

Mr. Derksen also reported that the Church’s finances were in reasonable shape.

Elder Renegar opened a discussion about the Church’s signs in the area that point out the way to our place of worship. Presently we have signs at Kirkland, Camargo, Skinem, and in Yukon. It was suggested that we place upon these signs the Church’s website address. Further discussion was entertained about placing signs at two new locations, Coldwater Creek at Mary’s Grove and Coldwater Creek at Clay Jones Road. Mr. Derksen indicated that plans are already established to repaint the signs. Elder Renegar then made a motion, seconded by Elder Ligon, that when the signs are repainted the website address should be added. That motion passed. It was not decided whether or not to add the two new signs.

There was some discussion about a speaker for our Summer Meetings. The names of Bill Cooper and Calvin Todd were mentioned. More discussions will be entertained at a future Session meeting.

For the record, it is noted that on this date Mr. Matt Slayton was formally ordained to the office of elder in the church and Mr. Fred Grigsby was formally ordained to the office of Deacon.

January 7, 2007 – We were honored to have included in the morning Worship service the Ordination and Installation of Church Officers – Mr. Fred Grigsby as Deacon and Mr. Matt Slayton as Elder. This was followed by The Lord’s Supper.

January 12. 2007 - Vida Yates had surgery on her shoulder. Our prayers are with her. She is doing good and our ladies of the church are taking meals to her.

January 2007 – We have several members of our Church that are not well – We have been in prayer for Mrs. Blanche Jones and Mrs. Jewel Good for their eyes are not good.

January 20, 2007 We gave our old Hammond Organ that is not being used to Kirkland Baptist Church. We have been blessed so we can share with others.

Session Records

11 February 2007

OLD BUSINESS:

a. During the last Session meeting, the names of Bill Cooper and Calvin Todd were mentioned as potential speakers for our summer meetings. Pastor Crowell informed the Session that he would invite Calvin Todd.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. It was noted that Elder Weber had previously served a six-year term as a member of the Denomination’s Inter-Church Relations Committee (ICRC) and that this committee desired to submit his name as a candidate to serve again. Pastor Crowell suggested that the Session also submit his name, via the Tenn-Ala Presbytery, as a candidate for membership on the ICRC. A motion to do this was made by Elder Renegar and seconded by Elder Slayton. Motion passed.

It was announced that Mr. Bob Ilman, former Headmaster at Westminster Christian Academy in Huntsville, Alabama, may become an ARP church planter in Limestone County Alabama. Through Pastor Crowell, Mr. Ilman requested that we be in prayer concerning this endeavor. Further, the possibility of Elder Matt Ligon and his family assisting Mr. Ilman in this effort for about six months was also discussed.

Delegates for the Synod meeting in June and the Tenn-Ala Presbytery meeting on 16-17 March at the Pressly Memorial ARP church in Red Level, AL were discussed. Elder Slayton made the motion, seconded by Elder Renegar, that Elder Matt Ligon be our Church’s primary delegate to Synod and Elder Weber be our alternate delegate. Motion passed. Both Elders will be funded to attend Synod. Elder Ligon moved, and Elder Weber seconded, that Elder Eugene Renegar be our delegate to the Presbytery meeting. Motion passed. Elder Lilburn Jennings will the alternate delegate.

11 March 2007

OLD BUSINESS:

a. Delegates for the Tenn-Ala Presbytery meeting on 16-17 March at the Pressly Memorial ARP church in Red Level, AL were established during the February 2007 meeting. At today’s meeting, Elder Weber presented a letter from the Presbytery moderator, Rev. Charles Bradley, detailing the meeting agenda, committee assignments, and directions to the meeting site.

b. During the January 2007 meeting, discussions about repainting the Church’s signs in the area that point out the way to our place of worship were conducted. At that time, it was suggested that we place upon these signs the Church’s website address. Today, Deacon Ron Derksen reported that the existing signs will be replaced with new ones because it was established that such action will be less expensive than reconditioning the old ones. The Church’s website address will be placed on the new signs. Mr. Derksen also indicated that some volunteer labor may be needed to complete this endeavor.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. There was a discussion about the upcoming annual Congregational meeting on 18 March 2007. It was iterated that Elder Renegar, as Chairman of the Congregation, will lead the meeting and establish the agenda. b. Pastor Crowell noted that he is now recording his sermons and queried whether it would be wise to put audio capability on the Church’s website such that some, or all, of the sermons might be placed on the website. Elder Weber suggested that, perhaps, the sermons ought to be placed on the website as a “Word document” due to potential slow download times that folks, such as him, who must use a “dial-up” service would probably experience. It was stated that the transcription of the recorded sermons from the recording device would require a great deal of

effort. Mr. Derksen indicated that the use of audio may require additional service from the internet provider and that he would explore the situation to see if there is a feasible way of archiving the sermons.

Session Records

1 April 2007

NEW BUSINESS:

Pastor emeritus Edgar reported that the Tenn-Ala presbytery approved the start of a mission church in Limestone County, Alabama, called Connections, led by Bob Ilman. The Presbytery recommends that each congregation provide $100.00 per month to support the mission church.

The Session desires to support the Presbytery’s recommendation. To that end, Elder Weber made a motion, seconded by Elder Slayton, to charge the Diaconate to examine the budget to determine the feasibility of providing $100 per month to the mission church and to evaluate monthly if such action is financially prudent to continue. The motion passed.

It was reported that the Women of the Church believed that the Church was in need of new hymnals. They recommended the Trinity Hymnal. It was decided that the Diaconate will examine the condition of the existing books for possible replacement. The acquisition of the Trinity Hymnal will be tabled for now.

8 April, 2007

Our 19^th Annual Easter Sunrise Service was held. The cold temperature did not keep us from our Worship Service on that early morning. We met in the church at 6:00 a.m. The choir from Fayetteville ARP Church led us in our singing. We were so proud to have Zhanna and Joel with us. Zhanna sang a special song for us. We left the church and walked in silence to the cemetery for the remainder of the service. We returned to the dining room for coffee and doughnuts.

Session Records

6 May 2007

OLD BUSINESS:

a. The Tenn-Ala presbytery approved the start of a mission church in Limestone County, Alabama, called Connections, led by Bob Ilman, and recommended that each congregation provide $100.00 per month to support the mission church. Mr. Derksen reported that we can support this recommendation. The Diaconate will determine to whom the funds will be transferred.

b. During the last Session meeting a letter from David E. Cullen was read. He and his wife are volunteer missionaries for World Witness. He desired to visit the Tennessee ARP congregations in the August 2007 timeframe to report on their experiences. Pastor Crowell coordinated with Pastor Todd of the Fayetteville congregation and it was agreed that no formal action would be taken at this time.

Mr. Derksen reported that there are some damaged hymnals which will be replaced at a cost of $10.95 each. The exact number to be replaced has not yet been determined.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. The Pastor and Clerk of Session were required to sign some forms to affirm that Elder Matt Ligon will be Prosperity’s official delegate at the annual Synod of our denomination, June 4-7, 2007. Elder Weber will also attend Synod as a “visitor” and serve as Elder Ligon’s alternate.

b. There were discussions pertaining to the degree of official involvement that the Session should, or should not, have with the Prosperity Cemetery Association. The cemetery, adjacent to the Church, has been administered as a separate entity by the Cemetery Association for over 100 years and will have its annual meeting this month. As members of the Association have become elderly or have moved some distance away from the cemetery, there had been some talk about the Session taking an official role in the administration of the cemetery, primarily due to the Church’s close proximity to the cemetery. At the present time the Session deemed it not prudent to assume an official capacity in the Cemetery Association. Thus, no formal action will be taken by the Session.

c. On occasion Pastor Crowell has borrowed a clerical robe to use during the officiating of some church services. Discussion was entertained regarding the merits of purchasing a robe for the Pastor. Although the decision was not unanimous, the consensus of the Session was to authorize the Diaconate to budget funds to purchase a robe for the Pastor.

Session Records

27 May 2007

BUSINESS:

a. The primary purpose of this called meeting was to discuss placing someone in our manse to serve as a Prosperity ARP missionary to the community and to make a formal offer to the Shane Goodwin family.

This idea had previously been discussed several times in the past (e.g., see February 2006 and December 2006 Session minutes). Such a person and/or family would be considered missionaries of the church whose main duty would be to meet with area residents with a view to bring Christ to our neighbors and possible integration into our congregation. In return, the Church would provide the use of the manse rent free. It was agreed that we would be in prayer about this matter.

Pastor Crowell had shared our desires with the Westminster Christian Academy (WCA) leadership in Huntsville, Alabama. Subsequently Mr. Shane Goodwin, a teacher and football coach at WCA, approached Pastor Crowell to discuss this endeavor. Mr. Goodwin and his family worshipped with our congregation a few times, allowing members of the congregation to make their acquaintance.

On this date the Session discussed tendering an offer of the use of the manse to Mr. Goodwin and his family; and in return, Mr. Goodwin would serve as our missionary to the community. The terms of the offer would not be restrictive in nature nor detailed via a formal contract. Essentially, Mr. Goodwin would be granted the use of the manse rent free.

He would be responsible for payment of the utilities at the manse. Mr. Goodwin could move his furniture into the manse. Some, or all, of the furniture presently in the manse would be stored as needed or used by the Goodwin family. The efforts of Mr. Goodwin and the use of the manse would be reviewed annually. (Approximately 1 June 2008, should Mr. Goodwin accept our offer.) Should events happen that require the manse to be vacated, the Goodwin family would receive at least 60 days notification. Records of this agreement and endeavor will be kept in the minutes the Session and no separate formal contract or leasing agreement will be drawn up and maintained.

