A History of

Edgewood Presbyterian Church

Columbus, Georgia
Published in the Year of our Lord 2002

1950 – 1951 Prelude to Charter

The World Around Us

The Cold War Era kept many Americans on edge. War began between North and South
Korea, and U.S. ground forces were sent to Korea. Ho Chi Minh began his offensive against
French troops in Indo-China. President Harry Truman ordered the Atomic Energy
Commission to develop the world’s first hydrogen bomb, and he fired General of the Army
Douglas McArthur for challenging the policies of his civilian superiors. The keel was laid
for the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus. Muscogee County and
Columbus public schools were consolidated. In March of 1950, a new hospital, St. Francis,
opened in Columbus, with Governor Herman Talmadge a featured speaker at the dedication.
Plans were made for a new housing project in Columbus to replace slum dwellings. A
walkout by trainmen in 1951 left Columbus with only three freight trains to deliver coal and
petroleum gas locally. Columbus’ first Symphony Orchestra was founded. Golden Park, a
new baseball stadium, was dedicated.

First Presbyterian’s Dream

Edgewood Presbyterian Church is the result of a vision of First Presbyterian Church of
Columbus, Georgia. The moving spirit in the project to establish a mission church was the
Reverend John F. Richards, D.D., pastor of First Presbyterian Church from 1946 to 1952.
He saw the need for a Presbyterian church in the rapidly growing Edgewood suburb in east
Columbus. The Session of First Presbyterian Church approved the movement and appointed
an Extension Committee, with C. Walter Mullin as Chairman. The success of the movement
was due to the energy and sanctified common sense of the Chairman of the Committee more
than any other individual. Every move that the Committee made was carefully thought out.
An attractive site of 5.4 acres, located at the intersection of Macon and Cody Roads (now
known as University Avenue), was purchased from the Scottish Rite Masons of Columbus for
the sum of $10,000. Reverend W. B. Clemmons, of Virginia, was offered the position of
Associate Pastor for Edgewood.

In the summer of 1950, Edward Ernest Gilmore, a member of First Presbyterian Church
and a candidate for the gospel ministry, made a survey of the Edgewood community. This
survey showed nearly 1000 homes, most of them of recent construction, within a mile and
one-half of the proposed church. There were very few Presbyterians listed in the survey, but a
large number of people with no local church affiliation were listed.

Reverend Clemmons Begins Ministry

In October 1950, the Reverend William Bourne Clemmons [see Pastor Profiles] of
Fairfield, Virginia, began the work of organizing Edgewood Presbyterian Church, assuming
pastoral duties at Edgewood on November 1, 1950.

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For the first several months, visiting prospective members was the top priority. The only
instruction that the minister received, after he had been shown the territory and given the
written survey, was “You know your business; go out and do what is necessary.” There was
the fullest cooperation between the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, the Extension
Committee, and Rev. Clemmons.

At the Christmas season 1950, Rev. Clemmons distributed a printed Christmas greeting to the
Edgewood community, calling attention to the proposed church and enclosing a copy of The
Sermon on the Mount.

First Building Planned

A Boy Scout hut had been placed on the property in July, but at the direction of the Extension
Committee, J.J.W. Biggers and Associates, Architects drew plans for the first church
building: the Education Building. Ruling Elder Donald F. Orr, Clerk of Session, First
Presbyterian Church, a member of the firm of architects and also a member of the Extension
Committee, gave his personal attention to the details of the building before and after its
erection.

Construction of Building Begins

A builder was secured, and the work of erection of the Education Building began in January
1951. A number of subcontracts were let, but the building was done under the supervision of
a general contractor. The Chairman of the Extension Committee, C. Walter Mullin, gave
untiringly of his time and interest at this stage of the work. Approximately $45,000 was spent
on the lot and the building, about 40% of that amount having been received in grants from
denominational funds to the First Presbyterian Church of Columbus for the Edgewood
Project. The Home Mission Committee of the Presbytery of Macon, Georgia and the Board of
Church Extension shared in those grants.

Visitation by the minister continued during this period.

First Worship Service

May 27, 1951, was the date of the first services held at Edgewood. There were 56 people
present. The minister used as his theme the answer to the first question of the Shorter
Catechism: Man’s Chief End is to Glorify God and Enjoy Him Forever. Regular services
were Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. and worship services at 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. each
Sunday.

Three officers of the First Presbyterian Church were active in the work at this stage: Ruling
Elders C. Walter Mullin and Donald F. Orr, and Deacon Frank A. Philips, Jr. The Session
of First Presbyterian gave Rev. Clemmons and two Ruling Elders authority to act for the
church and perform all necessary functions.

Sunday School Organized

Also on May 27, 1951, a Sunday School was organized with Elder Mullin as Superintendent.
He was assisted by Mrs. Tom Hyneman, Secretary, and Mrs. Cary W. Barnes, Pianist.
Classes were held for adults, junior boys, junior girls, primary, kindergarten, and nursery
children.

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 Music Program Organized
Mrs. Donald F. Orr, formerly of the music faculty of Agnes Scott College, was the first
music director of the church and organized senior and junior choirs.

Women of the Church Organized

The women were soon organized as a group and held their first Women of the Church
business meeting on June 18, 1951, at 3:30 p.m. Eight ladies were present and temporary
officers were elected. Mrs. C. Walter Mullin was elected WOC President. Mrs. W.D.
Freeman was elected Secretary/Treasurer, and Mrs. W.B. Clemmons, wife of the pastor,
was chosen Study Course Teacher and Devotionalist. It was decided that there would be two
meetings each month, on the first and third Monday, the first such monthly meeting to be
held at 3:30 p.m. as a business meeting, and the second monthly meeting to be held at 7:30
p.m. as a study course and social hour meeting. The WOC members selected as their first
project the equipping of the church kitchen.

First Youth Group Organized

The young people of the church were organized into a group composed of juniors and
intermediates under the direction of Frank A. Philips, Jr., soon after the church began to
hold services. They met at 6:30 p.m. each Sunday and grew steadily in number and interest.
Mr. Philips was assisted by William Sherrod and Mr. Hallman, with Carolyn Stratford
serving as President of the group.

First Vacation Bible School

Special days were observed according to the programs and calendar of the Presbyterian
Church, U.S. Vacation Bible School was held June 9 – 13, 1951, at the church.

First Members Received

Members were added from time to time as services continued and the attendance grew. All
members were received into the membership of the First Presbyterian Church. At a called
meeting of the Session following the Sunday morning worship service on July 8, 1951, the
following persons were received into the membership of Edgewood Presbyterian Chapel:
Major Albert W. Alexander, by Restatement of Faith
Mrs. Albert W. Alexander, by Restatement of Faith
Shelton B. Brantley, Transfer from St. Mark Methodist Church, Columbus
Mrs. Shelton B. Brantley, Transfer from St. Mark Methodist Church, Columbus
Nancy Brantley, age nine, Baptized Child
Mary Brantley, age five, Baptized Child
After the evening service on that date, Mr. and Mrs. William D. Freeman were received by
Transfer of Letter from Sherwood Presbyterian Church, Columbus, along with their baptized
children Robert Douglas Freeman, age six, and William Donald Freeman, age two.

First Family Night Supper

On August 6, 1951, the first Family Night Supper was held at 6:30 p.m. Gifts for the church
kitchen and pantry gifts for the family of Rev. Clemmons were brought by the 75 people
attending this event sponsored by the Women of the Church.

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 First Person Received on Profession of Faith
Mr. Thomas C. Hyneman, Jr. was the first person received into the membership on
profession of faith. The Session approved and received the Hyneman family at a Called
Meeting during the Sunday morning worship service on August 26, 1951. Mrs. Martile
Carter Hyneman was received by Transfer of Letter from the Chipley (Florida) Methodist
Church. Their son, Thomas C. Hyneman, III, was baptized at the same service, the first
infant baptism at Edgewood Presbyterian Chapel.

First Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was first celebrated at Edgewood Presbyterian Chapel
on October 7, 1951, with 47 communicants.

Men’s Club Organized

The men were organized in October 1951 with William H. Sherrod as the first president.
Subsequently, the Men’s Club continued with a supper meeting each month. The men worked
on the grounds and a fine spirit of friendly fellowship was developed. Special projects were
sponsored by the Men’s Club, including furnishing the kitchen, furnishing the Pastor’s study,
and tiling the auditorium. These projects were financed by a special fund raised by the Men’s
Club. The hallway and Sunday School classroom walls were then plastered.

The Women of the Church had a part in furnishing the kitchen, made covers for the chairs in
the auditorium, made robes for the choir, and began to keep the nursery, serve suppers, and
furnish flowers for the worship services.

The Women of the Church and the Men’s Club began to make visits and invite people to
participate in the services and activities of the church.

Charter Members Bill and Evelyn Sherrod shared their memories of the beginning of
Edgewood in the following interview:

Evelyn: “Bill and I were there the first Sunday Edgewood Presbyterian Church opened. We
had 52 people there. I had gone to church since I was a little girl, but EPC was the first
church I joined. When we moved out to the Edgewood area, they were building EPC. I told
Bill, who was a Baptist, that if he didn’t want to go to the Presbyterian Church we would go
to a Baptist Church, because I wanted our children brought up in church. Bill said we would
give the new Edgewood Presbyterian Church a try, and we have been here ever since.
“Billie was two. Kay was seven and she just couldn’t stand it because she thought
she was getting left out when Billie was getting baptized, so Rev. Clemmons baptized her,
too. I had never been baptized either, so I was baptized at the same time as my two
daughters.”
Bill: “Edgewood Presbyterian Church was a great church from the very beginning. When it
started, the congregation was a small, congenial group, and everyone knew one another.
Everyone was real close, just like real folks. That has changed a little over the years as we
have grown bigger.
“When we moved into our first building – the fellowship hall – it was just plain
concrete walls with no tiles on the floor. Our first project was a barbecue to raise money to
help pay for improvements. I sliced a little barbecue, but that was back when I was young and
handsome. After that particular project, it was decided that that wasn’t the thing to do. It was

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decided that if money were needed, it would come through contributions from the members. If
we didn’t have enough, we wouldn’t spend it. So, we had no more moneymaking projects
after that. I do think there was a yard sale held once to raise money for battered women, but
all of the money raised went directly to the battered women’s organization.
“I was the first president of the church men’s organization. P.D. Breckinridge was
the secretary and treasurer. P.D. later died in an automobile accident.
“Over time the church has changed. It has gotten bigger and because of its size it
does not seem quite as friendly as it was when we were much smaller. It is not just the
church. You can see the same thing happen within our community.”
Evelyn: “We have been involved in just about everything in the church in one way or the
other.”
Bill: “Yes, I was an elder. When we first started, we had 12 elders and 12 deacons. The
duties were eventually combined and then we just had elders. It is still that way to this day.”
Evelyn: “I was active in Women of the Church. I was their first historian. We only had 12
women at the time and we all had to take a job. Mrs. Marian Clemmons, the minister’s wife,
worked just as hard as her husband did, and she organized us. She told us that we were going
to be a friendly church and not the ‘frozen chosen’ kind. Everybody had to call everybody
else by their first name and you spoke every time you greeted anybody. She was wonderful.”
Bill: “I was the treasurer when we added the kitchen wing onto the fellowship hall.”
Evelyn: “I was kitchen chairman. I loved working in the kitchen, so that was one of the jobs I
kept up with for a long time. After Bill got the hardware store, we worked from 7:00 in the
morning until 8:00 at night, so we got behind with doing things at the church.”
Bill: “Our men’s group used to do a lot of visitation to bring new members into the
church.”
Evelyn: “Yes, one time Bill and Wayne Comer went visiting. They had an address, but they
went to the wrong house. They actually went to the house next door, but the people invited
them in. They had the nicest visit, and the next Sunday the couple that they had visited by
mistake came to church. When I saw the couple sitting across the church, I realized that I had
gone to high school with her. I hadn’t seen her in about 13 years. When the service was over
she came over. We embraced and talked for a few minutes. She said to me, ‘Evelyn, you know
the other night there was a Bill Sherrod and a Wayne Comer that came to visit us when they
got the wrong house. We liked them so much. I have looked this church over and not a
woman in here looks like she would fit Bill Sherrod.’ I looked at her and said, ‘Inez, do you
know what my married name is?’ She said, no, and I told her it was Sherrod. They joined the
church.”
Bill: “They later moved out of town. A.Y. Henry is dead now, but they were both active in
the church while they were here. In fact, A. Y. served as an elder.”
Evelyn: “There was one Sunday when our preacher kept preaching and preaching. Twelve
o’clock came and he kept right on with his sermon. Finally, Walter Mullins, one of the
elders, stood up in the back row and pointed at his watch. The preacher stopped right in the
middle of his sermon and said, “Walter, I know what time it is,” and went on with his sermon
and it was almost 12:30 when he finished!”
Bill: “The trouble was, he had been looking at a clock on the back wall of the church and
the thing had stopped.”
Bill and Evelyn: “EPC has been a good place to worship. We have had our ups and downs,
but all in all it has been a good church home for us.”

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The Christmas season of 1951 was observed and literature and the Gospel of Matthew was
distributed throughout the community.

Stratton Peacock shared with us her relationship with Edgewood over the years, and her
recollections are placed throughout this history.

“My first visit to Edgewood took place on the day of its official organization meeting by a
commission of Southwest Georgia Presbytery in March, 1952. At the time I was serving as
Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church and just wanted to give my
support to the new church in town!

