History ARP

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.

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.

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………………….……………………………….Omaree Grigsby

SECRETARY…………….………………………………….……….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.

September 2007 – September 2008

LOCAL OFFICERS

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

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

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

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

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

CIRCLE LEADER #2………………………………………...Brenda Coble

Margie Ligon

DEPARTMENT CHAIRMEN

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

SPIRITUAL LIFE TEAM………………………………………Lynn Towry

Kay Derksen

Cathy Coble

OUTREACH & MISSIONS TEAM…………………………….Margie Ligon

Blanche Jones

Beth Jennings

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

Carol Walker

THEME FOR THE 2000’s:

“New Life in the New Millennium”

THEME VERSE FOR 2007-2008: Genesis 48:4b

“I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.”

BIBLE STUDY: View from the Top, Studies in the life of Joseph by Wallace Tinsley, Jr.

SPIRITUAL LIFE: By Design by Susan Hunt

Pastor Dana Crowell challenged every member of the Church to read through the Bible in one year beginning September 1, 2007. He will then discuss on Wednesday nights what we have read that week. The Church bought special Bibles for this.

The annual Tennessee WOC Workshop was held at the Fayetteville ARP Church on October 1, 2007. We brought home a verse notebook for special Bible verses or special memories. Patty Patrick was in charge of crafts.

October 3 our Wednesday night prayer and Bible study began with a covered dish supper. William McKinney was home from Afghanistan and gave a talk and slide presentation. We were so glad to see him.

Sunday, October 7 we welcomed Paula Coble, Buddy and Cynthia Snell, Ann and Stanley Keith, Shane and Shanel Goodwin and their children, Emily and Maggie into our church. Pastor Dana Crowell conducted the ceremony to receive them into the church. Elder Steve Weber closed with prayer.

Our young people of the church had a wonderful fall outing at Lyon’s Pumpkin Patch. They had fun doing activities and got to pick their own pumpkin.

On October 13 we were saddened to lose another member and elder of Prosperity. Lilburn Jennings died at Huntsville Hospital after several weeks of illness. Our prayers are with Beth and her family during this time.

Our 5^th Annual Chili Cook Off and Pie Baking Contest, held October 24, was again a huge success. We have so many good cooks at Prosperity. The winners this year were:

Best All Round Chili 1^st Nancy Erstad

2^nd Frances Renegar

3^rd Becky Williams

Best All Round Pie 1^st Ann Keith

2^nd Bernice Good

3^rd Kristy Himes

Circle II met at the church for our monthly meeting in October. We have a good group and it is growing.

October 21 Judy Buis came and gave a talk on going to Scotland to do mission work for children. She is an Associate with CEF, Child Evangelism Fellowship. Judy is one of our Jubilee Birthday recipients.

Deborah Hunter, daughter of Blanche Jones, died in October. She had been sick for about three years with cancer. Our prayers are with Blanche and her family.

The 100^th year celebration for Fayetteville ARP Church was November 4, 2007. Several of our members attended Saturday night to hear Erskine College Choraleers and Chamber Singers directed by Dr. Shannon Jeffreys. It was a wonderful performance.

Thanksgiving morning breakfast was cooked and served to a good crowd. We are always thankful for our friends and family this time of the year and always.

Once again we handed out turkey coupons to our friends and neighbors. We also prepared shoe boxes for Samaritan’s Purse for their “Operation Christmas Child.” We sent 29 boxes this year.

December 1, 2007, our WOC met at the church for our Christmas luncheon. Cathy Coble had our devotion. Each person brought a gift for our Lincoln County soldiers for Christmas. We sent 7 boxes to Iraq. The department chairmen gave reports.

We had a wonderful Christmas Program in December with all the children participating. Sharon Williams sang “Mary, Did You Know.” Gifts were exchanged and finger food was served.

We are so proud of our new hymnals that were purchased this year. Everyone got to take one of the older hymnals home with him or her.

A Valentine covered dish supper was held on February 13, 2008. The Newlywed game was played and small gifts were awarded to the winners.

February 17 was our congregational meeting. We opened with prayer by Deacon Ronald Derksen. Remarks were given by Elder Eugene Renegar, including the organization of our church. Elder Steve Weber read the minutes from last year’s meeting and Kay Derksen gave the financial report. Pastor Dana Crowell gave his vision for our church and that was to spread the news of Jesus Christ to our community and beyond. Pastor Dana was asked to stay another year and he accepted. Circle I and Circle II gave reports on our members. Circle II has grown greatly in the last year.