Elder Renegar moved, and Elder Slayton seconded, that we tender an offer to Mr. Goodwin with the terms stated in the above paragraph. The motion passed unanimously.

Session Records

3 June 2007

OLD BUSINESS:

a. Previously the Session tendered an offer of the use of the manse to Mr. Shane Goodwin and his family; and in return, Mr. Goodwin would serve as our missionary to the community. Pastor Crowell spoke to Mr. Goodwin and he accepted our offer. Pastor Crowell reported that Mr. Goodwin will move into the manse and effect further coordination with the Session or Diaconate as required.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. The Pastor requested that he be granted July 15^th as a vacation day. His request will be honored.

b. On 27 May 2007, a member of the congregation fell. Local emergency authorities were contacted and transported the member to a hospital. Reports are that this member is now doing well. Because of this unexpected event, there was some discussion as to whether or not the Church should purchase an AED device and should some members of the Session and/or the Diaconate take a course in CPR. No formal action was taken at this time.

Session Records

1 July 2007

OLD BUSINESS:

a. Pastor Crowell reported that he has been trained in adult CPR and that Mr. Shane Goodwin, our missionary to the community, is also trained. He also indicated that Elder Matt Slayton will be trained in child CPR.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Pastor Crowell reminded all that our Summer meetings start next Sunday and continue through Thursday (8-12 July 2007). Rev. Calvin Todd will be preaching.

b. It was noted that Pastor Crowell will be absent on Sunday, the 15^th of July. Elder Weber will lead the worship service on that day.

c. Elder Renegar indicated that the cemetery fence needed painting. Even though such activity might be a Prosperity Cemetery Association responsibility, we might rally some folks to paint the fence.

July 8^th – 12^th, our summer meeting was held with Pastor Calvin Todd, Pastor of the Fayetteville ARP Church as our speaker. His messages were a series on Esther. His messages were wonderful and we really enjoyed having him and Lisa with us. Each night the ladies prepared a meal and on Thursday night we had our annual fish fry. It was a great week of God’s work and good fellowship.

Session Records

5 August 2007

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Elder Weber read a letter from the Nancy Fullwood Hospital Society, Columbia, SC, soliciting applicants for the position of hospital administrator for the Nancy Fullwood Christian Hospital in Sahiwal, Pakistan. This hospital is owned by World Witness and is operated as a mission hospital for the ARP denomination. The job announcement will be posted on the church bulletin board.

b. Deacon Ron Derksen reported that examination revealed that 95 of the church’s hymnals (the red book) needed to be replaced due to their worn condition. He indicated that 45 books would be ordered now and 45 more at a later date. There was some further discussion about the replacement of the song books. The discussion came to a close when Elder Renegar reminded the Session that it took 40 years for some members of the congregation to learn just where each song was in the present hymnal. Therefore it was wise to replace the old hymnals with new editions of the same book rather than acquiring a different hymnal.

c. Mr. Derksen also reported the upstairs air conditioning unit in the church had been replaced with a new combination heating and air conditioning unit. Further, he reported that the field lines at the manse had been replaced.

d. Pastor Crowell reminded everyone that he would initiate an inquirer’s class the first Sunday in September. It would run for four weeks. He stated that by the end of the class it was possible that some people might desire to be baptized and make a profession of faith on the last Sunday of the class during the following worship service without first coming before the Session. Pastor Crowell requested permission to allow this action. A motion was made by Elder Renegar to support this request but the motion received no second. There was further discussion about this matter and the Session was reminded that our form of Government indicates that candidates for baptism, profession of faith, and church membership need to come before the Session. Elder Weber moved, and Elder Slayton seconded, that a Called Session meeting be conducted on the last Sunday of the month, 30 September, between the Sunday School hour and the start of Worship Service to meet with the prospective candidates should there be any at the end of the inquirer’s class

Session Records

2 September 2007

NEW BUSINESS:

a. The Tennessee/Alabama Presbytery will meet at the Muscle Shoals, Alabama, church on 21 & 22 September 2007. Elder Renegar moved, and Elder Slayton seconded, that Elder Jennings be our church’s delegate to Presbytery. Motion passed. Further, Elder Slayton moved that Elder Weber be designated as alternate delegate. Motion was seconded by Elder Jones. Motion passed. Pastor Crowell will also attend the Presbytery meeting.

b. Elder Weber read an article from the ARP Magazine announcing the Minister Retreat at Bonclarken 17-20 September 2007. Pastor Crowell indicated that he will not attend.

c. Pastor Crowell spoke about the upcoming initiation of the “Walk Through the Bible in 1 Year” series. The cost of the Bibles for this study series has been borne by the Pastor. Since this is a ministry of the Church, the question was asked if this cost should be borne by the Church? The cost of the study Bibles was stated to be $892.87. Elder Weber moved that the cost for the study Bibles be paid for by the Church. Elder Renegar seconded the motion. The motion passed.

d. It was announced that Mrs. Shanel (Shane) Goodwin was inaugurating a ministry for young mothers and kids called “Mothers of Pre-Schools”, or “MOPS”. It is under the umbrella of an organization known as MOPS International. Mrs. Goodwin would serve as the Director of the local program. Mrs. Jamie (Matt) Slayton would serve as Assistant Director. There is a fee of $275.00 payable to the parent organization for charter and renewal of local MOPS chapters. These ladies had requested the Church pay this fee. Elder Slayton moved, and Elder Jennings seconded, that the Church pay this fee. The motion passed.

e. Pastor Crowell reminded everyone that the inquirer’s class began today. Additionally, he stated that the “Shepherding Program” also begins today. As leaders of our Church, he stated that it is our duty to start regularly visiting the members of “our flock”.

Session Records

30 September 2007

BUSINESS:

a. The purpose of this called meeting was to introduce before the Session new member candidates and to witness the membership vows of the prospective candidates.

b. The new member candidates are listed below:

1. Edwin Stanley Keith, Sr.

2. Ann S. Keith

3. Buddy Brian Snell, Sr.

4. Cynthia Elaine Snell

5. Shane Goodwin

6. Shanel Goodwin

7. Paula Ann Coble

c. Additionally, two non-communicant children candidates for Baptism were also recognized. They are:

1. Magdalene Rae Goodwin

2. Emily Rebecca Goodwin

d. Pastor Crowell offered remarks to both the candidates and members of the Session regarding membership in the Church and the recent inquirers’ class conducted at the Church. Pastor Crowell then led the candidates in the recitation of membership vows.

e. The Session members heard the membership vows. Elder Weber moved that the new member candidates be made members of the Prosperity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church on the basis of their profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Motion was seconded by Elder Slayton. Motion passed. The new members will be presented before the congregation on 7 October 2007 and the baptisms will also be conducted on that day.

Session Records

14 October 2007

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Mr. Derksen announced that volunteers would be needed to clean out the garage at the manse. The tentative date is 2 November 2007.

b. Mr. Derksen also requested, on behalf of the Diaconate, that the Session provide the Diaconate with as much advance notice as possible before expenditures are directed to be made.

c. It is noted for the record that 7 October 2007 marked a “Joining and Receiving Sunday”. On that date the sacrament of Communion was celebrated under the leadership of Pastor Crowell. The bread was served to the congregation by Elders Weber and Renegar. The fruit of the vine was served by Elders Slayton and Jones.

d. Pastor Crowell remarked how blessed the Church has been. During a vision meeting a couple of years ago, the desire to bring two new families into the Church was expressed. On “Joining and Receiving Sunday” four families were received into the congregation. He said to plan on having a similar meeting again in the future and encouraged all to be thinking of a vision fro the Church.

e. Elder Weber reported that the Tennessee/Alabama Presbytery had appointed him to a 4-member commission to examine the state of the Muscle Shoals, Alabama, church and that the commission would serve as the Provisional Session of that church.

f. Elder Renegar reported that the cemetery’s iron fence had been painted and expressed his gratitude to all the volunteers who had participated in this endeavor.

g. It is with great sadness that the Session records the loss of Elder Lilburn Jennings. Elder Jennings passed away 13 October 2007.

Session Records

4 November 2007

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Pastor Crowell stated that the church’s Summer Meetings for calendar year 2008 will be conducted the week of June 15^th. Charles Wingard, the present pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama, will lead these meetings.

b. Elder Weber initiated discussion about replacing the late Lilburn Jennings on the Session. The general consensus of the Session was that there is no sense of urgency to undertake such action at the present time. More discussion of this issue may occur in the future.

c. Mr. Derksen reported that presently the Church’s finances are strong. He did note that the 4^th quarter expenses are expected to be near $8,000.00 and we only have @ $7,900.00 in ready cash at this time. However, he pointed out that the receipts for November and December have not yet been received.

d. Pastor Crowell reminded the Session to add Beth Jennings to the Church’s widow list. The Church now has six widows on the list. These ladies are: Martha Lee Coble, Jewel Good Early, Bernice Good, Beth Jennings, Lynn Towry, and Vida Yates.