“Then in the summer of 1954, while Bob was in basic training at Fort Benning, we attended
Edgewood, preferring a small church to the big downtown one. After nearly two years in El
Paso, Texas, we returned to Columbus in 1956 and shortly thereafter became members of
Edgewood, along with our two boys, Rob and Lee. Clay Doyle was the pastor.

“Having made the decision not to work outside the home while my children were little, I was
glad to volunteer as a Sunday School teacher and serve on various church committees. It
was stimulating to teach or lead different age groups in a growing church. At the time of the
Vietnam War, I was teaching the young adults. Edgewood had a ministry to a number of
families from Fort Benning, including wives and children left behind while the Second
Division fought overseas. That was when the Kinards, Farmers, Lancasters, and Athas
became the core group of young adults, along with many others from all over the country
who found themselves in Columbus at that time. I remember John Atha faithfully coming to
sing in the choir, but sometimes falling asleep after being on duty all night in his residency at
the Medical Center. The children of these young adults filled our Sunday School rooms, and
we missed all these folks as they scattered back to home communities.”

The Dash in Our Lives

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of his friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone,
From the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the year of her birth
And spoke of the second with tears.
But he said that what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all of the time
That she spent alive on earth,
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash.
What matters is how we live and love,
And how we spend our dash.

Author Unknown

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 1952 – Year of Charter

The World Around Us

Dwight Eisenhower was nominated as the Republican Party’s presidential candidate and
later elected the 34th President of the United States, defeating Democrat Adlai Stevenson.
King George VI of England and Joseph Stalin of the U.S.S.R. died. Atomic fusion occurred
for the first time on Earth as the first hydrogen device was exploded at Eniwetok Atoll in the
Pacific Ocean. Charlie Chaplin, actor, referring to attacks by Senator Joseph McCarthy on
alleged Communists in the United States, wrote, “America is so terribly grim in spite of that
material prosperity…compassion and the old neighborliness have gone, people stand by and
do nothing when friends are attacked, libeled and ruined. . .” The Sunshine Biscuit Company
plant opened on Victory Drive in Columbus. Callaway Gardens, a resort area, opened near
Columbus.

Presbytery Petition for Organization Presented

At the Winter meeting of the Southwest Georgia Presbytery in 1951, a petition was presented
asking for a Commission to organize Edgewood Presbyterian Church. The Commission was
appointed and consisted of the following ministers and elders of Columbus Presbyterian
churches: Dr. John F. Richards of First Presbyterian as Chairman; Rev. E. McKinley
Weaver, pastor of Sherwood; Rev. David E. Boozer, pastor of Memorial; Rev. W. B.
Clemmons; Ruling Elders C. Walter Mullin and Donald F. Orr, of First; Ruling Elder
John M. Hammond of Memorial; and Ruling Elder W. P. Hindsman of Sherwood.

Women Elect Full Slate of Officers

At the February 4, 1952, meeting of the Women of the Church, officers were elected for one-
and two-year terms, and the 1952 budget was approved for $431.52 [see WOC appendix].

First Communicant’s Class

At a Called Meeting of the Session on Sunday, March 16, 1952, Edgewood’s first
Communicant’s Class was received into the membership during the morning worship service.
[see Confirmands appendix]

Organization Service
Edgewood Presbyterian Church was organized by a Commission of the Southwest Georgia
Presbytery at an Organization Service held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 30, 1952, with all
members of the Commission participating. The congregation called the Rev. William
Bourne Clemmons as its first pastor, and he was installed as part of the Organization
Service. C. Walter Mullin and Frank A. Philips, Jr. were elected as Ruling Elders and were
also installed at this service.

First Regular Meeting of Session

The first Regular Meeting of the Session of Edgewood Presbyterian Church was held on
April 2, 1952. Rev. Clemmons served as the Moderator and Ruling Elders Mullin and Philips
were in attendance.

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On April 20, 1952, the congregation elected Tom C. Hyneman, B.A. Lunsford, Richard
Peebles, and William H. Sherrod to serve as Ruling Elders. These four men undertook
Officer Training and were then installed. The now six Elders drew for terms of office and
served as follows:
C. Walter Mullin and Frank A. Philips, Jr. – term to end December 31, 1953
Tom C. Hyneman and William H. Sherrod – term to end December 31, 1954
Richard Peebles and B.A. Lunsford – term to end December 31, 1955

Music Director Passes Baton

In the fall of 1952, Mrs. Donald F. Orr gave up the direction of the music of the church.
Mrs. Richard Peebles faithfully played the piano for the Sunday morning services and
directed the choir until her resignation in 1953. She was assisted by Mrs. Clifford J.
Denney, who played the piano for the Sunday evening services.

The Junior Choir presented programs of music over radio station WRBL, once under the
leadership of Mrs. Orr and once under the direction of Mrs. Peebles.

Vacation Bible School

A Vacation Bible School was held June 9 – 14, 1952, under the direction of Mrs. T.S.
Green, WOC Chairman of Education. A story hour was held during the weekdays during
several of the summer months.

Fellowship Events
The Men’s Club organized a softball team in the summer of 1952 and had a lot of fun playing
with similar teams of businessmen. They did not have adequate experience to play in the
regular City Church Softball League.

A barbecue was held as a fundraising event for the church’s building projects and it proved
quite successful. A second barbecue was held as a fellowship event only and was enjoyed by
all.

Sessional Actions
Edgewood’s per capita share in 1952 to the Southwest Georgia Presbytery was $100. A
contribution of $15 was made to Thornwell Orphanage.

The Session authorized the purchase of 500 Gospels to be distributed, along with a Christmas
greeting, in the Edgewood community.

1953
The World Around Us
The structure of DNA was discovered. Dr. Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine was proved to be
effective in University of Pittsburgh tests. Julius and Ethel Rosenberg died in the electric
chair for conspiring to commit espionage for the Soviet Union. The first live coast-to-coast
television inaugural address was broadcast as the nation witnessed the Inauguration of
President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in televised ceremonies

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at Westminster Abbey in London. Earl Warren was sworn in as the 14th Chief Justice of the
United States. A new, modern library for Negro citizens was opened on lower Fifth Avenue
in Columbus. On April 19, a vicious tornado struck Columbus. Four persons were killed, 378
were injured, and 499 homes were destroyed, with hundreds of others damaged.

The Session
In 1953, the Session of Edgewood Presbyterian Church consisted of Rev. W.B. Clemmons,
Moderator, and Ruling Elders T.C. Hyneman, B.A. Lunsford, Richard Peebles, F.A.
Philips, Jr., and W.H. Sherrod. C. W. Mullin was Clerk of Session.

Elder Francis Brown recalls that Rev. Clemmons had a great sense of humor. While the
congregation worshipped in what in later years became the Fellowship Hall, there was a
large clock on the wall at the rear of the Sanctuary, clearly visible to Pastor Clemmons. The
pastor and the congregation depended upon that clock, but one Sunday morning the
electrical power went off for about thirty minutes. Rev. Clemmons began his sermon and
Francis relates “he preached – and he preached – and he kept on preaching!” He would look
at the clock, but the clock had ceased reporting the accurate time. Finally, Elder Walter
Mullin approached the pulpit and notified Pastor Clemmons that the clock was displaying
the wrong time. Myrtis Shavor remembers that Rev. Clemmons replied, “Walter, I do know
what time it is, and when I get finished, I’ll hush!” The extended sermon was completed to
Rev. Clemmons’ satisfaction and Sunday lunch was about thirty minutes late that day.

Presbytery Meets at Edgewood

The Southwest Georgia Presbytery held its Winter Meeting January 13, 1953, at Edgewood
Church and the congregation entertained the attendees with a barbecue dinner under the
direction of Ruling Elders Tom Hyneman and Frank Philips. Ruling Elder C. Walter
Mullin was placed in nomination for Moderator of the Southwest Georgia Presbytery for the
Spring 1953 Meeting. Ruling Elder Frank A. Philips, Jr. was elected as one of the
Commissioners to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.) for 1953.

Music Director Change Made Official

Mrs. Richard Peebles was approved by the Session to direct the Sunday music activities on
January 28, 1953. Mrs. Orr was commended for her assistance in starting Edgewood’s music
program. Mrs. Orr transferred her membership to First Presbyterian Church of Columbus.

Women of the Church Officers

Reverend Clemmons installed the Women of the Church (WOC) officers [see WOC
appendix] at an evening service held in the church on February 2, 1953. Each officer removed
a fetter from a chain draping a picture of Jesus Christ. While doing this, each lady gave the
reason she felt called to lighten the weight of the chain, including weaknesses and
suggestions for the coming year in their work. This was symbolic of the fetters of the Apostle
Paul. There were twenty-eight women present at this first business meeting of 1953.

Session Terms Extended and Number of Officers Increased

A Congregational Meeting was held February 15, 1953, at the close of the Morning Worship
Service for the purpose of extending the terms of office of the current Ruling Elders from
April of the class year to which they were elected to January 1st of the following year; and to
elect four additional Ruling Elders. The congregation approved the resolution changing the

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terms of office and elected William Douglas Freeman, C.O. Hoffmeyer, John B. Moon,
and Wayne V. Comer as Ruling Elders. Elder-Elect Moon had to resign his position in late
February, and the congregation subsequently elected Sergeant Charles B. Rawls to the
office of Ruling Elder. These four men were ordained during Sunday morning worship on
April 12, 1953.

In the Session’s Annual Statistical Report for the year ending March 31, 1953, Edgewood
reported that $9,164.68 was contributed by the congregation that had grown in strength from
64 to 114 communicants. Eleven losses from the membership roll were reported, with seven
of those losses being to the Inactive Roll and four dismissed to other churches. Pastor
Clemmons’ annual salary was recorded as $3,600, and the church property was valued at
$40,000.

The Storm of `53 and its Effect on Edgewood

A destructive tornado passed through the area on Saturday, April 19th. Clara and Francis
Brown, who had been members about three months at that time, recall that “As we came to
church that Sunday, it was amazing! The closer we got to the church the more destruction
was obvious. When we finally got there, we were able to get into the driveway, but many,
many trees were blown down on the property. Not a single one of them, though, hit the
church.” An offer of $15 per thousand feet for the timber from J.R. Hutchins Tree Company
was approved by the Session, and the cleanup was done. Damage sustained by nearby
Edgewood School in the tornado prompted the Session to approve the use of the church’s
Sunday School rooms for classrooms the remainder of the year. Boy Scout and Girl Scout
Troops also began meeting at the church during this time.

Property Title Passes Hands

On August 23, the Session at Edgewood approved the notification of the Session of First
Presbyterian that Edgewood accepted their proposition of passing the title of the Edgewood
property to Edgewood Presbyterian Church. Also accepted was the provision that a
Presbyterian Church be maintained on the property, and that failing to maintain a
Presbyterian Church on the property would cause the property to revert to the First
Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Georgia.

Building Fund Created

Edgewood was asked by Presbytery to support a benevolence of $460 for the year 1954. The
sale of an old gas tank on the church property for $150 became the initial deposit into a
“Building Fund” in late 1953.

Officers Elected for Class of 1956

Four men were elected at a December 6, 1953, meeting of the congregation. Ballots
containing the names of the men of the congregation who were eligible for election were
distributed, and Francis R. Brown, Robert G. Hartje, Donald G. Sabin, and William H.
Webb, Jr. were elected to the Class of 1956.

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 Edgewood is Incorporated
On December 13, 1953, Henry Benning Pease, representing the Session and Congregation
of the First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, presented a certified copy of the Act of
Incorporation of Edgewood Presbyterian Church, Incorporated. Mr. Pease further presented a
deed to the property upon which Edgewood Church was built. The congregation elected
Frank A. Philips as President, William H. Sherrod as Vice-President, C. Walter Mullin as
Secretary, and Wayne V. Comer as Treasurer of the Corporation.

Sessional Report
The Session’s Annual Statistical Report for the year ending December 31, 1953, reported 119
communicants on the rolls of the church during the year, an increase of 16 since last year’s
report. There were four members transferred to the Inactive Roll, resulting in a net increase of
12 communicants. Contributions amounted to $6,722 and the Building Fund had grown to
$1,295.

1954
The World Around Us
President Eisenhower announced the first hydrogen bomb explosion. The Supreme Court
ruled unanimously in Brown v. The Board of Education that segregated education was illegal.
Alabama Attorney General Albert L. Patterson was killed by an assassin’s bullet in Phenix
City. Columbus was named “The mother-in-law of the Army” because so many men were
marrying Columbus women. The city was regarded as one of the best hunting grounds for
girls seeking husbands, due to its proximity to Fort Benning! The Third Infantry Division
received a warm welcome on their return to Fort Benning from Korea.

Rev. Clemmons Nears Retirement

Rev. Clemmons reached his 70th birthday on March 3, 1954, and, according to the Book of
Church Order of the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS), his pastorate would
automatically end on September 1, 1954. The congregation unanimously agreed to petition
the Southwest Georgia Presbytery to extend the Call of Rev. Clemmons to September 1,
1955.