Sunday, March 9, 2008, Circle I and Circle II met at the church. Frances Renegar opened with prayer. Debbie Motlow had the devotional. Martha Lee Coble read the minutes from the December meeting. Beth Jennings read the treasurer’s report. Reports were given by the department chairmen. We voted to give a Partnership in Ministry Pin to Pastor Emeritus Charles Edgar for being Moderator of Synod. Memorials were given for Lilburn Jennings and Deborah Hunter. We repeated The Lord’s Prayer and sang “Bless be the Tie.”

On 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.

Deacon Ronald Derksen had surgery on April 15, and we are so glad he is feeling better.

Several of our members are having conditions that cause them pain and we continue to pray for them that they will feel better soon.

May 11, 2008, we welcomed new members to our congregation: Carol Moorefield, Ed, Becky and Isaiah Williams. Elder Eugene Renegar prayed for our new members after Pastor Dana Crowell had asked questions to them before the congregation. We are truly blessed by God to grow in faith and love at Prosperity.

Our Vacation Bible School (VBS) this year was held June 2 –7, 2008, and was a great success. Jonah and the Big Fish was the theme. The ladies of our church and from Fayetteville ARP Church put a lot of work into our VBS. On Wednesday night the children had the program and we had a covered dish supper afterwards.

June 8, 2008, we had our joint WOC meeting. Frances Renegar opened with prayer. Becky Williams had the devotion. Martha Lee Coble read the minutes and Beth Jennings gave a financial report. Reports were given. We voted to give Frances Renegar a Partner in Ministry Pin. Bible Study was led by Lynn Towry. We closed in prayer.

Charlie Wingard was the speaker for our summer meetings June 15 – 19, 2008. He talked on Missions. We had a fish fry and good fellowship on Thursday night to close our Summer Meetings.

The Edgar Family presented the Church with beautiful silver offering plates during our summer meetings to honor Pastor Emeritus Charles Edgar. Pastor Edgar had been Moderator of Synod the past year.

During July, Pastor Dana, Kelly and Meagan were on vacation and we had David Hammond at our worship service one Sunday morning. David is like family at Prosperity. Wes James also spoke to us one Sunday morning and we enjoyed him very much.

Joyce Edgar had knee surgery and is doing well. We are so glad.

Vida Yates had hip surgery in August and spent a few weeks recovering in Huntsville.

Kay Derksen suggested that our congregation buy school supplies for the Bain children that we also help at Christmas. Several members took part in purchasing the items. This is a way of showing our love for our neighbors.

We have covered the Old Testament in a year during our Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible Study Meetings. Several members have read the Bible through. To celebrate this we had an ice cream supper and fellowship on August 27, 2008. The year has gone so fast. We will read the Bible through again this coming year and cover the New Testament on Wednesday nights.

The Lord has truly blessed Prosperity because our worship service has had a good crowd lately.

We are having Mission Meetings to discuss what we can do to better serve the Lord with our services in our community and beyond.

In August 2008, Omaree Grigsby, Kay Derksen, Cathy Coble, Joyce Edgar and Beth Jennings attended Presbyterial in Camden, Alabama. Fred Grigsby and Ronald Derksen were the drivers for these ladies. They represented Prosperity and we were glad they had a good and safe trip.

Shanel Goodwin organized a Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS) program this year. They meet at the church the last Monday of each month. They take the summer off and start back in September. Shanel is also the coordinator.

The WOC met jointly on September 14,2008, to start their new year. Frances Renegar opened with prayer. Debbie Motlow had the devotion. Martha Lee Coble read the minutes from June and Beth Jennings gave a treasurers report. Reports were given by department chairman. We voted to draw names for Secret Pals and send a card for special occasions throughout the year. Joyce Edgar led our Bible study and closed the meeting with prayer.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU!

________________________________

Debbie Motlow

Current News and History

Prosperity, Tennessee

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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 Mrs. William Bolton, Mrs. Charles Edgar, Mrs. Wayne Towry, Mrs. Debbie Motlow and Mrs. Ronald Derksen for compiling the information and all others who had any part in the writing of this history.