Elders 2007

Elders		Ordained and Installed as Elder:
Lawson Good	Ordained and Installed as Deacon January 22, 1961	February 23, 1975 Deceased: September 2, 2006
Eugene Renegar	Ordained and Installed as Deacon May 2, 1965	February 23, 1975
Eskin Jennings	Ordained and Installed as Deacon September 29, 1968	December 16, 1979 Deceased: September 6, 2006
Ralph Jones	Ordained and Installed as Deacon January 22, 1961	March 11, 1990 Deceased February 19, 2009
Lilburn Jennings	Ordained and Installed as Deacon September 29, 1968	December 08, 1985 Deceased: October 13, 2007
Edward Byers	Ordained and Installed as Deacon April 18, 1954	January 22, 1961 Deceased: December 30, 1998
Wayne Towry	Ordained and Installed as Deacon December 16, 1979	December 08, 1985 Deceased: November 20, 2002
Steve Weber	Ordained and Installed as Deacon December 02, 1990	February 28, 1999
Matt Ligon	Installed as Elder	April 04, 2004
Matt Slayton	Ordained and Installed as Deacon March 17, 2002	January 07, 2007

Deacons 2007

Deacons		Ordained and Installed as Deacon:
Frank Eslick	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	September 29, 1968
R.M. Gibson	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	October 2, 1977 Deceased: August 19, 2004
Doug Coble	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	March 11, 1990
Ronald Derksen	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	December 2, 1990
Jimmy Jennings	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	March 30, 1997 till February 22, 2004
Joel Feuchtinger	Ordained and Installed as Deacon Rotated back as Deacon	March 30, 1997 February 22,2004 Moved: August, 2006 to Wisconsin
Rex Walker	Installed as Deacon	March 17, 2002
Fred Grigsby	Ordained and Installed	January 07, 2007

2008

Session Records

6 January 2008

NEW BUSINESS:

a. The annual congregational meeting was discussed. Elder Weber made the motion, seconded by Elder Jones, that the congregational meeting be conducted on the 17^th of February 2008. There was some discussion that included amending the motion to state that the congregational meeting be conducted on the 17^th of February and that the 24^th of February would be the alternate date should some circumstances arise such that the meeting could not be conducted on the 17^th. Motion passed.

b. Pastor Crowell shared with the Session that the 20^th of January is held by many denominations as “Sanctity of Life” Sunday. Accordingly, he announced that he would veer from the progression of sermons that had been being conducted within the church and preach on the sanctity of human life on that day.

Session Records

3 February 2008

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Elder Weber discussed the upcoming annual congregational meeting and, specifically, wondered if we ought to try to get the minutes of this meeting to the congregation sooner than we had done in the past. It was agreed that we would continue to present the minutes as we have done in the past.

b. Elder Weber shared with the Session that he had received notice from Rev. Charles Bradley that the Spring meeting of the Tennessee/Alabama Presbytery would meet 14-15 March 2008. Locale and details would be forthcoming. Elder Weber made the motion that Elder Renegar be our congregation’s delegate to Presbytery, with Elder Weber being his alternate. This motion was seconded by Elder Slayton. Motion passed.

c. Mr. Derksen reported on the Diaconate’s plans for some update maintenance for the Church. These include new vinyl flooring for the church hall, kitchen, and dining area, as well as some painting. Additionally, he reported on some repairs that were accomplished on the manse.

Session Records

2 March 2008

OLD BUSINESS:

a. Elder Weber provided an update on the upcoming Tennessee/Alabama Presbytery meeting scheduled to be conducted 14-15 March 2008 at the Muscle Shoals Presbyterian Church. Pastor Crowell led the Session in a moment of prayer for the business at hand facing the delegates to presbytery.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Mr. Derksen reported that negotiations between the Pastor and Diaconate regarding salary and benefits were settled to the mutual satisfaction of both parties.

March 23, 2008, at 6:15 AM, our Twentieth Annual Easter Sunrise Service was held at Prosperity. We had the first part of our service in our sanctuary and then for the last part we walked in silence to the cemetery where the brass band was playing very softly. As always this service is so touching. It was a chilly morning so we returned to the church for fellowship along with doughnuts and coffee.

Session Records

6 April 2008

OLD BUSINESS:

a. Pastor Crowell reminded the Session that it was almost one year ago that the church called Shane and Shanel Goodwin to be missionaries to the community. (See Session minutes for May 2007 and June 2007.) As such, the pastor indicated that it was about time to review the Goodwin’s call. He would like to meet with them in the near future.

b. Elder Weber made the motion, seconded by Elder Jones, that the church renew the call and continue its relationship with the Goodwins. Motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. There was no new business for discussion.

Session Records

4 May 2008

Examination of Candidates for Church Membership:

a. Carole Moorefield, Ed Williams, Becky Williams, and Isaiah Williams were examined by the Session on this date and accepted for membership in the Prosperity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

b. Elder Renegar led in prayer for the new members.

OLD BUSINESS:

a. Previously, the pastor indicated that it was about time to review the Goodwin’s call as our missionaries to the community. Via a passed motion, the church made it known that it was desired to renew the call and continue its relationship with the Goodwins. (See Session minutes for May 2007, June 2007, & April 2008.) Pastor Crowell reported that he met with the Goodwins and that they are excited about having the call renewed for another year.

b. Elder Renegar reported that the road sign placed by the county designating Prosperity Church Road was down. He indicated that he had notified the county. He stated that he would also ask the county if we, the church, might put up a sign pointing to our church that was previously removed from land across the road from the Prosperity Church Road sign.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. A motion was made by Elder Weber to name Elder Renegar as our congregation’s delegate to Synod in June 2008 with Elder Weber serving as alternate delegate. Elder Slayton seconded the motion. Motion passed.

b. There was no additional new business for discussion.

Session Records

1 June 2008

NEW BUSINESS:

a. The Session was reminded by Pastor Crowell that Reverend Charles Wingart, of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama, will preach at our annual summer meetings. He will be preaching on missions.

b. Pastor Crowell requested that he be allowed to be off on the 20^th and 27^th of July 2008. By acclimation, all agreed to honor his request. It is expected that Reverend David Hammond will preach during Pastor Crowell’s absence.

Session Records

6 July 2008

OLD BUSINESS:

a. The Session was reminded that Pastor Crowell will be absent the 20^th and 27^th of July 2008. David Hammond and Wes James will preach the sermons while Pastor Crowell is away.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. While Pastor Crowell is absent from the pulpit on the 20^th and 27^th of July 2008, Elder Weber will lead the order of worship. This will allow the visiting preachers to only have to bring the message to the congregation. This action was approved by acclimation.

Session Records

3 August 2008

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Elder Weber presented a letter from Mrs. Sherry McKinney. Mrs. McKinney requested that the congregation consider supporting her with financial support and prayers as she prepares to go on a short term mission trip to Johannesburg, Africa, September 29^th – October 14^th 2008. Mrs. McKinney will be accompanying a group from the First United Methodist Church, Huntsville, Alabama. Elder Weber moved that the request be referred to the Diaconate for consideration. Elder Renegar seconded the motion. Motion passed.

b. Elder Weber moved, and was seconded by Elder Slayton, that Elder Renegar be the congregation’s delegate to the Fall stated meeting of the Tennessee/Alabama Presbytery meeting. The meeting will be conducted at Culleoka, Tennessee the 19^th and 20^th of September 2008. Motion passed.

c. Mr. Derksen reported that $500.00 had been sent on behalf of the congregation to a school in Norman, Arkansas in memory of Miss Eunice Byers. Miss Byers was a long time member of the Prosperity congregation and had taught school in Norman for a number of years. The funds will be used by the school for renovation of the school’s library named in honor of Miss Byers.

d. Mr. Derksen also reported that the congregation is studying the feasibility of providing a cash donation to the Good Samaritan organization in Fayetteville, Tennessee, for the purchase of food.

Session Records

7 September 2008

OLD BUSINESS:

a. During the 4 May 2008 Session meeting, Elder Renegar reported that the road sign placed by the county designating Prosperity Church Road was down. He indicated that he had notified the county. He stated that he would also ask the county if we, the church, might put up a sign pointing to our church that was previously removed from land across the road from the Prosperity Church Road sign. On this date it was reported that the county had relocated the Prosperity Church Road sign to the original site and had added a stop sign as well.

Due to this action by the county, Elder Renegar moved, and was seconded by Elder Weber, that no further action be taken at this time regarding signs pointing to the church. Motion passed.

b. Regarding a request from Mrs. Sherry McKinney that the congregation consider providing financial support to her as she prepared to go on a short term mission trip to Johannesburg, Africa, September 29^th – October 14^th 2008 with a group from the First United Methodist Church, Huntsville, Alabama, Elder Weber reported that the Diaconate sent $100.00 to her.

Session Records

5 October 2008

OLD BUSINESS:

a. The Session was reminded that the Pastor will be absent on 12 October 2008. Rev. Eric Zellner, of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama, will bring the message on that day.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Elder Weber shared with the Session some information he received via e-mail from the denomination regarding salary comparisons of pastors across the denomination. This information will be provided to the Diaconate for its record.

b. Elder Weber read a letter from the Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) soliciting church partnerships with the seminary. Elder Weber moved, and was seconded by Elder Jones, to refer the letter to our congregation’s mission committee. Motion passed.

c. A copy of the budget was briefly reviewed by the Session. Elder Weber moved, and was seconded by Elder Renegar, that the Pastor be extended the discretion to publish in the bulletin extracts from the quarterly church treasurer’s report. Motion passed.