Rev. Clemmons’ health deteriorated, and John “Jib” Moon recalled that he was contacted
by an officer of the church to fulfill a special need of the pastor. Rev. Clemmons had been
told by his doctor to take a small drink of wine once a day, and Jib was asked to purchase a
bottle of wine and deliver it to the Manse. Another instruction was that Jib must deliver the
wine in a brown paper sack to the back door of the residence, knock on the door, and leave. It
was deemed inappropriate that Rev. or Mrs. Clemmons be seen taking spirits into the Manse.
Jib purchased the bottle, wrapped it in a plain brown paper bag, laid the package on the back
door stoop, knocked twice, and started toward the corner of the Manse as he headed to his
car. “I saw the back door crack open just wide enough for a woman’s hand to slip through,
and she quickly grabbed the paper bag and closed the door!” Jib recounted. His medical
mission of mercy had been completed and, by all accounts, Rev. Clemmons’ health improved
a bit.

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Francis Brown recalls that Rev. Clemmons joined him on a business visit to Doctor
Carswell, and Francis introduced Rev. Clemmons as his preacher. Francis said, “He’s had
some health problems recently, and I thought it would do him good to get out and come up
here with me.” Doctor Carswell said, “Well, that’s strange! You ought to come up here, and
we’ll treat you. We’ll drench you in corn liquor to start with.” Frances recalls that Rev.
Clemmons thought that comment was “really funny.”

A lady wished to join the church, but wanted to be baptized by immersion. Rev. Clemmons
visited Rev. Carl Peacock, pastor at the Edgewood Baptist Church, and told him what the
situation was. Rev. Peacock agreed that the baptism could be held in the Baptist Church. Rev.
Clemmons asked Rev. Peacock, “Do you want to do the baptism?” Rev. Peacock replied,
“Absolutely not! I’ll loan you my tub, but you have to do your own washing!”

To Build, or Not to Build

On October 24, 1954, the congregation met to discuss plans for future expansion of the
buildings. The Chairman of the Building Committee, Ruling Elder William H. Sherrod,
presented two plans designated as Plan Number One and Plan Number Two. Plan Number
One would place the main church building in front of the existing building and add wings to
the rear of the existing building. Plan Number Two would arrange the buildings in a semi-
circle following the contour of the lot elevation, with the main building facing toward Macon
Road. Another building would face toward Cody Road (now University Avenue). After
considerable general discussion, the motion of Mrs. C. Walter Mullin, seconded by Mrs.
R.M. Gruenwald, prevailed that no vote on the matter be taken at that time and that the
Session set a date for a vote on the matter after careful consideration be given by the
Congregation. The secret ballot taken at the December 5, 1954, Congregational Meeting
yielded 30 votes for Plan Number One and 26 votes for Plan Number Two.

Officers Elected for Class of 1957

The Congregation elected C. Walter Mullin, Arthur E. Hallman, Richard M. Gruenwald,
and Lee E. Berry as Ruling Elders, Class of 1957, at its annual meeting to elect officers on
November 21, 1954.

The Session’s Annual Statistical Report to the Southwest Georgia Presbytery listed 39 new
members and 19 losses during 1954. There were 135 communicants on the Edgewood roll as
1954 came to a close.

1955

The World Around Us

American aid to South Vietnam began. President Eisenhower suffered a heart attack while
on vacation is Denver, Colorado. Mrs. Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama,
for refusing to move to the rear of the bus, precipitating the historic bus boycott that forced
the desegregation of public transportation facilities. The Columbus Ledger newspaper was
awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for its coverage of the assassination in 1954 of
Albert L. Patterson. Annexation of urbanized areas of Muscogee County increased the size
of Columbus to 26 square miles. Columbus’ population increased from 95,000 to an

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estimated 135,000. The Traffic Circle Shopping Center opened off Victory Drive. One
hundred thirty-three new telephones were installed in Columbus and Phenix City. The
American Family Life Assurance Company was founded by brothers John, Paul, and Bill
Amos.

C. Walter Mullin Steps Down as Sunday School Superintendent

After serving as Edgewood’s Sunday School Superintendent since its formation in 1951,
C. Walter Mullin asked to be relieved of those duties on January 1, 1955. The Session
commended Mr. Mullin for his diligence and service to God’s people.

The 1955 Sunday School administration included the following:

Charles R. Rawls
William H. Sherrod
Francis R. Brown
Mrs. A. E. Hallman
Mrs. T. E. Stanton
Mrs. W. B. Clemmons
Mrs. C. Walter Mullin
Mrs. Francis R. Brown
Arthur E. Hallman
Robert G. Hartje
William H. Webb
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent
Treasurer and Secretary of Literature
Cradle Roll Superintendent
Kindergarten Superintendent
Primary Superintendent
Teacher of 2nd Primary Class
Junior Superintendent
Pioneer Superintendent
Senior Superintendent
Adult Superintendent

The budget for 1955 was established at $10,800, including $610 for benevolences, including
$510 to the Southwest Georgia Presbytery and $100 for Negro Work.

The Vote Against Union

At the January 25, 1955, meeting of the Southwest Georgia Presbytery, delegates voted
against union with the United Presbyterian Church of the United States of America
(UPCUSA). Edgewood’s delegate, Ruling Elder Arthur E. Hallman, voted in the
affirmative.

First Summer Supply Almost Called!

At the March 28, 1955, meeting of the Session, it was decided to hire a supply pastor for the
summer months on a full-time basis. A Pulpit Committee, composed of Ruling Elders Robert
G. Hartje, C. Walter Mullin, and Donald G. Sabin, who will serve as Chairman, was
appointed to work out the details. Elders Hartje and William H. Webb, Jr. were chosen to
inform Rev. Clemmons of this action.

The Pulpit Committee reported to the Session on April 7, 1955, that it had interviewed and
decided that Ed Browning, a Columbia Theological Seminary student, possessed the
necessary experience to fill the supply position. However, Rev. Clemmons stated that he
would be able to assume pulpit duties April 14 and consequently, the Session voted in an
unanimous vote to rescind its March 28 motion.

Mrs. Clemmons Goes to Work

Rev. Clemmons then offered two suggestions to the Session: that the Session hire Mrs.
Marian Clemmons to help in the field for three months as Director of Religious Education

29
and that she be paid enough to cover household expenses; and that the Session hire a
seminary student as supply pastor for the summer months and pay him $100 per month. The
Session approved the first suggestion and paid Mrs. Clemmons $25 per week for the three-
month period of service. In April, Rev. Clemmons asked that the Session appoint a committee
to oversee Mrs. Clemmons’ work during her three-month tenure, and he stated that she would
begin making 20 visits a week beginning May 1, 1955. Mrs. Clemmons asked that she not be
reimbursed for her work and requested that she be named Director of the 1955 Vacation Bible
School. The Session approved Mrs. Clemmons as Director of Vacation Bible School but took
no action on the other issues.

Robert G. Hartje resigned from the active Session due to relocation and the terms of his
office as President of an Augusta, Georgia, college.

Congregation Votes to Build

The Congregation was presented a ballot on April 17, 1955, that contained the following
questions:
1. Will you subscribe monies in addition to your regular offering to the building
fund beginning in May?
2. Will you endeavor to seek two families to become members of the Church within
one year?
3. Do you favor building a wing to the northwest of the Church with actual
construction to start within 90 days?
The congregation voted 42 for and three against the motion. Huel Crockett, Architect, drew
the preliminary construction plans.

EPC Finds Formula for Barbecue Fine Way

To Raise Building Funds
From 1955 Columbus Ledger by Dick Gruenwald

Once a year residents of the Macon and Cody Road areas must feel a slight kinship to the
children of the Pied Piper of Hamlin fame.
Instead of being “led” out of their homes by the strains of the piper’s strange music, however,
these modern folks are “led” by the tantalizing savory odors of barbecue coming from the Edgewood
Presbyterian Church at the Macon-Cody Road corner.
When the church Men’s Club decides to hold a public barbecue, they prepare it on the church
grounds on an oversize barbecue pit built to accommodate 250 pounds of meat at one time.
Edgewood’s men are now planning the use of funds from the most recent barbecue, held April
30. This cash-raising `cue was planned at the April 14 club meeting when President Harry Shavor
appointed John Moon project chairman. Proceeds of the feed were earmarked to the church’s building
fund.
A food committee of Bill Sherrod, George Stratford, and Moon paved the way to insure the
ingredients would come up to the high standards reached in previous barbecues. The committee
secured 250 pounds of boneless Boston Butts, cabbage for cole slaw, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, hot
sauce, and other essentials.
Wayne Comer led a team of ticket sellers. The neighborhood got its first whiff of barbecue
shortly after 4 p.m. Friday when the raw materials were unloaded at the church and dried hickory logs
fired up to provide red hot coals for cooking.
Then came the 20-hour watch of carefully turning and basting the meat every 20 minutes with
assorted sauces. The pit crew kept administering this solution until early in the morning when hot

30
sauce and pepper were added. By dusk a breeze had carried the nose-tingling aroma of hickory smoke,
barbecue, and drippings over the neighborhood.
Moon, Les Walden, Smith Green, and Charles Rawls stayed on the job until midnight
basting the meat with two different sauces. For the first six hours a sauce of vinegar and salt flavored
the meat. Then at 10:00 p.m., the mixture was changed to include barbecue sauce blended with
mustard, ketchup, vinegar, and salt.
A second crew of Don Sabin and Ed Stanton arrived on the scene and basted and turned the
meat until 4:00 a.m. when Bill Sherrod, Emory Wilson and R. C. Fouché tended the pre-dawn fire.
The home-stretch shift from 7:00 a.m. until noon was handled by Walter Mullin, Francis
Brown, Turner Moore, and Wayne Comer.
In the middle of the morning the serving committee of Bill Sherrod, Frank Chambers, Mrs.
Walter Mullin, B. F. Simmons, Mrs. John Moon, and Mrs. Les Walden prepared the other portions
of the menu in the church kitchen. In serving the barbecue they were joined by Mullin and Comer.
Shortly before noon the first hungry customers arrived and the sale was on. On a production
line assembly basis, the serving committee cut the meat on an electric slicer, weighed one-fourth of a
pound per platter, added Brunswick stew, slaw, potato chips, and bread. Barbecue “to go” was placed
in a cardboard box for easy handling.
Between noon and 7:00 p.m. a steady stream of customers drove to the church to pick up
plates, and by the end of the sale the 130-member church had served over 500 plates of barbecue.

Mrs. Gruenwald Leaves Pianist Duties

Mrs. R. M. Gruenwald resigned her position as pianist May 29, 1955, and was commended
by the Session for her faithful service in this position.

Edgewood Youth Have Busy Summer of ‘55

The Edgewood Youth attended Vacation Bible School the week of June 20. Young People
Camp began the week of June 20 and Pioneer Camp began June 23.

Reverend Clemmons Seeks Re-election

Rev Clemmons asked the Session for re-election as pastor after the approved September 1,
1955 retirement date but the Session, in a July 1 meeting, asked Rev. Clemmons to seek other
work in the service of the Lord. A petition was circulated and attracted 62 names, requesting
the Session to call a meeting of the Congregation. After considerable discussion, a
Congregational Meeting was called for July 31, 1955, for the purpose of voting on retaining
Rev. Clemmons as Pastor for approximately six months or until March 3, 1956. The Rev. L.
B. Colquitt, Jr., Executive Secretary of the Southwest Georgia Presbytery, served as
Moderator for the meeting of 77 members. The Moderator explained that he had attended a
meeting of the Edgewood Session on the previous Thursday evening and that each Ruling
elder had fully discussed what was on his heart and in his mind and that each man had
departed that meeting with the idea that the action taken at this Congregational Meeting
would be supported by every Session member, and there would be a spirit of unity among
them. He further stated that when a minister reaches his 70th birthday, the relationship
between the church and the minister is automatically dissolved. The congregation has the
right, if it so sees fit, to re-elect that minister for one additional year. By secret ballot, the
Congregation voted 50 yeas and 27 nays, and Rev. Clemmons was thus elected to serve his
position as minister until March 3, 1956, should he choose to do so.

Rev. Clemmons Ends Ministry

Reverend William Bourne Clemmons rejected the offer of the Congregation and concluded
his ministry at Edgewood Presbyterian Church August 31, 1955.

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A Pulpit Nominating Committee, consisting of Ruling Elders Robert G. Hartje, C. Walter
Mullin, Donald G. Sabin, and William H. Webb, Jr., and member James B. Abbott, with
Ruling Elder Francis R. Brown as Alternate, began the search for a new minister on
September 11, 1955. Mr. Abbott was elected Chairman of the Nominating Committee.

Statistical Report
Edgewood reported 28 gains and 17 losses of members during 1955 and began the new year
with 146 members on the rolls of the Church.

1956
The World Around Us
The Salk vaccine was made available on a mass basis. Congress passed the Interstate
Highway Bill. Singer Elvis Presley recorded his first hit, “Heartbreak Hotel.” The United
States Federal Court ruled segregation on Montgomery buses was unconstitutional.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower was re-elected, again defeating Adlai E. Stevenson. The
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was inaugurated. French President
Charles DeGaulle won a seven-year term as First President of the Fifth Republic of France.
In Georgia, the legislature approved the changing of the state flag, adding the emblem of the
Confederate battle flag. The Second Baptist Church of Columbus was destroyed by fire.
Columbus Consolidated Government denied the Klu Klux Klan use of a Columbus park for
camping. Columbus physician Dr. Thomas H. Brewer, Sr. was shot to death by Luico
Flowers in the F & B Department Store at 1029 First Avenue.

At Edgewood, 23 WOC members responded to roll call at the women’s first business meeting
in January. Mrs. Thomas B. Wright was the 1956 President. [see WOC appendix]

Edgewood’s first recorded death was that of Mrs. Eva Hall Barnes on January 11, 1956.
Mrs. Barnes was the beloved mother of Mrs. Tom Smith and was the first Historian of
Edgewood Presbyterian Church.

