On
2nd January 1983, Grace Church held its last Sunday Service in the
building
at the corner of Tech Drive and Highway 80. During the next week,
the congregation moved the last of the church furniture and fixtures to
the new building on US 167 North. The following Sunday, after the
opening hymn, "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord," Vernon Lay brought the Christ
Candle down the aisle of what is now our fellowship hall to the Altar
Table.
From that one light, the Candles of the Past, Present, and Future were
lit. The floral arrangements that day were placed in honour and
memory
of former pastors. A service of Consecration was held on 21st
January
1983. Bishop Ken Shamblin, District Superintendent Bob Peyton,
and
Pastor Jim Humphreys led the service.
On 13th February 1983, the
first covered dish
supper was held in the new church. The Covenant Players provided
a dramatic presentation. On 20th February, the morning service
was
led by the deputation team from Wesley Foundation. Members of
that
team included Lucius McGehee, Jr. and Donna Shankles. Later that
evening, members of the Honduras work team showed slides and shared
their
experience with the congregation.
Among the children serving in
the acolyte ministry
were Susan and Ann Pierce, Abby and Joe McFadden, and Michelle and Kira
Lowe. In March 1983, the Chancel Choir presented the Easter
Cantata,
"Hallelujah, What a Saviour." The program at the family night
supper
in April was a church talent show. Among the new members joining
in 1983 were Evelyn Ferrand, Joe and Nancy Lynch, and Clyde and Ed
Orr.
On 15th May 1983, with a cast of thous-ants, the children's choir under
the direction of Barbara Keller presented the musical
"Ants'hillvania."
Ask Don Shankles to sing you a few bars of the music. Graduates
recognized
in 1983 included Jennifer McKinney. Grace members getting married
in 1983 included Linda Barker and Marty Courtney, Sheila Davis and Sam
Pierce, Ann Dorn and Craig Snyder, and Bridgette Crotwell and Robert
Pullis.
New babies in the nursery included Wesley Lynch.
In December 1983, a work team
headed to Bri
Bri, Costa Rica. The team included Bob Jones, Don Shankles, Jim
Pierce,
and Wes Lynch. The church family responded with $8800 support for
the project. The program at the Christmas family night supper was
the musical drama "Super Gift from Heaven" presented by the Children's
Choir.
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