Session Records

2 November 2008

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Pastor Crowell reported that he had been contacted by the Pulpit Search Committee of the North Hills Presbyterian Church, Huntsville, Alabama. This committee is in the process of examining candidates for the position of pastor at its church. To that end, the committee requested that Mr. Ralph LaGuardia be allowed to bring the sermon to our congregation on 23 November 2008. Members of the Pulpit Search Committee would be in attendance on that day. Such action would aid them in their selection of a new pastor for that church.

Elder Jones moved, and was seconded by Elder Renegar, that Rev. Ralph LaGuardia be allowed to preach in our church on Sunday, 23 November 2008, to support the Pulpit Search Committee of the North Hills Presbyterian Church in their search for a pastor. This motion passed.

Called Joint Session Meeting

30 November 2008

1. There was a called joint meeting of the Session and Diaconate on this date. The meeting was conducted after the worship service. Elders present were Steve Weber, Eugene Renegar, Matt Slayton, Ralph Jones, and moderator Pastor Dana Crowell and Pastor Emeritus Charles Edgar. Deacons present were Frank Eslick, Fred Grigsby, Rex Walker, Doug Coble, and Ron Derksen. Absent was Elder Matt Ligon.

2. The meeting was opened with Pastor Crowell reading Acts 2:42-47. Mr. Derksen led in prayer.

3. No minutes from previously scheduled meetings were read at this time.

4. BUSINESS:

a. The purpose of this called meeting was to announce and discuss a monetary gift to Prosperity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in the amount of $73,784.67. This gift came from the estate of Martha Wright, Peggy Wright, executor.

b. Mr. Derksen provided the attendees with a brief history of the finances of the church over the past 18 years (from the time when he was first ordained to the Diaconate).

c. Mr. Derksen then made a motion that the church place funds, in the amount of $70,000, into a Certificate of Deposit (CD) and that the interest only from this CD be used to support the church’s missionary outreach. Motion was seconded by Mr. Grigsby.

Discussion followed. Eventually, it was moved by Mr. Grigsby, and seconded by Mr. Eugene Renegar, that the motion made by Mr. Derksen be tabled at this time. This motion passed. Pastor Crowell then led in prayer concerning future deliberations and decisions regarding the use of this money.

d. Elder Weber made a motion to send $3,000 from this estate gift to the Norman Historic Preservation Society (NHPP), Norman, Arkansas, in memory of Miss Eunice Byers. Mr. Derksen seconded the motion.

Discussion followed. It was briefly explained that Miss Byers had once been a teacher in Norman (at the Caddo Valley Academy) and a library there was named in her honor. According to the most recent newsletter from the NHPP, the organization is in need of funds to pay a $1,500 insurance payment and a $1,500 interest payment. A motion to table Mr. Weber’s motion was made by Elder Matt Slayton and seconded by Mr. Fred Grigsby. This motion passed.

A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Rex Walker and seconded by Elder Eugene Renegar. Motion passed

Called Joint Session Meeting

07 December 2008

1. There was a called joint meeting of the Session and Diaconate on this date. The meeting was conducted after the worship service. Elders present were Steve Weber, Eugene Renegar, Ralph Jones, and moderator Pastor Dana Crowell and Pastor Emeritus Charles Edgar. Deacons present were Fred Grigsby, Rex Walker, Doug Coble, and Ron Derksen. Absent were Elders Matt Ligon and Matt Slayton and Deacon Frank Eslick.

2. The meeting was opened with Pastor Crowell reading Acts 6:1-7. Pastor Crowell also led in prayer.

3. Elder Weber read the minutes from the joint meeting of 30 November 2008. Mr. Walker moved that the minutes be approved as read. Mr. Grigsby seconded the motion. Motion passed.

4. BUSINESS:

a. The purpose of this called meeting was to resume discussions concerning a monetary gift to Prosperity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in the amount of $73,784.67 and to take action on motions that were made during the 30 November 2008 meeting. This gift came from the estate of Martha Kidd White, Peggy Wright, executor. (It should be noted here that these minutes reflect a correction to the minutes of the Joint Session meeting conducted 30 November 2008. Those minutes listed “the estate of ‘Martha Wright’, Peggy Wright, executor.”)

b. Pastor Edgar was granted the privilege of the floor. He spoke on the merits of the original motions and further expressed a desire that the joint session consider tithing 10% of the funds. Of the 10% tithe, he asked that consideration be given to providing $3,000 to the Norman Historic Preservation Society, Norman, Arkansas, and $4,000 to the denomination’s new church, Connections, in Madison County, Alabama.

c. Discussion ensued, primarily concerning what was the spirit of the bequest given to the church, It was established that the bequest was to sustain the church and its work in the years to come.

d. The original motion was then discussed. That motion was: “that the church place funds, in the amount of $70,000, into a Certificate of Deposit (CD) and that the interest only from this CD be used to support the church’s missionary outreach.” A vote was then taken on this motion. Motion was defeated.

e. Next, the second motion was discussed. That motion was: “to send $3,000 from this estate gift to the Norman Historic Preservation Society (NHPP), Norman, Arkansas, in memory of Miss Eunice Byers.” A vote was then taken on this motion. This motion passed.

f. Elder Renegar then moved that the church place funds, in the amount of $70,784.67, into a Certificate of Deposit (CD) and that the interest from this CD be added back into the CD. All money from this CD would be used to support the work of the church as deemed appropriate by the church. Motion was seconded. Motion passed.

5. Elder Renegar moved to dismiss the deacons from this meeting (to allow the elders to conduct their regularly scheduled Session meeting). Motion was seconded by Elder Weber. Motion passed. Pastor Crowell closed the meeting with prayer.

Session Records

7 December 2008

OLD BUSINESS:

a. The Diaconate, via Mr. Derksen, was informed that in October 2008 the Session passed a motion which extended the discretion to the Pastor to publish in the bulletin extracts from the quarterly church treasurer’s report.

b. There was no additional old business.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Mr. Derksen provided budget quarterly reports to the Session. He briefly pointed out that we are doing well financially, specifically citing our savings.

b. There was no additional new business.

2009

Session Records

4 January 2009

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Referring to Old Testament passages regarding musicians supporting worship, Pastor Crowell pointed out how blessed the church is to have Mrs. Carol Walker play the piano. Mrs. Walker has been performing this ministry to the church gratuitously. Pastor Crowell indicated that he believed the church ought to be being paying Mrs. Walker, or any musician, who supported the worship service. He indicated that he had coordinated with the chairman of the Diaconate to ascertain if funds might be available to pay a musician on a regular basis. It appears that some funding would be available. He queried the members of the Session regarding their thoughts on the subject. Elder Slayton then moved, and was seconded by Elder Weber, that Prosperity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church begin paying the musician who supports the worship service. Motion passed.

b. Pastor Crowell stated that the Goodwin family had been a blessing to us also while living in the manse and serving as our missionary to the community. Now that Shane Goodwin had accepted a position in Clarksville, Tennessee, the manse is again vacant and the congregation no longer has a missionary to the community. He indicated that he knew a young man, Justin Huston, who has been ordained in the PCA church. The Pastor indicated that he would like to speak to Mr. Huston about living in the manse to serve in a similar capacity as the Goodwins. It was agreed that he should do so.

c. Elder Renegar mentioned that the Institute of Creation Research (ICR) now offers a great course on-line to equip people to better defend creationism at a cost of $600.00. After some discussion, it was agreed that should he, or some other member of the congregation, be eager to take the course, we would explore providing tuition assistance.

Session Records

1 February 2009

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Elder Weber brought up the subject of the congregation’s inactive membership list. It was agreed that the list should be reviewed at our next meeting.

b. It was agreed that our annual congregational meeting will be held on 15 March 2009.

c. It was agreed that discussions regarding the congregation’s delegate to this year’s General Synod, in June 2009, will be held at our next meeting.

February 13, 2009 6:00 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall, Valentine's Day Dinner. The Circle II Ladies prepared and serviced dinner to the attending members of the congregation. It was a wonderful Valentine Dinner Evening and a delicious meal was serviced.

February 19, 2009 Ralph Jones a life long member and Elder of Prosperity ARP Church, entered into rest. We offer our Christian sympathy to the Jones family. February 22, 2009 Services were held at Prosperity ARP Church.

March 15, 2009 Annual Congregational Meeting after Worship Service. The business of the church was conducted. Election was held to replace the vacant seats in the Session.

Stanley Keith, Rex Walker, Doug Coble were elected as Elder and Eric Coble as Deacon.

April 5, 2009 Installation of the newly elected officers. Elders Stanley Keith,

Rex Walker, Doug Coble and Deacon Eric Coble.

April 12, 2009 at 6:00 AM, our Twenty First Annual Easter Sunrise Service was held at Prosperity. Officiating were the Rev. Dana Crowell and the Rev. Charles Edgar. Special music was performed by the Westminster Band, and the Fayetteville ARP Church Choir under the musical direction of Joe Stephenson. Joe Stephenson performed the opening with the special music: Were You There……………. We had the first part of our service in our sanctuary and for the last part we walked in silence to the cemetery where the brass band of Westminster was playing very softly. As always this service is so touching. It was a chilly morning so we returned to the church for fellowship along with doughnuts and coffee.

April 12, 2009. During the worship service at the 11^th hour, Mrs. Nancy Ersted was baptized.

Lawrence and Nancy Ersted and Deann Gleghorn went before the Session on this date and were accepted for membership in the Prosperity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

April 19,2009. Lawrence and Nancy Ersted and Deann Gleghorn, as new members of

Prosperity, professed their faith before the congregation.