On October 21, the Congregation approved the recommendation of the Pulpit Nominating
Committee to call as Edgewood’s second pastor, the Rev. F. Clay Doyle of Kershaw, South
Carolina.

1957
The World Around Us
The Soviet Union launched the first man-made satellite, Sputnik I. Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. organized the Southern Leadership Conference. President Eisenhower ordered Federal
troops into Little Rock, Arkansas to enforce school integration. Senator John Kennedy was
awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his book Profiles in Courage. Leave it to Beaver debuted on
CBS-TV. England’s Queen Elizabeth and husband Prince Philip visited Williamsburg,

32
Virginia, and the White House. The new Columbus Municipal Auditorium was dedicated
September 6, 1957. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale addressed a group at the Bradley Center.
Plans were made to install air raid sirens in Columbus by the Civil Defense Executive
Director.

Reverend Clay Doyle Begins Ministry

Rev. Francis Clay Doyle [see Pastor Profiles] began his pastoral duties on January 13, 1957.
Rev. Doyle was called from the First Presbyterian Church, Kershaw, South Carolina.

The church purchased their first manse at 2697 Fernwood Drive.

Elder Francis Brown remembers Rev. Doyle as a “very interesting fellow!” He would
always start the Sunday evening service with, “It’s been a good day!” and the congregation
soon began chanting that phrase with their pastor.

Hazel Sparks recalls the early days of Rev. Doyle’s ministry: My first friend at Edgewood
was Margie Doyle, wife of the minister. We met at the Christian Fellowship Association
(CFA). After visiting the church, Buddy [husband E.G. Sparks] and I wanted to join but
Buddy wondered about the differences in his boyhood Methodist Church and the
Presbyterian Church. Clay Doyle came to our home and spent quality time explaining “what
it means to be a Presbyterian.” Two of the church elders visited us. We liked everything in
our new church. My favorite service was on Sunday night. I loved to hear Clay pray and read
scripture and other poetry. On Sunday afternoon the elders taught the Catechism to young
children.

Marjorie Doyle Harbstreet, Rev. Doyle’s widow, recalls the association of the Doyles with
Edgewood in this way.
“A few members of the church can remember that day, fifty years ago, when the
church was formally organized. Four years later my husband, the Rev. F. Clay Doyle, was
installed as the second minister of Edgewood Presbyterian Church. I have been asked to
share some of my memories of those early years. I am delighted to have the opportunity to let
the present congregation, and posterity as well, know how much this church meant to Clay
and me during the four and one-half years we were there.
“Clay and I were in our early thirties when we moved to Columbus. Our daughter,
Mary Beth, was in First Grade and our second daughter, Susan, was just six weeks old. We
moved in January 1957 into the church’s first manse on Fernwood Drive. To me the house
was like a new dollhouse, since the previous two manses we had lived in were vintage 1900
houses with large rooms and high ceilings. When I walked into the manse for the first time, I
found food in the refrigerator, boxes of linens unpacked, and the beds made! I hope that those
ladies knew at the time what a priceless gift of time and work this was for me. We felt very
much ‘at home.’
“Not long after our arrival, Clay announced that there would be a Session meeting
later that week. The day arrived and he left after dinner to go back to the church. Later that
night, when it was almost 11:00 p.m. and Clay was not yet home, I became a little concerned
and wondered if something had happened to him on the way home. When midnight came and
he was still not home, I was a bit frantic! I cannot now remember if I finally called the church
or if Clay arrived home before I made the call, but when he walked in the door he was all
smiles and told me that it had been a great meeting! It needs to be said at this point, that

33
never again would he have a more enthusiastic and dedicated group of elders than those he
met with that evening! He said the elders told him they usually had long Session meetings,
and I discovered that night they really did! Not all, but most of the Session at that time were
young men, about our age, and they had enormous enthusiasm and energy and a real
commitment to their calling as elders. This was an exciting experience for Clay.
“After we had been in Columbus a year or so, the Session determined that there was
a real need for additional space in the room used for worship and for more Sunday School
rooms. After many hours of deliberation, discussion and prayer, the Session decided to move
ahead with building plans. The Session also voted to have a financial campaign to undergird
the church’s commitment to this endeavor. The congregation was enthusiastic but there was
one older member of the Session who was very opposed to these plans. He sincerely felt that
the church should not begin a building program at that time. Since most of the Session were
young, along with Clay, they were undecided about how to handle this situation. It was then
that Mr. Ernest Gilmore, Sr., who was also an elder, returned from being out of town for
several weeks. After being informed of the problem, he very graciously, but decisively, led the
Session in determining they would continue to move ahead with the building program. The
church will forever be in debt to Mr. Gilmore for his outstanding leadership at this stage of
its growth.
“After the building was completed, a new heating system and thermostat were
installed. The old thermostat was in the hall just outside the entrance to the sanctuary. It had
become the habit of some members to check, and usually slightly alter, the thermostat before
entering. The deacons discretely decided to have the new thermostat placed elsewhere in the
building, leaving the old one in place so that people could continue to ‘adjust the
temperature’ to their liking!
“I have recollections of so many good times we enjoyed together as a church. There
were many children in the congregation then, so most of our fun times were family oriented.
A favorite spot for picnics was a place called Roentigen Den. Francis Brown knew the
doctor who owned this lovely place, and he trusted Francis to keep us all in line when we
used his vacation home for our church gatherings. I could not tell you now where it was
located or even how it looked; I just remember the unusual name and the happy times we had
there.
“I am continually reminded in many ways how our fast-paced life today has
impinged upon the church in contrast to the more relaxed lifestyle of a half century ago. One
of my memories from those years we were in Columbus is a perfect example. Jim Harper was
the Chairman of some group in the church, perhaps the Deacons or some committee, and he
was very anxious to have all members present for an important meeting. As he kept trying to
find a time when everyone could be present, he was given good reasons or excuses why some
could not come at the various times he suggested. Finally, he told Clay he was going to have
a breakfast meeting and that he would take care of all expenses. He said, ‘I just dare anyone
to tell me they have another engagement for that hour!’ I had never heard of a breakfast
prior to that one, but they are commonplace now. At that time it was unique and, as I recall,
Jim had a great turnout, and I am sure they all enjoyed being treated to a delicious breakfast!
“Another big change in the church that has occurred gradually over the years is the
inclusion of women as officers. Fifty years ago all of the elders and deacons were men, but
now women are elected just as frequently in most churches. This is also true in regard to
ministers. Today many women have felt the call to the ministry, including our daughter, Mary
Beth, who is the minister of the Maryland Presbyterian Church in Towson, Maryland. Our

34
daughter, Susan, also felt called to a church vocation and is the Director of Christian
Education at First Presbyterian Church in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
“I think I would be remiss if I failed to mention one incident that Clay loved to tell
and used as an illustration in sermons over the years. He said he was in his study at the
church one Saturday afternoon when someone knocked on his door. When he opened it, a
young man he did not know was standing there. He invited him to sit down in his study. The
man introduced himself as Dick Collins. He said that he and his wife Mary had five children
and that he and his family had just moved to Columbus that week. He further explained that
they were Presbyterians and that the Edgewood Presbyterian Church seemed to be the
closest to where they lived. He asked Clay to write for their church letters and then said,
‘We’ll see you in church in the morning!’ What a powerful testimony to the importance of the
church in his life! Clay said never again, in his entire ministry, did anyone ever ask to
become a member of his church before attending a service, hearing a sermon, receiving a
visit, or meeting other members of the congregation. For Dick Collins, finding a church home
in his new community was as compelling as finding a home for his family to live in! Dick and
Mary’s faith and commitment were indeed tremendous blessings for the Edgewood Church. I
have recently learned that four of their five children continue to be active in the life of the
Edgewood congregation.
“I wish Clay could have recorded his memoirs of this period in his life. I am sure he
would have been able to give far more details in the life of the church, the important issues
that confronted the church at that time, and the joys of being pastor of the growing
congregation that was Edgewood Presbyterian Church!
“May God continue to richly bless this great church at the beginning of a new
century and in all the years yet to come.”

Cecil Jordan was awarded a contract to enlarge the Sanctuary Building (present-day
Fellowship Hall) March 27, 1957, for the sum of $27,417.83. Architect Huel Crockett
prepared the construction plans. First Federal Savings and Loan Association issued a $26,000
loan, with monthly payments of $300 “for between nine and 10 years”. The Edgewood
property as recorded on that date read:

All that tract or parcel of land situated, lying and being in the State of Georgia, County of Muscogee,
and in Lot Numbered Thirty (30) of the Eighth Land District of said County, and being more particularly
described within the following metes and bounds, to wit:
Beginning at an iron stake located at the intersection of the southwestern right-of-way line of the Cody
Road with the northwestern right-of-way line of the Macon Road, and from said beginning point running south 41
degrees 33 minutes west, along the northwestern right-of-way line of said Macon Road, one hundred eighty-seven
and sixty-five one-hundredths (187.65) feet to another iron stake; thence running north 76 degrees two minutes
west three hundred seventy-nine and thirty-eight one-hundredths (379.38) feet to another iron stake; thence
running north 25 degrees 23 minutes west seventy-nine and six-tenths (79.6) feet to another iron stake; thence
running north 71 degrees 34 minutes west two hundred six and three-tenths (206.3) feet to another iron stake;
thence running north 57 degrees 50 minutes west ninety-four (94) feet to another iron stake; thence running north
38 degrees 53 minutes west one hundred forty (140) feet to another iron stake; thence running north 88 degrees 15
minutes east, along the southern line of Block Lettered “B” of Highland Park Annex Subdivision, eight hundred
twelve and sixty-one one-hundredths (812.61) feet to another iron stake located on the southwestern right-of-way
line of the Cody Road; and thence running south 16 degrees 02 minutes east, along the southwestern right-of-way
line of the Cody Road, two hundred eighty-two (282) feet to the beginning point. This is the same identical
property that First Presbyterian Church of the City of Columbus conveyed to Edgewood Presbyterian Church, Inc.,
by deed dated December 11, 1953, and recorded in Deed Book 461, Folio 6, in the office of the Clerk of the
Superior Court of Muscogee County, Georgia, and a plat of said Tract or parcel of land, dated April 14, 1950, and
made by L. R. Aldridge, C.E., is recorded in Plat Book Six (6), page 130, in the office of the aforementioned
Clerk. Located thereon are the Edgewood Presbyterian Church buildings.

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On June 9, Rev. Robert McNeill, pastor of First Presbyterian, Columbus, was the guest
preacher and baptized the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Doyle, Susan Rembert Doyle.

On June 16, 1957, the Session appointed Elders Francis Brown and Arthur Hallman and
member Sally Breckenridge to a committee of three empowered to make final decisions on
purchasing and furnishing the new sanctuary expansion. The piano that had served for
worship services was given to Carver Heights Presbyterian Church. The addition provided
new seating, a Communion table, background drapes, a Sunday School room and chairs, and
air conditioning. An organ and a mimeograph machine were purchased.

Mr. Pittman was approved as Pianist and Choir Director on August 26, 1957, and was
compensated at the rate of $10 each Sunday.

The newly renovated sanctuary was dedicated September 22, 1957, with an all-day dinner on
the grounds held after the morning worship service.

The following article appeared in the Columbus Enquirer, written by Church Editor Larry
Agee:
EDGEWOOD PRESBYTERIAN DEDICATES ANNEX
Justifiably happy in the present, with their backs to the past and facing the future, the pastor,
members and friends of Edgewood Presbyterian Church, Macon and Cody Roads, dedicated the
Sunday School annex and completely renovated sanctuary yesterday afternoon.
Plans for the new $30,000 building started three years ago under the direction of the former
pastor, the Rev. W.B. Clemmons. The present pastor is the Rev. F. Clay Doyle.
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on April 14 earlier this year. The new structure adjoins
the sanctuary and contains five Sunday School classrooms and a large room that can be divided into
three smaller rooms by folding doors.
The new Sunday School area has been doubled and almost doubles the sanctuary seating
capacity. It is air-conditioned throughout. Enlargement of the sanctuary included a chancel and a
redesigned rostrum. The choir was raised to first and second levels.
Members of the building executive committee are Richard M. Gruenwald, chairman; Mrs.
P.D. Breckinridge, Francis Brown, and Harry Shavor. “The committee thanks the congregation for
their help and especially to members of the various committees responsible for construction,”
Gruenwald said. “Also, Bill Sherrod, watchdog of the treasury, who advised us on the financial
matters. And there was one person without whom we couldn’t have built the church. Our minister
helped make the major and minor decisions which kept popping up all the time. So, to our pastor, Clay
Doyle, goes our heartfelt thanks.
“Now the completion of this building leaves us with a challenge. Let this addition be not the
end of our extension of the Lord’s work, but the beginning of wonderful things for Edgewood.”

Robert Fouché was appointed Clerk of Session on October 1, 1957, replacing Elder
Gruenwald. The Gruenwald family moving away from Columbus necessitated the
appointment.

Prayer Meeting services on Wednesday evenings began November 13, 1957.

36
Edgewood’s first bicameral Session was formed on November 17, 1957 with the election of
nine Deacons:
Class of 1958 Class of 1959 Class of 1960
Wayne V. Comer James L. Jones Guy M. Braswell
Otto Hoffmeyer W.T. Pridgeon Wayne Overly, Treasurer
Harry Shavor, Chairman W.L. Roberts Adam D. Webster

1958

The World Around Us

Alaska was admitted to the Union as the 49th state. China began its “Great Leap Forward”
modernization program under the leadership of Mao Tse Tung and an estimated 20 million
people died in the ensuing famine. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) was inaugurated, and the United States entered the space age with its first successful
launch of a satellite into orbit, Explorer I. John XXIII was elected Pope. Martin Army
Hospital was dedicated at Fort Benning July 1, 1958. Columbus was second in the state in
new home construction. The J.C. Penney Company initiated credit selling. Columbus’
Lummus Cotton Gin Co. led the world cotton industry in the production of ginning
machinery. Columbus College was established.

WOC Forms First Circles

The President of the WOC was Mrs. Thomas Wright. Three Circles were formed with Mrs.
Sally Breckenridge (Circle #1), Mrs. Clara Brown (Circle #2), and Mrs. Pauline Walker
(Circle #3) as Circle Leaders. [see WOC appendix]

Francis Braswell, who joined Edgewood in March of 1957, recalls “we were small at the
time and had close personal relationships with each other, holding covered-dish dinners in
one another’s homes. The church had many outings together, including going to the country
place on old Macon Road of a local doctor. This was arranged by Francis Brown. The WOC
organization was very active; even with a small membership we had four or five active circles
for Bible study and projects. One year we had a Christmas program called ‘Deck the Halls’ –
while the pianist played, we decorated the sanctuary (now Fellowship Hall). Everyone could
take part. Many more great things happened, and we grew in the love of Jesus Christ and of
each other!”

Sunday School Organization

The Sunday School Superintendent in 1958 was Tom Smith. Categories of classes were
Adult, Senior High, Junior High, Primary, Kindergarten, and Nursery. The Youth were under
the direction of Art Hallman, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Webb, and Harry Shavor. They were hosts
to young people of other Presbyterian Churches in December.

Statistical Report for year ending December 31, 1958: 183 on Roll. 44 gains; 13 losses. Mrs.
Gladys Berry entered the Church Triumphant this year.

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 1959
The World Around Us
Hawaii became the 50th State. The first seven astronauts were selected. American scientists
patented the computer chip. Fidel Castro led Cuban rebels to victory as Fulgencio Batista
fled Cuba to the Dominican Republic. Soviet Union Premier Nikita Khrushchev made an
official visit to the U.S. In Columbus, land was aquired for a bypass highway around the
downtown business area. Rev. Robert McNeill, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of
Columbus accepted a call to a Charleston, West Virginia, church after facing congregational
disapproval over his support of racial integration. Dr. Thomas Whitley was named president
of Columbus College.

Session Writes Letter to the Choir

To Members of the Choir, Edgewood Presbyterian Church:
A DIRECTIVE FROM THE SESSION
The Session has, over a period of time, taken note of the fact that the actions of some
members of the Choir are distracting to the Congregation rather than conducive to the proper
atmosphere for worship.
It has further noted that the situation has been deteriorating. Therefore, for the good
of the Church, and for the proper conduct of public worship, the Session directs the members
of the Choir to subscribe to the following regulations:

1. Members of the Choir will refrain from conversing with one another during the
Worship Service or in any other way attempting to communicate with one
another.
2. Members of the Choir are expected to refrain from communicating with persons
in the Congregation through exaggerated motions or facial expressions.
3. In view of the fact that the anterooms are now often being used to seat the
overflow of the Congregation and that all actions of the Choir are visible to the
people who sit in these rooms, good taste demands that members of the Choir
refrain from removing their shoes, the Organist being excepted.
4. The Session further directs that the maintenance of good discipline carry over
into Choir rehearsals and that members shall submit themselves to the reasonable
requests of the Choir Director, both musically and in terms of organization.
The Session hopes and believes that all of the members of the Choir will, with good
grace and good will, subscribe to these directives. It feels constrained to say, however, that
should the situation fail to show marked improvement, those who do not subscribe will be
asked to resign from the Choir.
Having said this in love, the Session wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the
members of the Choir for their services and would join them in the prayer that harmony and
effective leadership in public worship may be theirs in the future.
(This Directive was approved by the Session at a Called Meeting April 5, 1959, and delivered
at a meeting of the Choir on April 8, 1959.)

Director of Music and Organist

Miss Nancy Johnson was chosen as Director of Music and Miss Kathryn Hendry served as
Organist from June through August.

38
 The Sunday School
H.R.F. Collins was appointed Superintendent of all Sunday School classes. Working with
Mr. Collins were Mrs. Adam D. Webster, Secretary, and S.A. Hutchins, Jr.,Treasurer.

Meetings
 The Session met the first Thursday of each month at 8:30 p.m.
 The Board of Deacons met the first Thursday of each month at 7:15 p.m.
 The Men of the Church met the second Thursday of each month at 7:15 p.m. Glenn E.
Hendry, President; W.T. Pridgeon, Vice President; John K. Wyatt, Secretary-
Treasurer.
 The Women of the Church met on the Monday following the fourth Sunday of each
month at 8:00 p.m. [see WOC appendix]
 The Senior Choir met each Wednesday at 8:00 p.m.
 Sunday School met each Sunday at 9:45 a.m.
 Morning Worship was held each Sunday at 11:00 a.m.
 Senior Fellowship met each Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Kay Sherrod, President; Beth
Hutchins, Vice President; Judy Braswell, Secretary-Treasurer; Jannette Brannen,
Citizenship; Angela Moore, Outreach; Sherry Wyatt, Faith; Kathryn Hendry,
Witness; Beth Hutchins, Fellowship.
 Pioneer Fellowship met each Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
 Catechism Class was conducted each Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
 Evening Worship was held each Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

Tragedy Strikes Edgewood Family

Mrs. Louise Harper, wife of J. B. Harper, Jr., passed away on October 19, 1959, as the
result of severe burns she received during a fire at Harper’s Tire & Supply Company.
Ironically, the October 7 explosion and resultant blaze happened during Fire Prevention
Week and took the lives of five others besides Edgewood’s beloved Louise. It was about 3:00
p.m. when Ivan B. Garrett drove his fuel tanker into the yard of the Gulf Oil bulk depot on
Sixth Avenue. Gas leaking from the truck exploded and the fire quickly spread to the tire
store owned by Mr. & Mrs. Harper. The Gulf Oil fire was considered one of Columbus’ most
disastrous fires.

From 1959 Sunday bulletins:

January 11, 1959: Our Weekly Needs: $425 We Gave Last Sunday: $427
March 22, 1959: The following young people have memorized the Child’s Catechism
and were given Bibles at the Sunday Morning Worship Service: Guy Braswell, Jr.; Harry
Brown; Rosemary Hall; Beverly Hallman; Diedre Gilbert; Tommy Gilbert; and Billie
Sherrod.
August 23, 1959: Our Weekly Needs: $425 We Gave Last Sunday: $313

Daily Vacation Bible School was held June 8 –19 from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. for Kindergarten
through Junior classes. Mrs. F. Clay Doyle served as Director and 128 children were
enrolled with an average attendance of 98.

39
The Women of the Church and the Men of the Church sponsored a hot dog supper at the end
of July at the Yuchi Reservation in Alabama. Attendees enjoyed swimming, fishing, and a
grand time of fellowship.

The Christmas Pageant was titled “Let There Be Light” and the following were participants:
Choral Readers: Francis R. Brown, W. H. Webb Jr., Robert Wright; Readers: Bob
Grantham, Mrs. Harry Shavor; Prophets: Guy Braswell, Harry Brown, Tommy
Hyneman, Dean Merriam, and Danny Wyatt; Centurion: Robert Moore; Mary:
Mrs. B. W. Adams; Joseph: Mr. F. L. Willis; Angel: Mrs. Bill Webb; Shepherds: Skeeter
Adams, Brock Jones, Jerry Willis; Wise Men: John Carlisle, Harry Collins, Carl
Higgins; Children: Mrs. Ernest Higgins’ Kindergarten Sunday School Class.

O Lord, our Lord,

How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above all the heavens!
Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,

The moon and the stars, which You have ordained.
What is man that you are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And you have crowned him with glory and honor.

You have made him to have dominion over

The works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen – Even the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas,

O Lord, our Lord,

How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8

40
 1960
The World Around Us
Soviet missiles downed a U.S. spy plane, piloted by Francis Gary Powers, over Soviet
territory. Cuban dictator Fidel Castro confiscated $770 million of United States property in
Cuba. The USS Triton, under nuclear power, completed the first underwater
circumnavigation of the globe in 84 days. An oral contraceptive, known colloquially as “The
Pill,” was introduced to the American market. John F. Kennedy, who had spoken earlier in
the year at Warm Springs, was elected President, defeating Richard M. Nixon. Lunch
counter sit-ins throughout the South protested segregated restaurants. Columbus sought funds
for a third bridge over the Chattahoochee. The Georgia Ports Authority made plans to
develop a terminal facility in Columbus. Artur Rubenstein, famed pianist, gave a concert at
the Royal Theater (now Three Arts Theater).

Edgewood began the decade of the Sixties with F. Clay Doyle as pastor; Betty Forrester,
Church Secretary; Nancy Johnson, Director of Music; and Dennis Shelton, Sexton.

Stated Services and Meetings

Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday
Morning Worship 11:00 a.m. Sunday
Senior Fellowship 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Pioneer Fellowship 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Evening Worship 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Women of the Church 8:00 p.m. Monday after 4th Sunday
Senior Choir Rehearsal 8:00 p.m. Wednesday
Board of Deacons 7:15 p.m. First Thursday
Session 8:30 p.m. First Tuesday
Men of the Church 7:15 p.m. Second Thursday

Robert Hall, Jr. was commended by the Session on the occasion of his receiving the Boy
Scouts of America God and Country Award on March 13, 1960.

The architectural firm of Roddenberry and Talley was approved at the Session meeting on
May 22, 1960, to prepare the master plan for church property development.

Rev. Ernest Gilmore conducted revival services September 25 – 30, 1960.

1961
The World Around Us
Four thousand United States ground troops arrived in South Vietnam. Soviet cosmonaut Yuri
Gagarin became the first man in space, completing a single orbit. American astronaut Alan
Shepard became the first American in space, although his 15-minute flight was sub orbital.
The Communists built a wall to divide East and West Berlin, creating a monument to the
Cold War. Shortly after his inauguration, President Kennedy broke all remaining ties with
Castro’s Cuba. A few months later, Cuba was invaded at the Bay of Pigs by an estimated
1,200 anti-Castro Cuban exiles, but the invasion was crushed when promised U.S. support did

41
not evolve. President Kennedy created the Peace Corps, sending American volunteers to meet
“urgent needs for skilled manpower” in underdeveloped countries. Roger Maris of the New
York Yankees hit his 61st home run in the 162nd and last game of the season, breaking Babe
Ruth’s 154-game 1927 record. Columbus was declared a disaster area when heavy rains
caused the worst flooding in 32 years. The 140th Southern Baptist Convention met at the
Municipal Auditorium. The Columbus Stockade served 129,972 meals during the year.

At Edgewood, the Budget for 1961 reported total expenditures as $29,000. Utilities were
budgeted at $1,300 for the year ending December 31, 1961. Choir Director Nancy Johnson
was recognized February 21, 1961, for her talents and music education qualification. She was
given an increase in compensation from $10 per Sunday to $75 per month. Miss Johnson
vacated her position on May 31, 1961 due to her forthcoming marriage. Mrs. Winston Ennis
was contacted as replacement.

Session Minutes recorded on May 25, 1961, stated, “Elder William H. Sherrod, in a report
to Session, said that the spiritual life of our Church was at a peak, and the Session should
endeavor to maintain it.”

Jim Harper, who had joined Edgewood Presbyterian in 1959, reflects that the first real
involvement for him was “when Clay Doyle asked me to become the chairman of the group
studying ways to finance the new Education Building. When that committee finished its work
and we embarked on the actual fundraising, Rachel was put on the publicity committee for
the fundraising effort. That was in 1961.

“Rachel and I have many fond memories of Edgewood, but the best one is that we were
married in the church by Clay Doyle on April 15, 1961. I feel sure we are the oldest people
still around who were married at Edgewood!”

The following letter was published in a brochure distributed in the spring of 1961 titled,
“Edgewood Church Meets the Challenge . . . . . Together We Build!”

Dear Friends:

The Stewardship Building Fund Canvass, on which we have embarked, is a direct result of
the guidance of the Holy Spirit. His leadership has been evident in a long-standing
recognition of our acute need for expanded physical facilities to meet the requirements of a
growing Church Family. He has continued to lead as dedicated groups of your fellow
members have spent long hours over many months developing plans to guide us in our
present and future program, and in determining the best method for attaining our immediate
goals. The time has come for us, still under the leadership of God’s Spirit, to rise up and
build.

Paralleling the Church’s need for a new building is the equally important need for each of us
personally to meet our stewardship responsibility. This requires a sacrificial commitment of
self to Christ. When we do this and give in proportion as God has blessed us, Christ will be
building together with us a new spiritual life of power and victory and love. There can be a
deepened devotion and a new awakening for us as a congregation of God’s people.

42
In these next few days we will be making our decisions. Let us do it in faith. Let us think
together, pray together, strive together and build together for the glory of God.