April 29, 2009 6:00 p.m. Prosperity celebrated Jubilee Birthday with a potluck dinner in the fellowship hall. Gail Fowler and two teenagers from the Fayetteville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church showed slides and told about their Missionary Trip last year to Wales.

June 1 - June 3, 2009 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Vacation Bible School. Again Prosperity had Vacation Bible School with a wonderful attendance. They all studied the chapter: Daniel in the Lion’s Den

June 3, 2009 Children's VBS Program .Wednesday evening the children showed their knowledge and presented a program about Daniel in the Lion’s Den to the congregation and following this program we had a covered dish dinner.

June 14 - June 17, 2009 Summer Meetings with Rev. Chip Edgar. We had a very good attendance during these meetings. The Rev. Chip Edgar preached about Forgiveness.

June 18, 2009 6:00 p.m. We had our annual Fish Fry at the church grounds. This event is for those who have attended one or more evenings of the Summer Meetings.

The attendance was great. About 75 people attended the fish fry and Paul, Eric and Doug Coble did the frying with help from Angie Neal frying the hush puppies.

July 5, 2009 We welcomed new members:

John House reaffirmed of faith before the congregation.

Patrick Walton Coble and Hanna Taylor Coble by confession of faith and baptism.

July 26, 2009 Covenant Baptism of:

Lois Rachel and Katherine Ruth Goodwin Daughters of Shane and Shanel Goodwin.

The Rev. Dana Crowell was the Officiating Pastor.

August 1, 2009 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. HOBO Dinner on the Church Grounds. Mark , Doug and Eric Coble will prepare this dinner for us. No cooking is required from the members of the congregation for this event. No deserts need to be prepared except for bringing Drinks, Tomatoes, Cool Slaw. Water Melons or Cantaloupes as a desert.

August 09, 2009 We welcome our new members Wayne and Jolene Moomey.

They reaffirmed their faith before the congregation.

September 20, 2009 We welcome into the membership of our church: Ralph McAlister, John and Dianna Stiles. They reaffirmed their faith before the congregation.

October 16, 2009 - Young Adult Pizza Party. They practiced a new song and they sang it at the next worship service.

October 30, 2009 - Prosperity had its annual Chili Cook-Off and Pie Baking Contest this Friday night. There were 60+ people in attendance and everyone had a good time. We had three impartial judges from Alabama.

The winners were:

Chili/Soup Desert

1^st. Paula Coble                                             1^st Francis Renegar

2^nd Cathy Coble                                            2^nd Laura Vance

3^rd Angie Neal                                              3^rd Buddy Snell

In Progress

Elders 2009

Elders		Ordained and Installed as Elder:
Lawson Good	Ordained and Installed as Deacon January 22, 1961	February 23, 1975 Deceased: September 2, 2006
Eugene Renegar	Ordained and Installed as Deacon May 2, 1965	February 23, 1975
Eskin Jennings	Ordained and Installed as Deacon September 29, 1968	December 16, 1979 Deceased: September 6, 2006
Ralph Jones	Ordained and Installed as Deacon January 22, 1961	March 11, 1990 Deceased February 19, 2009
Lilburn Jennings	Ordained and Installed as Deacon September 29, 1968	December 08, 1985 Deceased: October 13, 2007
Edward Byers	Ordained and Installed as Deacon April 18, 1954	January 22, 1961 Deceased: December 30, 1998
Wayne Towry	Ordained and Installed as Deacon December 16, 1979	December 08, 1985 Deceased: November 20, 2002
Steve Weber	Ordained and Installed as Deacon December 02, 1990	February 28, 1999
Matt Ligon	Installed as Elder	April 04, 2004
Matt Slayton	Ordained and Installed as Deacon March 17, 2002	January 07, 2007
Stanley Keith	Installed as Elder	April 05, 2009
Doug Coble	Ordained and Installed as Deacon March 11, 1990	April 05, 2009
Rex Walker	Ordained and Installed as Deacon March 17, 2002	April 05, 2009

Deacons 2009

Deacons		Ordained and Installed as Deacon:
Frank Eslick	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	September 29, 1968
R.M. Gibson	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	October 2, 1977 Deceased: August 19, 2004
Ronald Derksen	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	December 2, 1990
Jimmy Jennings	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	March 30, 1997 till February 22, 2004
Joel Feuchtinger	Ordained and Installed as Deacon Rotated back as Deacon	March 30, 1997 February 22,2004 Moved: August, 2006 to Wisconsin
Fred Grigsby	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	January 07, 2007
Eric Coble	Ordained and Installed as Deacon	April 05, 2009

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Completion of this history is a work in progress.

We wish to acknowledge the following sources for this history:  Associate Reformed Presbyterian Centennial and Sesquicentennial histories, Session records and Women's Society records at Prosperity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and the Young Peoples Christian Union history of 1956.

Our appreciation is expressed to Elder Lawson Good (Deceased), Elder Eugene Renegar, Elder Steve Weber and Deacon Ronald Derksen for the research of records completing this history and publishing this information and all others who had any part in the writing of this history.

WOMEN’ S MISSIONARY SOCIETY

No history of the Prosperity Church would be complete without inclusion of the history of the Women’s Missionary Society which has been so active for so many years.

 In February, 1888, the ladies of Prosperity, Tennessee Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church organized a society consisting of nine members.  These charter members were:

    Mrs. Nora Sloan, President        Miss Martha Parkinson, Treasurer

    Mrs. Elizabeth Sloan              Mrs. Helen Dale McFerrin

    Mrs. Grezilda Parkinson           Mrs. Lucinda Parkinson

    Mrs. Mary Eliza Sloan             Mrs. Lucinda McCalla

 The organization was known as the Ladies’ Aid Society.  There were only two officers at that time, the President and the Treasurer.  Meetings were held once a month at the church.  There was no regular program, but the ladies paid their monthly dues of five cents per member and discussed further plans for raising money.  The funds were raised largely by having ice cream suppers and selling ice cream at picnics and at barbecues in the community during the summer.  One year they kept the cemetery clean and realized $40 from this effort.

 Mrs. Sloan served as President from the time of the organization of the society until she died in 1900. Officers were not elected annually, but for life or until removal from the community made it impossible for them to serve.  Miss Martha Parkinson served as Treasurer until she moved to Fayetteville, Tenn. in 1910.

There is a period of a few years of which we have no record because the books were destroyed by fire in the home of Mr. A. L. Sloan, a son of Mrs. Nora Sloan.

 At the completion of the first parsonage, the ladies held their meetings there.  This was in the day of horseback riding, so a number of the members came to the meetings in this fashion, riding three or four miles, sometimes with two women on one horse.

 For several years after the death of Mrs. Sloan, no president was named for the society, but Mrs. Helen Dale McFerrin served as leader and counselor.

 When Rev. W. A. Kennedy returned from the meeting of Presbytery in April, 1911, he manifested renewed interest in the work of the ladies and that summer Mrs. Kennedy reorganized the society with 32 members.  The name of the organization was changed to The Ladies’ Missionary Society.  Mrs. W. P. Watson was elected President and Miss Fannie Bruce, Treasurer.

After reorganization, monthly dues of 10 cents per member were paid and ladies began giving their Sabbath Day eggs three months of each year, a practice which was continued until about 1950.  One year the ladies turned $103 into the treasury as a result of this drive.

In 1920 Mrs. Watson moved to Fayetteville, Tennessee after faithfully serving as President for nine years.  Mrs. Ethel Jobe then served as President until April 1921 when Rev. M. T. Ellis was installed as pastor.  Mrs. Ellis was then elected President and held that office until her death in 1935.

In 1913 Mrs. O. L. Kidd was elected Treasurer and served for 14 years.  In 1927 Mrs. T. T. McFerrin was elected Treasurer.  In 1956 Mrs. Edward Byers was elected Treasurer and served for 15 years.  In 1972 Miss Pauline Burton was elected Treasurer.

The Ladies’ Society continues to meet on a monthly basis in the Church or sometimes in a home, using programs given in the Journal of Mission as well as other programs.

For a while in the early history of the society, $5 was contributed annually to the cause of Foreign Missions, but when Prosperity, Elk Valley and Fayetteville undertook the support of Rev. A. J. Ranson in India, this society pledged and raised $100 annually to his salary from 1916 to 1926.  Since then the society has been paying approximately the same amount to Foreign Missions through the Synodical Union.  It also contributed to the pastor’s salary and other causes on Synod’s budget. 

Circle II was organized in the fall of 1951 composed of women who could not attend the regular meetings because of their work. This Circle met on Sabbath afternoon following Circle I meeting.

In the late 60’s the Society became “The Women of the Church” (WOC) and now they give approximately $3,000 a year toward Synodical’s budget.

Continuation of Prosperity WOC History from 1978

At the beginning of 1978 the Prosperity WOC had 33 members consisting of Circles I and II. Mrs. Gene Templeton served as President and Miss Pauline Burton was still the Treasurer.

Four Life Memberships were given this year.

In 1979 the Prosperity WOC had 34 members and was under the leadership of Miss Eunice Byers, President. Mrs. Beth Jennings was elected Treasurer and has served as such ever since.

1979 was a year for injuries; in fact, there were so many broken hips we were known as the “hippy church.” Mrs. Lidie Forbes, Mrs. Pearl Gracy, Mrs. Helen McFerrin, Mrs. Sallie Bell Jones all fell and broke or fractured their hip or hips. Mrs. Frances Burton fell and broke an ankle.

The 80’s began with 35 members composed of two circles.