Sincerely, your Pastor,

F. Clay Doyle

Mr. A. D. Webster was commended by the Session May 30, 1961, with the following
Resolution.
A RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, due to approaching retirement, a devoted servant of God is departing
from our fellowship after a sojourn in our midst of some four years, and

WHEREAS, the Session of Edgewood Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Georgia,

wishes to take cognizance of the singular contribution of this man to the life and
fellowship of this Church in positions of leadership and in many other ways too
numerous to detail.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the Session affirm its high regard
for Mr. Adam D. Webster; that it express appreciation for his services to the Church
as Chairman of the Board of Deacons and of the Planning Council and for his fine
spirit of Christian love and concern; and that the Elders assure him of their lasting
friendship and of their prayers for his continuing effectiveness in Christ’s Church
wherever God, in His providence, will lead him.

Canvass Organization
An Every Member Canvass was organized in the spring with the theme “Share with the Lord
the Profits of His Investment in You!” The following officers and committees were chosen:
Ernest Higgins, General Chairman; W. T. Pridgeon, Steering Committee Chairman; J. K.
LeSueur, Resources Committee Chairman; Glenn Hendry, Canvass Treasurer; H. R. F.
Collins, Advance Pledges Chairman; and John Wyatt, Teams Committee Chairman.

Team Captains were Francis Brown, J. B. Harper, Jr., B. F. Patterson, and E. G. Sparks.
Team Canvassers were C. C. Birchmore, S. A. Hutchins, Louie P. Kay, Bill Sherrod, Guy
Braswell, Thomas Hyneman, H. T. Moore, Charles Swann, John L. Harris, John M.
Jones, Russell DeMonbreun, Louis Willis, and Max Harper.

The Hostess Committee consisted of Mrs. Robert Peacock, Jr., Chairman; and Mrs. Guy
Braswell, Mrs. Francis Brown, Mrs. Ernest Higgins, and Mrs. John Wyatt, as Vice
Chairmen.

Hostesses were Mrs. B.W. Adams, Mrs. J. M. Jones, Mrs. Stanley Breckenridge, Mrs. L.
P. Kay, Mrs. Stanley Broome, Mrs. William Patterson, Mrs. N. A. Carlisle, Mrs.
William Pridgeon, Mrs. H. R. F. Collins, Mrs. E. G. Sparks, Mrs. John L. Harris, Mrs.
Ed Stauton, Mrs. Max Harper, Mrs. Charles Swann, and Mrs. George Jones.

Greeting Hostesses were Mrs. William Sherrod, Chair, Miss Judy Braswell, Miss Janet
Brannon, Miss Sandra Crawford, and Miss Beth Hutchins.

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The Arrangements Committee, with Mrs. S. A. Hutchins as Chair, consisted of Mrs. Bryan
Cornwell, Mrs. Douglas Dean, Mrs. J. C. Easterling, Mrs. S.W. Ennis, and Mrs. Kermit
Hancock. Mrs. J. B. Harper, Jr. served as Chair of the Publications Committee.

Rev. F. Clay Doyle reported to the Session on June 15, 1961, that he would answer the Call
from St. Andrews Presbyterian Church of Tucker, Georgia. It was noted that when Rev.
Doyle came to Edgewood, the membership was 140, and that when he left in August of 1961,
the membership had grown to 330.

At a called Congregational Meeting held on October 1, 1961, the Pulpit Nominating

Committee presented its report nominating The Rev. Ernest Gilmore, Jr. [see Pastor
Profiles]. With an enthusiastic vote, the congregation approved a Call to Rev. Gilmore, who
accepted and was duly installed on October 15 as the third pastor of Edgewood. The Session
sent a letter to the members that stated, in part, “It is the firm conviction of all concerned that
God has led us to Ernest Gilmore, Jr. and that God has guided Ernest to us. Edgewood
Presbyterian Church is destined for great things, with God’s help, our new minister’s
leadership, and the cooperation and prayer of each member of our congregation, we can look
forward to spiritual growth never before experienced in our church.”

Plans for the Education Building, begun earlier in the year, were revealed at a Called Joint
Meeting of the Session and Diaconate on October 9, 1961.

1962
The World Around Us
The Cuban Missile Crisis threatened World War III. Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring
stimulated the environmental protection movement. Astronaut Marine Lieutenant Colonel
John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth in his Friendship Seven spacecraft.
The U.S. Stock Market dropped to the lowest level since the “Black Tuesday” crash in 1929,
vividly reminding parents of Baby Boomers of their Depression-era childhoods. Actress
Marilyn Monroe died of a barbiturate overdose in her Los Angeles home. Columbus
College held its first homecoming celebration and began its move from temporary quarters to
its permanent location west of Cody Road. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale dedicated the new
Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel at Callaway Gardens. The Confederate Naval Museum
opened, holding the remains of the Confederate gunboat Jackson, sometimes called the
Muscogee.

Rev. Ernest Gilmore was the pastor. The Session approved the hiring of Miss Marilyn
Martin as Director of Christian Education on May 10, 1962. The terms of the call were $300
per month, plus $25 per month car allowance.

Ground was broken July 29, 1962, for the Education Building. Francis R. Brown, Ernest
Higgins, and J.B. Harper, Jr. served as the Building Commission, with Brown as Chairman.
A Furnishings Committee was formed at the same time, with Stratton Peacock as Chairman,
Jane Higgins, Bill Patterson, John Wyatt, Dick Collins, and Hazel Sparks as members.
The architectural firm of Roddenberry and Talley designed the building and David M.
Creveling, was hired as General Contractor. The estimated cost was given as $85,142.

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John Kendrick, Minister of Music, resigned September 15, 1962. Alice Faye Majure was
temporary Choir Director and Organist until appointed Minister of Music in November.

1963
The World Around Us
President John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, was assassinated by Lee
Harvey Oswald on November 22 in Dallas, Texas, shaking the faith of a generation of
Americans. Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson was sworn in on Air Force One as a
stunned nation watched on television. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have A Dream”
speech on the Mall in Washington to a quarter million civil rights marchers. George Wallace
was sworn in as Governor of Alabama, pledging, “segregation now, segregation tomorrow,
and segregation forever!” Medgar Evers, Mississippi civil rights leader, was killed when
shot in the back late one night. In Columbus, the Greater Columbus Kiwanis Club received its
charter. The Presbyterian Synod of Georgia met at First Presbyterian Church. A Civil War
Centennial was held at historic Esquiline Cemetery, with Lt. Gov. Peter Zack Greer as the
speaker.

At Edgewood, the missionaries supported by the church were Mr. & Mrs. Milton
Daugherty. The Sexton was Mr. Island Meriwether. Miss Joanna Easterling was replaced
by Mrs. Jean Hunter as Church Secretary. Mrs. Jerry A. Majure served as Director of
Music.

The new Education Building was completed and first used on February 3, 1963.

Baker Bedsole, Joanna Easterling, Sherri Fouch, Frank Nagle, and Morse Updegraff,
members of Edgewood’s Westminster Fellowship, attended the Inter-Varsity Christian
Fellowship Conference at Covington, Georgia.

A group of Edgewood’s Young People attended the Rock Eagle Mission Conference in the
Spring. They were June Beck, Lee Berry, Phyllis Brannen, Jimmy Chambers, Joanna
Easterling, Becky Hall, Betty Jo Hewitt, Ernest Higgins, Jr., Beverly Hutchins, Janet
Munro, Frank Nagle, Gary Rushing, Charles Slomka, Wanda Slomka, and Morse
Updegraff, The youngsters were accompanied by Mr. & Mrs. Charles Swann.

Edgewood News, a weekly publication containing special announcements and news

concerning the sick and needs of Edgewood Church had its beginning in June 1963.

Miss Marilyn Martin resigned as Director of Christian Education in November to return to

school. A reception was held for Marilyn to allow members an opportunity to thank her for
the fine work she did with our young people and the many contributions she made to
Edgewood as a whole.

Rev. Ernie Gilmore met with several of the officers of the Church one evening at Shoney’s
Restaurant on Macon Road and, after dessert, the group of men got into their cars for the
short drive to the church. Elder Bill Sherrod was driving one car, and the pastor was driving

45
the other. As they sat at a traffic light, side-by-side, Bill raced his car’s engine and Rev.
Gilmore responded with increased noise from his car’s engine. “Let’s race,” shouted the
Pastor, and when the traffic light turned green, the two cars sped off toward the church
parking lot. Unfortunately, a Columbus motorcycle police officer observed the speeding cars
and stopped Rev. Gilmore’s car on Macon Road. Bill Sherrod’s car had gained enough speed
to get ahead of the pastor’s car, so Bill avoided a speeding citation similar to the one that
was issued to Rev. Gilmore. Sitting in the entrance to the church parking lot, Elder Francis
Brown reports that the policeman asked Rev. Gilmore, “What do you do anyway?” Ernie
said, “See that church there? I’m the pastor.” Francis tells the story that he never heard such
a tongue lashing in his life! As he wrote out the ticket for speeding, the policeman reminded
the embarrassed pastor that he should be a positive example for young people. The officers of
the church who were with Rev. Gilmore that evening felt sorry for him and took up a
collection that paid the fine.

Francis also tells the story of when Ernie contracted a severe ear infection while he was
attending Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta. The attending physician told the
pastor-to-be to get some rum and rinse out his ears daily. Ernie had just finished the
medically prescribed procedure one evening when another seminary student walked into his
room. “What’s that I smell, Ernie?” Ernie replied, “Well, maybe it’s that rum over there.”
The inquiring student responded, “Rum! You don’t drink it, do you?” Ernie replied, “What
do you think I do with it – put it in my ear!” It has been reported that Andy Buchanan was
the seminary student who visited Ernie that evening. The Rev. Dr. Anderson Wood Buchanan
would later be called as Pastor of Edgewood Presbyterian Church.

Elder W. G. “Griff” Hartline tells the story about Rev. Gilmore’s visit to the Liberty Bell
Pool at Pine Mountain with the Edgewood Youth Group. Liz Collins Allison’s two football-
playing brothers decided to gang up on Ernie and throw him into the icy pool water. They
were unaware that their pastor had wrestled in the U.S. Navy, and even though he was small
in stature, Ernie was as strong as an ox! One of the daring brothers approached Ernie and
said, “I think I’m just gonna throw you in the pool!” Ernie quickly replied with, “Well,
maybe two or three of you will do that, but not just you!” Harry stood 6’4” and Tom was just
a bit shorter. Another youth joined the fracas and suddenly Rev. Gilmore was facing three
strapping young men, determined that their pastor was going to meet the cold water. Several
minutes later, Ernie had utilized his wrestling training and three young men found themselves
pinned to the ground. Ernie reportedly told them that since they had not thrown him in the
pool, he guessed that they ought to just continue with the day’s activities.

1964

The World Around Us

One of the worst earthquakes in modern history struck Alaska, leveling downtown Anchorage
and leaving 117 dead. Across America, it was a long hot summer, as race riots continued.
Nikita Krushchev was forced out of power in the Soviet Union. Gen. Douglas MacArthur
died in Washington at age 84. Congress passed a landmark Civil Rights Act outlawing
segregation. The Beatles began their first American tour. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was
awarded Nobel Peace Prize. President Lyndon Johnson won a landslide victory over

46
Republican Barry Goldwater. The “Baby Boomers,” born in the aftermath of World War II,
boasted four million matriculating college students. A $700,000 building program for
Columbus College was approved by the State Board of Regents. The integration of schools in
Columbus was quietly and easily accomplished. The new Three Arts Theater opened with a
presentation of La Boheme by the Toldovsky Grand Opera Company. It was announced that
the wages for textile workers would be increased by eight cents an hour.

At Edgewood, the Director of Music was Mrs. Jerry A. Majure; Church Secretary Mrs.
Jean Hunter was replaced by Mrs. S. A. Hutchins. The Sexton was Mr. Island
Meriwether; and missionaries supported by the church were Mr. & Mrs. Milton
Daugherty in Brazil and Mr. & Mrs. John Ellington in the Congo.

Frances Braswell further recalls how good Ernie Gilmore was with the youth during his
pastorate. “They loved him! He could teach them a good lesson, for example: when some
boys threw a girl’s hat out the car window, he made them walk back about a mile to retrieve
it. Once about 16 of our youth were at a dinner for a missionary at the Ralston and decided it
would be neat to lift a piece of silver. Well, the silver was missed and Ernie was called. He
made them walk through the lobby holding the silver to return it!”

Tom Collins remembers that one Sunday morning in 1964 he and a group of teenagers were
sitting in the “wings” of the original sanctuary listening to Ernie preach. This long-
acquainted group also included Harry Collins, Skeeter Adams, Harry Brown, and Brock
Jones. During the worship service Ernie watched as Brock reached up and attempted to
adjust the blinds over the window. It seems Brock exerted too much effort, the blinds came
crashing down, and Ernie kept right on preaching to a somewhat startled congregation!

1965
The World Around Us
Congress passed the Voting Rights Act, outlawing measures used in some states to suppress
minority votes. More U.S. troops arrived in South Vietnam, while U.S. planes bombed North
Vietnam. Black Muslim leader Malcolm X was assassinated in Harlem. Race riots erupted in
the Watts district of Los Angeles. Martin Army Hospital cut back, temporarily, on care of
local military dependents due to increasing active military medical needs resulting from the
fighting in Vietnam. The musical St. Elmo, based on Augusta Evans’ Victorian novel,
reopened the partially restored Springer Opera House. Columbus Square Mall, the first
enclosed shopping center in Georgia, opened in March, with 38 stores and 600 employees.