In 1982 WOC member, Mrs. Sallie Bell Jones was commemorated for her part in the music ministry in our church. Also, Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Linda Jennings were honored in the Bicentennial music presented at Synod.

In 1986 Circle I and Circle II were combined into one meeting each month until further notice. This was due to the decrease in number of active members. In 1988 the two Circles officially became one. This decade ended with 23 active members.

During the 80’s the Prosperity WOC gave to the Bonclarken Gift Shop, Love Gifts, Memorials, Life Memberships, White Cross, Jubilee Birthday, and many other causes.

The following ladies served as President in the 80’s: Miss Eunice Byers – 1980, 1985 and 1986; Mrs. Joyce Edgar – 1981 and 1982; Miss Pauline Burton – 1983 and 1984; Mrs. Elizabeth Boaz – 1987 and 1988; Mrs. Kay Derksen – 1989.

Each year in the 90’s began by observing the WEEK OF PRAYER. Bible Study and the Devotional were done at each meeting.

Jubilee Birthday suppers or luncheons were held to raise funds for the Missionary Jubilee Birthday Ladies. Money and gifts were sent to Bethany Christian Services. Gifts were made and sent to the Gift Shop at Bonclarken. A White Cross offering, which is used for medical supplies on the missionary fields, was taken every year. Love Gifts, Memorials, Life Memberships were given.

Bridal showers and baby showers were given until 1993 when the WOC voted to discontinue bridal showers per se. Box showers were given instead.

A joint Leadership Training Workshop was held each year with the Fayetteville WOC. The WOC’s alternated hosting the Workshop.

Some years the ladies had Secret Pals and cards were sent throughout the year. The Secret Pal was revealed at the annual Christmas Luncheon and small gifts were exchanged.

The Prosperity WOC was represented every year at the Synodical and Presbyterial meetings.

The WOC gave $50 a month for a few years to an elderly man in the community that lived alone with very little income. A WOC member took the money, bought groceries and delivered them to the gentleman. This continued until his death.

The 90’s began with 23 members and ended with 18 members.

The following ladies served as President during the ‘90’s: Mrs. Kay Derksen – 1990, 1995, 1996, 1999; Mrs. Joyce Edgar – 1991, 1992, 1997, 1998; Mrs. Lynn Towry – 1993 and 1994.

Mrs. Beth Jennings continues to serve as Treasurer.

The year 2000 was when the WOC Synodical Union changed their fiscal year from January 1 through December 31 to September 1 through August 31. The WOC’s had to change their year to coincide. In order to get on track the year 2000 was a short one, running from January 1 through August 31. We are all still confused.

All of the same programs from the 90’s are being continued. All financial obligations to Synodical are being met plus the White Cross offering plus miscellaneous others.

Snacks were sent to College Students just before Christmas. Christmas cards were delivered to the Nursing Homes. All of the WOC ladies signed Christmas Cards in 2001 and the Witness and Outreach Chairman, Mrs. Frances Renegar, took the cards to the Sheriff to be delivered to the inmates of the Lincoln County Jail.

In September 2002, a Circle II was organized again with four charter members. They were Brenda Coble, Kelly Crowell, Margie Ligon and Jeanne Pitts. These are young ladies that have babies or work during the day. This Circle will meet at night once a month.

At the WSU Synodical Meeting on July 22, 2002, the Tennessee-Alabama Presbyterial was awarded a plaque for the most increase, percentage wise, of giving over the past year. Mrs. Joyce Edgar, President and Mrs. Kay Derksen, Treasurer of the Presbyterial (both members of the Prosperity WOC) accepted the plaque for the Presbyterial.

President in 2000 was Mrs. Kay Derksen. President in 2001 and 2002 was Mrs. Joyce Edgar. Mrs. Beth Jennings is still the Treasurer.

The year 2000 began with 18 members and August 31, 2002 ended with 18

members.

August 2002 - August 2003

The Women of the Church have been busy with many activities again this year. We hosted the Tennessee District workshop last October 2002. We presented a skit on the right way and the wrong way to carry on our WOC Program. We look forward to meeting with Fayetteville this October.

The biggest event for our church this year was the Celebration of our 175^th Anniversary. This was a huge success and everyone worked hard to make it so. A display of Erskine material was displayed. A quilt that was made in 1922 with over six hundred names embroidered on it was hung on the wall. A display of pictures of the men from Prosperity that had served in the Military was set up. Pictures of all but one of our former Pastors and our current Pastors were collected, framed and mounted on the wall.

In December 2002 we had an enjoyable meeting with a covered dish luncheon. Our December meeting is now a Quarterly meeting. We each brought a small gift and played a game called “The Right Tale” and the gift you wound up with was the one you got to keep. This was lots of fun.

Our Spiritual Life Chairman was in charge of the “Prayer Emphasis” program in January 2003. She has also given the Bible Study, on the Book of I Peter, at each meeting this year.

She received baby bottles from the Choose Life Office and gave them out to members. This was to collect money for mothers who had made the decision to keep their babies instead of an abortion.

The other Chairmen have been very active, also. Each department overlaps so much that I am not going to list them separately. Before Christmas we sent about 20 shoeboxes to Samaritan’s Purse for distribution to underprivileged children all over the world.

They hosted a Valentine Party, Easter Egg Hunt, and the children were told about Palm Sunday and Christ dying on the cross and rising from the dead. In July 2003 Vacation Bible School was held with the theme being about the “Fruits of the Spirit”, and they learned “raps” to help remember them and the Books of the Bible. One Wednesday night two young ladies did a short program about “the church” with pictures, posters and scripture.

Saturday, August 9, 2003, the church hosted a “Hobo Dinner.” Many children and adults from the church and around the community came out for the dinner. After the wonderful meal, there was a hayride that the children of all ages really enjoyed.

We have given a Partner in Ministry Pin to Bernice Good, four Life Memberships to Jean Pitts, Brenda Coble, Kelly Crowell & Margie Ligon. We have given two Memorials; Margaret Edgar and Wayne Towry. A donation was also sent to the Child Advocacy Center in Fayetteville and a donation to Bonclarken for the “Mule.”

We continue to visit the sick and shut-in, take people to the Doctor, take food to homes where sickness or tragedy are present, deliver meals on wheels, support Erskine College and Seminary. Goody boxes were filled and sent to the two college students we have in college at Austin Peay State University. During the Revival Services, the WOC ladies prepared the evening meals for the preachers. We have Family Night Covered Dish Suppers regularly.

The Today Magazine (Daily Devotional Guides) along with folders containing information about our church have been distributed locally. We pray for God to send his Holy Spirit down on all the people that live in the community surrounding our church.

Our Current News and History Chairman continues to keep a good record of the happenings of the WOC and the Church.

Year ended August 31, 2003 with 18 members.

September 2003 - August 2004

LOCAL OFFICERS

President………………………………………………Kay Derksen

Vice-President…………………………………………Joyce Edgar

Secretary………………………………………………Martha Lee Coble

Treasurer/Statistician…………………………………Beth Jennings

Circle I Leader……………………………………….Frances Renegar

Circle II Co-Leaders………………………………….Brenda Coble/Margie Ligon

DEPARTMENT CHAIRMEN

Christian Higher Education……………………………Elizabeth Boaz

News & History………………………..………………Lynn Towry

Family Living…………………………………………Carol Walker

Leadership Training………….……………………….Frances Renegar

Spiritual Life…………………………………….……Joyce Edgar

Witness & Outreach………………………….…….…Jewel Early

World Missions………………………….……………Blanche Jones

Youth………………………………………………….Margie Ligon

THEME FOR THE 2000’s:

“New Life in the New Millennium”

THEME VERSE: ESTHER 4:14

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

BIBLE STUDY: Esther – Becoming a Woman of Beauty and Strength by Elizabeth George

FAMILY LIVING: Taking Flight from the Empty Nest by Mary Jenson

The WOC remains very active in the life of the church. We look forward to serving our Lord in this New Year.

At the quarterly meeting in September, World Missions Chairman, Blanche Jones, moved that we send $50 a month to Nancy Cox, a Missionary in Belize. This we did.

The Annual WOC Workshop with the Fayetteville ARP Church was hosted by the Prosperity WOC on October 6, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. There were eight women who attended from Prosperity.

The WOC prepared and sent 23 shoeboxes to Samaritan’s Purse for their “Operation Christmas Child.”

On December 6, 2003, the WOC held their annual Christmas luncheon and Quarterly meeting. A dollar gift was exchanged by the women. It was a good meeting and a delicious meal was served.

Family Living Chairman reported she had placed the Today Devotional Magazine in mailboxes in the community.

Youth Chairman was planning the Christmas program for December 14, 2003.A box of non-perishable items were collected at the Christmas Luncheon for The Good Samaritan.

December 15, 2003 In the early morning Miss Eunice Byers passed away.

MISS EUNICE BYERS

Eunice Byers was born near Fayetteville in Lincoln County Tennessee, February 21, 1908, to Albert Byers and Essie McCulla Byers. The couple dedicated Eunice to God’s service after the loss of their first born. In her young life, Eunice prayed for two things: to be a missionary and a mother. She always prayed that God’s will be done.

When Eunice was near her fifth birthday, she slipped on a piece of ice on the kitchen floor. It was not known until many years later that this fall had dislocated her hip. This caused her pain and discomfort most of her life, of which she never complained.

She attended schools in Lincoln County and upon finishing Byrson College, she went on to Erskine.