Edgewood began a project to beautify and landscape the grounds of the church. The first step
was to pipe the two streams that flow through the property. Each member was given a chance
to be a part of this project by becoming a “joint owner” by purchasing a joint or section of
drainage pipe.

Rev. Gilmore and 19 of Edgewood’s youth attended Camp at Panama City Beach, Florida.

47
Edgewood ministerial candidate Eddie Ensley, a rising Senior at Belhaven College, Jackson,
Mississippi, delivered a sermon on a warm Sunday evening in July. Mr. Ensley also served as
the Student Youth Worker for the summer months.

1966
The World Around Us
U.S. troop strength reached 300,000 in Vietnam and 50,000 men were receiving draft calls
every month. The Treasury Department reported that the Vietnam War was now costing the
U.S. $1.2 billion dollars a month. Use of consciousness-altering drugs, particularly marijuana
and LSD, gained national attention. Medicare began, and the Clean Water Restoration Act
was passed to combat pollution. The Chattahoochee, a three-ton vessel of Civil War
historical value was recovered from the river bottom and hoisted into place at the Civil War
Naval Museum. The City of Columbus purchased a $210,000 computer. Lengthening the
runways at Columbus Airport in order to have jet service to this area was discussed.

In June, The Rev. Ernest Gilmore received a call from First Presbyterian Church of
Moultrie, Georgia, and concluded his ministry at Edgewood. Charles Swann, a seminary
student, acted as an interim pastor for the remainder of the year.

A Pulpit Nominating Committee was formed. Its members were Jim Harper (Chairman), W.
G. Hartline, Joyce Bray, Nina Hutchins, Bill Pridgeon, E. G. Sparks, Francis Brown,
and Kate Templin.

1967
The World Around Us
By year-end, the United States had expended more force in Vietnam than in World War II
and Korea combined. Race riots continued. Thurgood Marshall became the first black
American to be appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States. Heavyweight boxing
champion Muhammad Ali was arrested for refusing induction into the Army after having
been denied conscientious objector status. Boxing officials immediately stripped him of his
title. “Hippies” or “flower children” set themselves apart by dropping out of mainstream
society and turning on to communal living, free love, marijuana, LSD, heavily amplified
music, and spiritualism. Carson McCullars, noted author and Columbus native, died in New
York. Her works include The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and Member of the Wedding. A black
Columbusite was named to the Jury Selection Committee for the first time.

The Session called a Congregational Meeting on May 21, 1967, for the purpose of hearing a
report from the Pulpit Nominating Committee. The congregation approved a call to the Rev.
Raymon L. White [see Pastor Profiles], of Southwood Presbyterian Church in Talladega,
Alabama. Rev. White was welcomed to Edgewood on June 25, 1967, when he preached his
first sermon, “Christ Prays for Edgewood.” Mrs. Joan White and their five children, Pam,
Kim, Jeff, Todd and Amy, were also welcomed.

48
Jim Harper recalls that he and Bill Pridgeon flew to Alabama to meet with Ray White to
discuss with him the acceptance of Edgewood’s call. It was early in the morning, and the only
place open was a honkytonk. Over cups of coffee, Ray agreed to come to Edgewood. Jim says
that the setting was certainly an unusual place to find a new pastor for the church!

Ray White adds, in his own recollections of this time, that he met with Jim and Bill “in a
dark, nasty-smelling bar beside what was then the Talladega International Airport (later the
race track) where they assured me that the committee felt I was called to Edgewood, even
though I felt no leading at that time. I guess the aroma of the ‘spirits’ and Joan’s (Joan
White, his wife) nudging finally opened my ears, and we accepted the call.”

Ray further adds, “Soon after our arrival, Hazel Sparks, then President of the Women of the
Church, invited me to tea. She gently, but definitely, explained to me that the Women of the
Church was the most important group in the church, and that I would be wise and secure as
long as I supported their work and consulted with her regularly as to the proper direction in
which to go.”

Hazel Sparks recalls Ray’s ministry at Edgewood: “Buddy was on the pulpit nominating
committee that called Ray White. We were friends with the whole family and still are. Ray is
the best minister, preacher, and teacher we have ever known. Along with his teaching, I thank
Edgewood for every little child I knew and taught. Buddy taught college age and let me be
part of that. We enjoyed having that age in our home and getting to know them.”

The Men of the Church supper was held on June 27 with Rev. White as the speaker. It was
the new pastor’s birthday.

The Senior High Fellowship and Westminster Fellowship met on July 2 at the home of Mr.
and Mrs. E.G. Sparks. The Rev. Dwyn Mounger, pastor of Morningside Presbyterian
Church, spoke to the group on his trip to the Soviet Union and his encounter with
underground Christian groups.

Mrs. Bobbie West and Mrs. Sue Nelson directed a very successful Vacation Bible School.

While Rev. and Mrs. White and their family were on vacation in July, Eddie Ensley,
ministerial candidate and Student Youth Worker for the summer, preached the morning and
evening sermons.

Choir officers were Hugh Farmer, President; Mrs. John Hinkle, Secretary; and Byron
Hollingsworth, Librarian.

Rev. White was installed as the fourth pastor of Edgewood on August 13, 1967. The service
was held at 7:30 p.m. and the following persons participated in the service: Rev. Sam
Williams, Rev. Dwyn Mounger, Rev. Minor Powers, Mr. Leonard Adair, Mr. Eben
Reid, and Mr. Grady Welch. A reception was held immediately following the service.

Ray White remembers his experiences as Moderator of EPC’s Session: “I think it was at our
first meeting that the Session determined that the congregation must be informed that pledges
were in arrears and should be caught up before the summer slump. When they agreed that a

49
precondition for doing this was for every elder to catch up on their own pledge, I became
shocked and frightened for I thought we were about to lose half the board! Immediately the
Treasurer began to call names and give the necessary amounts. By Wednesday it was all in,
and we issued the challenge to the whole church. That integrity, commitment, and leadership
initiative stood as a challenging model for every other Session I moderated. There was lots of
conflict and amazing resolution. We fought over what to build, what to believe about the Holy
Spirit, what to do and how to do it. It was a rowdy, passionate time, but after each fight, we
always came together, followed by the Session’s leadership and the practice of our oneness in
Christ.”

A Church Picnic was held on the afternoon and evening of August 15 at Yuchi Reservation.
This outing was a tradition at EPC for several years.

The 1967-68 Church School Staff consisted of W. G. “Griff” Hartline as Superintendent,

Howard P. Johnston as Assistant Superintendent, Vincent Slomka as Assistant
Superintendent, Mrs. Robert Peacock, Jr. (Stratton) as Adult Division Chairman, Mrs. B.
W. Adams (Mary) as Youth Division Chairman, Mrs. Kenneth Lancaster (Marty) as
Elementary Division Chairman, Mrs. Paul West (Bobbie) as Preschool Division Chairman,
and Mrs. Louise Long as Secretary. The Church School year began in September, a change
from the October beginning of previous years.

The Session reviewed and approved a proposal prepared by Rev. White that established that
no marriage would be performed at the Church without prior consultation with the Minister.

The Youth attended a successful July retreat hosted by Eddie Ensley and Morse Updegraff
at Woodruff’s Farm on the outskirts of Columbus.

It was suggested by the Women of the Church that the dates of the monthly Family Night
Suppers should be flexible. The Session asked the Women of the Church to select the date for
each Family Night Supper after checking the Church Calendar for any scheduling conflicts.

A New Members Class, taught by the pastor, began on September 10. The class included
members who had come into the church in the past six months, except those who had been in
the Communicants’ Class.

The Women of the Church held an informal coffee on October 8 at the Manse. Every woman
in the church was invited to attend, with a special invitation going to new members.

Mrs. Revel Hession, wife of Roy Hession, who had conducted revival services in Columbus,
was killed in an automobile accident.

At a Called Meeting of the Session in October, the governing body opposed a letter from the
Muscogee County Planning Commission, which announced a zoning change in the area of
the church. The petition called for property across Cody Road to be rezoned from R-1A (one
family dwelling) to C-1 (commercial).

50
 QUARTERLY REPORT OF THE PASTOR’S ACTIVITIES
November 12, 1967
My goal in this first quarter at Edgewood Church has been to get to know the Congregation
as a whole and individually and to become known by them, and to see the ministry of this
Church and its potential as a whole. In the pursuit of that goal I have done the following:

PREACHING: 17 messages while leading the Morning Worship Service

4 messages while leading the Evening Worship Service
12 Bible studies during the Evening Worship Service

TEACHING: Class for New Members

Officer’s Training Retreat
Miscellaneous speaking at Youth and other functions

VISITATION: Contacts with members in homes or business: 261 (all but four families)
Contacts with non-members 54
314
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES:
Attendance at Southwest Georgia Presbytery twice
Led a Presbytery Covenant Life Curriculum (CLC) Workshop
Conducted a Prayer Meeting at Sherwood Presbyterian Church
Conducted two funerals
Conducted three weddings (each involved 4 pre-counseling sessions)
Led morning devotionals for WTVM & WRBL-TV
Shared in the Ordination of Rev. Lee Willingham
Shared in a memorial service for Georgia Nurses Association

During this Quarter, my work schedule has been:

7:30 – 12:00 Study
1:00 – 5:30 Visitation
+ night visitation and meetings

In addition to continuing the general work of the ministry at Edgewood, my specific goal for
the next six months is to develop an effective ministry of outreach and witness.
Respectfully submitted,
R. L. White

The Session met at Callaway Gardens for Officer Training on November 4 and 5. Cost per
Elder was $8.00. It was the opinion of all who attended that the Retreat was highly successful
and that the Session might consider having a second Retreat each year.

Ministerial candidate from Edgewood Mr. Charles Swann preached for the morning
worship service on November 5.

The annual Loyalty Dinner was held on November 15 with Mr. Tap Hanson, Vice President
of Human Relations for the W.C. Bradley Co. as speaker.

51
Elder Lee Harrell, Moderator of the Commitment Committee, reported that as of December
10, the Congregation had pledged $38,575.24 for the 1968 Budget. Lee also reported that
there were ten pledge cards out and that there were six new members yet to be called on.

Elder W. G. “Griff” Hartline, Moderator of the Strengthening the Church Committee,

reported that Jack and Dot Hollinsworth would be the Adult Counselors for the 11th and 12th
Graders and Westminsters, and that our pastor, Ray White, would be one of the speakers at
the Retreat at Woodruff’s Lake for our youth. He mentioned that this group of senior high
youth would like to invite a group of youth from other Columbus Presbyterian Churches
(some of whom are from the black churches) to attend the Retreat and perform a skit that they
had done at Fall Rally. The Session unanimously agreed to the proposal.

On November 17, at the evening worship service, the Choir and children of Edgewood
presented a Christmas Cantata, Night of Miracles, with Mrs. John Hinkle directing the
children’s music. Accompanist was Frieda Hartline. Byron Hollingsworth was the
Narrator, and Mrs. Winston Ennis accompanied the Choir. The Children’s Choir members
were Peggy Stilson, Paige Pierce, Mark Young, Cindy Whitehead, Jill Stewart, Lori
Dyment, Robin Brewer, Wendy Brewer, Leslie Farmer, Tommy King, William Bray,
Chris Slay, Sandy Whitehead, Winkie Gause, Bernice Bush, Beth Sparks, Mark Stilson,
Mike Whitehead, and Bill Young. Readers were Bill Ennis and Paul West. Angel Choir
memberss were Susan Pridgeon, Sharon Pridgeon, Mary Gause, Pam Walden, Kim
White, Pam White, Jan Palmer, Betsy Godfrey, Linda Stadnik, and Eugenia Adams.
Characters were Abraham (Kermit Hancock), Moses (Gary Bray), David (Jonny Buckles),
Roman Soldier (Gary Johnson), Jewish Boy (Randy Hartline), Gabriel (Pam Bray), Mary
(Melissa Peacock), Joseph (Peter Nelson), Angel (Lynda Dyment), Shepherds (Marvin
West, Glenn Hendry, Chuck Wike); and Wise Men (Neil Ennis, Perry Johnston, Perry
Rogers). Mary Moore gave the Joy Gift speech.

The Westminster Class conducted the Christmas Eve Midnight Candlelight and Communion
Service. The pastor and elders served communion to attendees.

On December 31, the Ordination and Installation Service for new Elders and Deacons was
held. [see Session and Diaconate appendices]

1968

The World Around Us

Civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4th in Memphis,
Tennessee. President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act one week later.
Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in California. Violence erupted
at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and race riots continued throughout the
nation. By the end of the year, the Vietnam War had become the longest in the country’s
history. Lt. William Calley, trained at Fort Benning, was involved in the massacre of
civilians at My Lai. North Korean gunboats in international waters off North Korea’s coast
captured the USS Pueblo, marking the first-ever taking of a U.S. Navy vessel off the high
seas. Richard M. Nixon won the presidential election against Hubert Humphrey. In

52
Columbus, the movie The Green Berets, starring John Wayne, was filmed at Fort Benning
and the Hilton estate on Macon Road.

Mrs. Charles Pridgeon served as the Director of Music for Edgewood for the first six
months of 1968, and Mrs. Ronald Balkcom held this position for the last months of the
year.

At the February Family Night Supper, special guests were Miss Esther Sun from Korea and
Mr. Ogie Oliveira from Brazil, students at Columbia Seminary, and Mr. Allen Derrick,
Vice President of the Society of Missionary Inquiry at Columbia. They presented a program
in observance of the Season of Witness.