Miss Eunice, as she was affectionately known, was sent to Virginia and Arkansas as a missionary to a home mission school. Miss Eunice went to Arkansas to Caddo Valley Academy, which was owned and operated by the Arkansas Presbyterian Synod. She went there in 1931 to teach Bible. She also was matron for the younger girls. Miss Eunice stayed at CVA until it closed in 1962. The library at CVA has been named the Eunice Byers Memorial Library in her honor.

After returning to Fayetteville, Miss Eunice attended her home church at Prosperity. She became very active in the life of the church. She taught the Junior Sabbath School class for many years, sang in the choir and played the piano many years for the worship services. She was a very important member of the WOC. In the WOC, she held many offices including President, World Missions, Spiritual Life, Leadership Training and others. She was always there to help in any way that she could.

Among missionaries, Miss Eunice’s name is very familiar to children and adults alike. For many years, each missionary child, wherever they were in the world, received a birthday card that contained a one dollar bill. The children always looked forward to receiving the cards. She also sent letters of encouragement to the missionaries. It was her caring, her compassion and communication leading to regular, deep intercessor prayers that touched their harts the most. Miss Eunice was a Prayer Warrior and daily interceded for missionaries.

Miss Eunice also was a faithful steward of her meager funds, first meeting her obligations to her church and sharing sacrificially beyond what she was able to afford.

Miss Eunice went to her heavenly home December 15, 2003, at the age of 95. She accomplished many tings to further our Lord’s work. She was humble, devoted servant who had shown Christian love for all to see. What an example she set and legacy left for all of us.

The WOC met on January 15, 2004, at the manse for our program. Each woman was assigned five specific things to be in prayer for concerning Prayer Emphasis Week. Rev. Edgar also gave some thoughts on Prayer Emphasis during one of his January sermons.

The Youth Chairman, Margie Ligon, was in charge of the Valentines Party given on February 7, 2004, at the Church from 2-4 p.m. for the young children.

Mrs. Frances Renegar’s sister passed away and the Women of the Church took food to Frances’ home.

There were five memorials given. They were Geraldine Jennings, Miss Eunice Byers, Wade Coble, C. H. Yates and Donnie Rowell,

A Life Membership was given to Omaree Grigsby on March 21, 2004.

The WOC women served coffee and doughnuts after the sixteenth annual Sunrise Service on April 11, 2004.

Mrs. Joyce Edgar was presented her Partner in Ministry Pin on May 12, 2004, at the regular WOC meeting. We all appreciate all the hard work she has done over the years.

June 13, 2004, the WOC gave a love gift of $200 to the Lynn Gibbs family following her death.

On June 22, 2004, the WOC met at the Prosperity Church with the Fayetteville APR Church WOC. We discussed the upcoming changes in the Synodical Level of the women’s work.

Those attending Synodical from Prosperity, Tennessee were Joyce Edgar, Margie Ligon and Kay Derksen on July 26 at Bonclarken. They also attended the Family Bible Conference July 26-29, 2004.

The WOC met again on July 6, 2004, with the Fayetteville Church Women at Fayetteville. We heard Jana Evans from the Task Force Committee tell what they are trying to change about the WOC.

Presbyterial met at Muscle Shoals on August 21, 2004. Those in attendance from Prosperity, Tennessee were Bernice Good, Elizabeth Boaz, Joyce Edgar and Margie Ligon.

Our year began with 19 members in the WOC and ended with 19 members. One member was lost due to death and we gained one new member.

HISTORY OF THE

WOMEN OF THE CHURCH

2005 – 2006

LOCAL OFFICERS

PRESIDENT……………………………………………Joyce Edgar

VICE-PRESIDENT………………………………….…OmareeGrigsby, .Martha Lee Coble

TREASURER/STATISTICIAN……………………….Beth Jennings

CIRCLE LEADER #1…………………….…………....Frances Renegar

CIRCLE LEADER # 2………………………………...Brenda Coble, Margie Ligon

.

DEPARTMENT CHAIRMEN

CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION………………….Vida Yates

CURRENT NEWS & HISTORY……………………….Debbie Motlow

FAMILY LIVING……………………………………….Omaree Grigsby

LEADERSHIP TRAINING………………………….….Kay Derksen

SPIRITUAL LIFE……………………………………….Lynn Towry

WITNESS & OUTREACH………………………….….Frances Renegar

WORLD MISSIONS……………………………………Margie Ligon

YOUTH………………………………………………….Kelly Crowell

THEME FOR THE 2000’S:

“New Life in the New Millennium”

THEME VERSE: JEREMIAH 29: II

“For I know plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Bible Study: Be Decisive. By Warren W. Wiersbe

WITNESS AND OUTREACH: The Savage My Kinsman by Elisabeth Elliott

PROSPERITY, TENNESSEE CURRENT NEWS & HISTORY

2005/2006

October 3, 2005 -The Women of the Church of Fayetteville ARP hosted the Tennessee District Workshop in Fayetteville. Denise Kidd opened with prayer and we enjoyed a delicious meal. Our meeting was held by Cathy Pitts showing a video on the changes that are taking place in our Women’s ministry. Lisa Todd closed with a prayer.

October 12, 2005 – Rev.Edgar was presented with a cake for Pastor Appreciation.

October 19, 2005 – Rev. Crowell also received a beautiful cake. We appreciate both our Pastors and the wonderful job they do in bringing God’s word to us every week. We are truly a blessed congregation.

November 4, 2005 - Our 3^rd Annual Chili Cook Off and Pie Baking Contest were held and was again a huge success. We have so many good cooks at Prosperity. The winners this year were:

Best All Round Chili 1^st Matt Ligon

2^nd Jamie Slayton

3^rd Kay Derksen

Best All Round Pie 1^st Carol Walker

2^nd Frances Renegar

3^rd Joyce Edgar

November 13, 2005 – We had a dinner after worship. That afternoon after a wonderful meal some of the congregation prepared shoe boxes for Samaritans Purse Projects. Others went around the community handing out turkey coupons for Thanksgiving. This was a very special day for everyone involved. We all received a blessing from this project.

November 2005 – Michael Neal came home from Iraq. We are so thankful to have him back with us.

November 24, 2005 – We had a wonderful Thanksgiving breakfast and good fellowship. We are all so thankful for all of God’s blessings.

November 28, 2005 – Ed Feaster had surgery. He had a brain tumor. Our prayers were with Ed and Kathy at this difficult time.

November 28, 2005 – Lawson Good had surgery. Our prayers were with Lawson and Bernice as Lawson is having some health problems with his kidneys and bladder.

November 29, 2005 - Doug Coble had knee surgery and is in our prayers for a full recovery.

December 3, 2005 - Our W.O.C. met at the church for a covered dish luncheon and quarterly meeting. We exchanged gifts and had our Bible Study for both Circle I and Circle II. We took up a love offering for Don and Mary Lou Flynt. Kay Derksen gave our devotion. Cathy Coble had our Bible Study and we closed with The Lord’s Prayer.

December 4, 2005 – Our congregation gave Michael and Angie Neal a love offering for their new home. We are so proud of all our young people.

December 11, 2005 – Rev. Edgar had the honor of performing the Baptism of Pavel Dergey Rebriy (Paul), a resident of Moscow Russia. Paul is the husband of Olya, a friend of Prosperity.

December 19, 2005 - We had our annual Christmas party. Our young people of the Church put on a play about Jesus’ birth. It was a great play. Santa came and passed out gifts and we had refreshments.

December 25, 2005 – We had service with singing of Christmas Carols and had a reading of the Birth of Jesus Christ from second chapter of Luke.

2006

January 1, 2006 – A new year for God’s work in the Church.

January 4, 2006 – Frances Renegar had major surgery on her neck and we are all in prayer for her. She had a cancer removed from behind her tongue. Her spirits are so good and we know God is taking care of her. Ladies from the Church took turns taking meals to her and Eugene.

February 8, 2006 – Our Family night was so much fun. Our young people prepared Valentines for the elderly members of our Church. Everyone was asked to write a short story about how they met their spouses and we guessed who the story was about.

February 2005 - Hearts were saddened to hear abut the attack on the Churches with the fires in Alabama. We took a special offering to send to help rebuild those Churches. We continue to keep them in our prayers.

March 12, 2006 - We had our joint WOC meeting. We were so glad to have Frances Renegar with us. We presented Life Membership pins to Cathy Coble and Nancy Erstad and Partner in Ministry pin to Lynn Towry. Everyone answered role call with a Bible verse. Carol Walker had our devotional from Col 3:15-17. Martha Lee Coble had our minutes and Kay Derksen had our treasurer’s report as Beth Jennings was absent. Margie Ligon asked for prayer for Jeff and Suzanne Allers, who are missionaries in Germany. We discussed the Presbyterial to be held at Prosperity in August. Kay Derksen had our Bible study and we closed with a prayer.

March 2006 - Mr. Lawson Good started his cancer treatments this month. Our Prayers are with him.

March 17 and 18, 2006 – The Presbytery met at Prosperity, TN. The ladies of the Church took care of the meals. The ladies met with Ann Aheron on Saturday morning.

April 16, 2006 – Easter Sunrise Service was held at Prosperity ARP Church. A very good crowd attended. It was a beautiful morning. Rev. Dana Crowell and Dr. Todd shared in the services. Several choir members from Fayetteville ARP Church served as our choir for the services. The Service started in the Church and ended in the Cemetery. Zhanna Feuchtinger sang a special that was beautiful. We closed with coffee and doughnuts and lots of good fellowship.

April 19, 2006 – A Jubilee Birthday supper was held at the Church. We took up an offering for the support of two missionaries – Judy Hodges and Pam Bronson. These ladies salaries are completely funded by the ARP Women’s Ministries.

April 23, 2005 – This was a very special day for Lawson and Bernice Good. They celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary. Their daughter Kay and Joe Williams and their children, Hannah and Rebekah entertained in the fellowship hall at Prosperity. Mr. Lawson and Mrs. Bernice looked so nice and had such a great day. Kay was so sweet to do this for her Mom and Dad.

May 2006 – This was a good month for Rex and Carol Walker as both of their daughters graduated. Melissa graduated from Austin Peay College and Laura from Lincoln County High School.

May 31, 2006 – We had a spaghetti dinner. The Ladies of the Church brought desserts and drinks to make a wonderful meal. Vida Yates prepared the spaghetti for this meal.

June 2006 – Rev. Charles Edgar was elected as Moderator-Elect of the General Synod. We are very proud of him.

June 11, 2006 – Our WOC met at the Church for the joint Quarterly meeting.

July 8, 2006 – Julie Anna Motlow and Mitch Porter were married on the beach in Florida. Julie is the daughter of Debbie Motlow.

July 9 – 16, 2006 – Our Annual Summer Meetings were held this week. Rev. Dean Olive, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Madison Alabama was the featured speaker. He spoke to us from the book of Romans.

July 16 - 19, 2006 – Bible School was great this year. Rev. Dana Crowell and his daughter, Megan, wrote the curriculum. They studied the life of Christ and each child that attended received a Bible of their very own. They memorized John 3:16 and had a program on the last night.

August 30, 2006 – As Summer was winding down and school was getting ready to start we had a special Wednesday night service. It was our annual watermelon cutting. Mr. Lilburn furnished the watermelons. We all look forward to this.

August 2006 – We are happy for Frances and Eugene Renegar. They have two new great grandchildren, Emma Gene and Halley Elizabeth.

August 2006 – Joel and Zhanna Feuchtinger and boys, Alex and Ian, left Prosperity to move to Wisconsin. We had a dinner and took up a love offering to help with their moving expenses. We will miss them so much.

August 2006 – Mrs. Margie Stevenson gave the Church a beautiful organ in memory of her husband, John William Stevenson. We have a wonderful organist and feel so blessed to have Carol Walker to play for us.

September 2006 – Joyce Edgar asked for anyone that wanted to; to bring small gifts for her to take to the Children’s Gift Shop in Pakistan. Several brought gifts and Joyce will take them with her when she goes over there later this year.

September 2006 – September was a really hard month for our Church. We lost two of our Elders within one week, Mr. Lawson Good on September 2, and Mr. Eskin Jennings on September 6. They were both at Lincoln Skill Care so both families were there for each other. We know they are with our Heavenly Father now.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU

Debbie Motlow

Current News and History

Prosperity, Tennessee

2006/2007

The Women of the Church of Prosperity ARP Church hosted the Tennessee District Workshop on October 02, 2006, at Prosperity Church. The ladies from Fayetteville ARP Church attended. Gene Templeton gave a report on the 96^th Session of the Presbyterial.

We had supper and some wonderful fellowship.

Our prayers went out to the entire town of Lancaster, PA during this tragedy that has come their way. We took up a love offering to help with medical bills and to help rebuild the school. We continue to be in prayer for the families who lost their children.

Our 4^th Annual Chili Cook Off and Pie Baking Contest were held November 03, 2006 and was again a huge success. We have so many good cooks at Prosperity. The winners were:

Best All Round Chili: 1^st Carol Walker

2^nd Cathy Coble

3^rd Kay Derksen

Best All Round Pie: 1^st Randy O’Riley

2^nd Megan Crowell

3^rd Bernice Good

With Thanksgiving just around the corner we have again thought of our neighbors. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch after worship service and went into the neighborhood giving out turkey coupons. Some of our members stayed at the church and prepared shoe boxes for Samaritans Purse Project. We all receive a blessing from this project. We fixed and sent 31 boxes this year.

On December 02, 2006 our ladies enjoyed a festive Christmas luncheon. Everyone brought a covered dish. We exchanged gifts and had our Bible study on Luke with Cathy Coble. Joyce Edgar had our prayer and Omaree Grigsby, our president conducted our meeting.

We voted to send $500.00 from our WOC to Pkistan for the boy’s hostel.

December 3^rd, 2006, Mr. Eugene Renegar held our congregational meeting after worship service on Sunday morning. Nominations were made for Fred Grigsby to be Deacon and Matt Slayton to be an Elder. Minutes were read by Steve Weber. Kay Derksen gave our financial report. Voting was held and Fred Grigsby is a Deacon and Matt Slayton is an Elder. Mat Ligon closed with prayer.

I was brought before the congregation that a family in our area was in need of help with Christmas for their children. With the help of Prosperity Church and the community, the family had a wonderful Christmas.

Our annual Christmas Program was held on December 20^th. All of our children were Angels, Shepherds, or Wise men. It was a true blessing to see all of our children gathered around the stable and manger. Tim Jennings made our stable and manger for us. We had fellowship, good food and a lot of gifts under the tree. We truly experienced the meaning of Christmas.

It was made known to the Church that when Mr. and Mrs. Edgar went to Pakistan that the boy’s hostel was in need of repair. Our Church was able to raise the money. We send $5,700.00 to World Witness for the building.

On January 07, 2007 we honored to have our morning Worship service to include the Ordination and Installation of Church Officers. Fred Grigsby, as Deacon and Matt Slayton, as Elder. This was followed by The Lord’s Supper.

Vida Yates has surgery on her shoulder. Our prayers are with her. She is doing well and the ladies are helping her by taking food to her.

Blanche Jones has had eye problems and our prayers are with here.

Jewel Good Early has had back pain and she is also in our prayers.

Our Church has been blessed to have more than enough pianos and organs. We voted to give our Hammond Organ to Kirkland Baptist Church. It is such a blessing to be able to share our prosperity with others.

On Wednesday night, February 14^th, we had a Valentine supper and played games. It was a great night full of fun and fellowship.

April 7^th, we had our Easter egg hunt. Several children attended. Thank You Kay Derksen for helping make this a fun event.

8 April, 2007

Our 19^th Annual Easter Sunrise Service was held. The cold temperature did not keep us from our Worship Service on that early morning. We met in the church at 6:00 a.m. The choir from Fayetteville ARP Church led us in our singing. We were so proud to have Zhanna and Joel with us. Zhanna sang a special song for us. We left the church and walked in silence to the cemetery for the remainder of the service. We returned to the dining room for coffee and doughnuts.

Our prayers are with the families and students at Virginia Tech for the trading that happened on there campus Monday, April 16^th, 2007.

We are also in prayer for the families of the one killed at NASA in Texas.

On April 29^th, the ladies gave Melissa Walker a shower to celebrate her upcoming wedding.

Mrs. Frances Renegar lost her brother and our harts are with her and her family.

Lilburn Jennings had some problems with his hart. Hope everything is going to be okay.

Steve Weber had shoulder surgery. We hope it is going well for him.

Kelly Crowell has not felt the best this year, but hopefully she is on the road to feeling better real soon.

May 2^nd was our Wednesday night supper. Once again all our good cooks really help to fill our table. We are so grateful all who helped with the event.

Elizabeth Boaz has been sick and spent some time in the hospital. We hope she is better soon. Our prayers are with her.

Our quarterly meeting was held in June. Omaree Grigsby held the meeting. Minutes were read and financial report was given. Bible study was given by Lynn Towry.

In June we had a covered dish lunch after worship to welcome the new family that has moved into our manse. We also brought items to fil the pantry. Shane and Sanel Goodwin and their daughters Emily and Maggie are the missionaries.

July 8^th – 12^th, our summer meeting was held with Pastor Calvin Todd, Pastor of the Fayetteville ARP Church as our speaker. His messages were a series on Esther. His messages were wonderful and we really enjoyed having him and Lisa with us. Each night the ladies prepared a meal and on Thursday night we had our annual fish fry. It was a great week of God’s work and good fellowship.

The 93^rd Annual meeting of the ARP Women’s Ministry was held on July 23, 2007 at Bonclarken.

We received a nice note from the missionaries that were here from Turkey. We took up a love offering for them. They were Joshua Thomas and family and Sister Patti Benicourt and family.

Our quarterly meeting was held in September. Omaree Grigsby held the meeting. Minutes were read and financial report was given. Kay Derksen had Bible study for the September WOC.

September, Brother Dana will be having a special class on Sunday mornings to discuss the ARP beliefs and Presbyterianism.

Our Wednesday night prayer meeting will be keeping us up with covering the Bible in a year. We were given the daily Bible to read a portion each day.

Lilburn Jennings spent several days in the hospital in Huntsville. He has a hard time. We are keeping him in our thoughts and prayers.

Our young people have really come a long way on catechism and the Ten Commandments. We are so proud of their hard work.

Sunday, September 23^rd, we installed WOC officers for the coming year. Thanks for all you do for Christ.

2007/2008

LOCAL OFFICERS

PRESIDENT…………………………………………………..Omaree Grigsby

VICE-PRESIDENT……………………………………………Cathy Coble

SECRETARY………………………………………………….Martha Lee Coble

TREASURER………………………………………………….Beth Jennings

CIRCLE LEADER #1………………………………………….Frances Renegar

CIRCLE