The Men of the Church met in January with Rev. David Hagood of St. Luke Methodist
Church as speaker; in February, Sheriff Jack Rutledge was the speaker; in March the Rev.
Richard Robertson of the Bradley Center was the speaker; in April the speaker was Judge
Aaron Cohn, Judge of Juvenile Court; in June Mr. Millard Grimes, editor of the Columbus
Enquirer, spoke; the Director of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Charles
Crowder, spoke to the group in July; in August, Mr. Paul Cox, Sports Editor of the
Columbus Enquirer, was the speaker; in September, Mr. Nathan Patterson, Assistant
Superintendent for Special Services for the Muscogee County School District, spoke; and in
December, a Christmas Dinner was held, with wives as special guests.

QUARTERLY REPORT OF THE PASTOR’S ACTIVITIES

March 10, 1968
My goals during the second quarter of my work at Edgewood have been to continue to build
pastoral relationships with each family in our Congregation and to begin to develop an
effective evangelistic outreach. In the pursuit of that goal I have done the following:

PREACHING: 18 messages while leading the Morning Worship Service

17 messages or Bible studies during the Evening Worship Service

TEACHING: Class for New Members

Training sessions for volunteer evangelists
Visitation training sessions for Women of the Church visitors
Led a Seminar on the Holy Spirit
Began the Spring Communicants Class
Began a series of premarital sessions for Wanda Slomka

VISITATION: Contacts with members in homes or business: 136

Contacts with nonmembers 111
247
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES:
Attendance at Southwest Georgia Presbytery in Thomasville, Georgia
Attended Presbytery’s Church Extension Committee in Albany, Georgia
Acted as Chairman for a special subcommittee of the Church Extension
Committee
Conducted two funerals – Mrs. Verdi Day and Mr. Ennis Cooksey

53
 Conducted one wedding, Miss Lynn Champion, in Talladega, Alabama
Shared in a panel to discuss the Ecumenical Movement

During this Quarter, my work schedule has been:

7:30 – 12:00 Miscellaneous work in the Study
1:00 – 5:30 Visitation
+ night visitation and meetings
Off on Monday and Saturday afternoons

In addition to continuing the general work of the ministry at Edgewood, it is my specific goal
during the next quarter to continue to develop an effective and fruitful evangelistic outreach
as a major part of the ministry of Edgewood Church.
Respectfully submitted,
R. L. White

The employees of Columbus Square and Cross Country Shopping Centers were served a
catered meal as part of Edgewood’s Easter Ministry.

The Youth prepared an Easter Cross, built by W. Herbert Jones, that was placed in front of
the Church during Easter. Graduating high school seniors were honored at the Sunday
Evening Worship Service in April.

Maundy Thursday services included Columbus College Choral Readers as participants.

On April 21, the Rabun Gap Glee Club provided the music for the morning worship service.
Mrs. Margaret McLeod, director of the glee club, and the president of Rabun Gap School,
Dr. Karl Anderson, accompanied the group.

High School graduates were honored at a banquet on April 28, held in the Education
Building. The guest speaker was Coach Dick Phillips of Jordan High School. Rev. White
attended the banquet, and Mr. Earl Prest, pastor at the Seventh Day Adventist Church,
preached at the evening worship service in Mr. White’s absence.

The men’s and boys’ basketball teams had a good season, which ended in April.

“Chuck Swann Day,” honoring Charles Swann, ministerial candidate from Edgewood, was
held on May 5. Mr. Swann preached at the morning worship service. Following the service,
Dinner on the Grounds was held in the area back of the sanctuary building. The Swann family
was welcomed as special guests. In June, Mr. Swann was ordained and installed at the First
Presbyterian Church in Bainbridge, Georgia, with W. G. Hartline and S. A. Hutchins of
Edgewood participating in that service. Former Edgewood pastor, Rev. Ernest Gilmore, also
participated.

Teacher Training Sessions were held on May 18 and 19 at the church. Mrs. Robert Peacock
led the training for teachers of children’s classes through Junior High, and Dr. Shirley
Guthrie, professor of theology at Columbia Seminary, led the training for teachers of Senior
High and adults.

54
Edgewood 9th and 10th Graders held a Retreat at Panama City, Florida. Mr. & Mrs. Jack
Mitchell served as leaders for this group.

Mr. Charles Needer served as Edgewood’s Youth Worker during the summer and preached
during the month of July. In the fall, he entered Columbia Seminary.

Mr. Island Meriwether, sexton at Edgewood for six years, retired in July, and Mr. Haniel
W. Bernard was hired as his replacement.

New Testaments were presented to the children who memorized the Catechism on August 18.
They were John Bray, Kermit Hancock, Randy Hartline, Melissa Peacock, Peter Nelson,
and Marvin West.

The Session took action at its August meeting making our Christian Education Building
available to the Listening Eyes Foundation, to be used, under the guidance of the Auburn
University Speech and Hearing Clinic, for a school for preschool deaf children. The Listening
Eyes School began classes on October 1.

John and Joann Ellington, missionaries in the Congo, were at Edgewood on October 26 and
27 to meet with the young people, preach on Sunday, informally visit with the members, and
show slides of their work in the Congo.

A Christmas Cantata, Love Transcending, was presented on December 15, directed by Mrs.
Ronald Balkcom. Francis Brown was the narrator, Miss Frieda Hartline was the
accompanist, and Mrs. Pat Kinard, Mrs. Dot Kelley, Mrs. Mike Stilson, Mr. John Suhr,
Mr. Joe Hadaway, and Mr. Byron Hollingsworth were soloists.

The Joy Gift Pageant was presented on December 22, directed by Mrs. Leonard Moore and
Mr. Bill Crowell. Mrs. Winston Ennis was the Music Director. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Crowell
were in charge of lights, Mr. and Mrs. John Suhr were in charge of scenery, Mrs. Ray
White was in charge of costumes. Readers were Kenneth Lancaster, Lynn Hammock, and
Jim Harper. Characters were Zachariah (Sam Mason), Elizabeth (Kim White), Gabriel
(Tyler Bush), Mary (Evelyn Wike), Joseph (James Sparks), Prophet (Rob Peacock),
Shepherds (Chris Slay, Brock Turner, Joe Chambers, Jim Hammock, Bill Hammock);
Wise Men were Mike Moore, Carl Lewis, and Lee Peacock; Herod (Jimbo Harper); and
Angels (Ginger Collins, Kay Wike, Frieda Hartline, Alice Kay Brown, Liz Collins,
Nancy Willis, Pat Collins, Madge Mason). The trumpet soloist was Mike Moore. Junior
Choir members were Marvin West, Lori Dyment, Melissa Jones, Peter Nelson, Kathy
Bray, Randy Hartline, Jeff White, Tammy Sears, Mary Katherine Ennis, John Bray,
Beth Sparks, Melissa Peacock, William Bray, Randy Pease, Mary Moore, Todd White,
Paula Mason, Myra West, Joey Buckles, Linda Dyment, Leslie Farmer, Chuck Wike,
and Winkie Gause.

Herb and Miranda (Randy) Jones joined Edgewood in 1968 and Herb recalls their first
impressions of Edgewood: “We were considering a new church home when one morning in
December 1967, we turned on the television and there was Ray White doing the early
morning devotional. Randy had gone to Columbus High School with Ray and Joan, and knew
that Ray had gone into the ministry but was not aware that he was serving a Columbus

55
church. We decided we would give Edgewood a try. On the first Sunday of 1968, Randy and
our daughter Melissa visited, going for both Sunday School and church. I was home sick with
the flu, but they came home with rave reviews about the service and the folks they met. After
that we attended every Sunday and joined in March. We were impressed with several things:
Ray was a good preacher and teacher, and the Sunday School curriculum was excellent, in
both the children and adult divisions. The adults studied the Covenant Life Curriculum,
which gave us an opportunity for indepth study, which we like. Also, it was good to have a
thriving children’s –– and later, youth –– program, which had been missing in our previous
church home. I especially liked being part of the Men of the Church for several years. We
used to meet for covered dish meals, and the first time I attended, I brought Mexican
cornbread. Bob Gant liked it so much, he insisted that I bring it each time! MOC also had
some great programs and projects, and the fellowship was so good. We’ve always considered
it a sign from God that we turned on the TV that December morning, saw Ray and were led to
Edgewood.”

1969
The World Around Us
Richard Milhous Nixon was sworn in as the nation’s 37th President. Former President
Dwight Eisenhower died on March 28, 1969. Astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first
human to walk on the moon. Sen. Edward “Ted” Kennedy was implicated in the drowning
of Mary Jo Kopechne in Massachusetts. Charles Manson committed the Tate/Polanski
murders in California. Lt. William Calley was tried for his involvement in the My Lai
massacre in Vietnam. Some 500,000 youths converged on a 600-acre farm near Woodstock,
New York, for a four-day marathon rock concert. In Columbus, the Oberammergau Passion
Play was performed at the Three Arts Theater over a period of three days, giving citizens an
opportunity to see the Seven Last Days of Christ presented in all its old-world tradition and
artistry. Plans were in place for consolidation of the city/county government, which would
make it possible for a larger census count in 1970, bringing in more federal funds.

Every Member Visitation was held on February 23 as a means of allowing the members of
the church to express their needs and how well those needs were being met.

Mr. Jamie Galliard, a second-year student at Columbia Seminary, was welcomed to

Edgewood in February as Youth Ministry Director, working as an intern to gain practical
experience. Mr. Galliard preached for six weeks in the summer while Rev. White was in
California, studying at the San Francisco Theological Seminary.

At the February Family Night Supper, Mr. Chuck Olsen from the Board of National
Ministries was the speaker.

Member Captain Don Kinard, U.S. Army, was awarded the Silver Star Medal in Vietnam
on March 11, 1969.

Members of the Confirmation Class [see Confirmands appendix] were received as members
on Maundy Thursday, April 3.

56
“Mo Day” was held on May 4 to honor Morse UpDeGraff, ministerial candidate from
Edgewood who graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary that same month. Mr.
UpDeGraff preached on that Sunday and dinner on the grounds followed the morning
worship service.

The church’s first Cub Scout Pack was formed in June. The group met in the Pioneer
Building. Russ Edwards was the pack leader.

The young people, in order to earn money to attend the Montreat Bible Conference,
performed yard work, babysitting chores, car washing, and other tasks for members of the
congregation. The conference was held during the week of August 17; attending were Eric
Sears, Tommy Goodlett, Pat and Liz Collins, Evelyn Wike, and Cindy Cagle.

Edgewood responded to the needs created by hurricane Camille, sending financial aid. A
special fund was created for “a family of our own,” Joanna and Baker Bedsole, who were in
Biloxi.

On December 21, the Chancel Choir presented a Festival of Lessons and Carols at 7:30 p.m.
The Director was Mrs. Ronald Balkcom. Miss Nancy Johnson accompanied the choir, and
Mrs. Don Kinard and Mrs. Guy Stilson were soloists.

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary;

Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

Praise Him for His mighty acts;

Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;

Praise Him with the lute and the harp!
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 150

57
David B. Antonson won first prize for the following article he authored for the 1969
Competition for Concise Presbyterian History. It is reprinted here to remind the reader of a
portion of our Presbyterian heritage. Additional editorial remarks are in italics.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES

The Presbyterian Church U.S. shares a history with other Presbyterians that goes
back to the very origins of this country. But as a denomination, its birth was in the midst of
the turmoil of war, the War Between the States, in the year 1861. Unable to “strengthen,
uphold, and encourage the Federal government,” Southern Presbyterians withdrew from the
Philadelphia General Assembly and formed the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate
States on December 4, 1861. Many issues then, and now, challenged the new church that was
founded in Augusta, Georgia, by 50 ministers and 38 elders.
With only 1,100 churches and 75,000 members, much was soon accomplished. With
a sense that God had particularly raised up this new church, mission work abounded. Work
with Negroes and Indians began, but never with much success. China opened up in 1866;
Italy, Colombia, and Brazil in 1869. By 1900 Africa, Korea, and Cuba had received our
missionaries, and by 1924 we had reached a peak with 517 missionaries on the field. Today
we work on ten fields of the world.
Relations with other church bodies came with great difficulty. Isolationism was the
dominant view. In 1865 reunion with the Northern Church was discouraged. It was not until
1883 that delegates with the Northern Church were exchanged, and 1912 that membership
was accepted into the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ. In 1954 a three-way plan of
union between Presbyterian bodies was rejected. In 1969 a plan of union was proposed with
the Reformed Church in America, but it too was lost.
Concern for education, especially higher education, has always been close to the
heart of southern Presbyterians. The new church in 1861 inherited Union Seminary, founded
in 1824, and Columbia Seminary, founded in 1828. Louisville Presbyterian Seminary was
opened in 1893, and the Austin School of Theology in 1895. Many colleges were founded
prior to 1900.
The growth years for the Presbyterian Church U.S. were from 1930 to 1960. In 1930
we had 458,000 members and by 1960 we had about double that amount. Giving went up
greatly, from $31.00 per person in 1930 to about $100.00 per person in 1960. Presbyterians
have been rich and enthusiastic in their support of education, world and home missions, and
free and open discussion of issues. The future continues to challenge us in all these areas.

The Presbyterian Church in the United States and the United Presbyterian Church in the
United States of America were reunited in 1983, after many years of discussion between the
two bodies, to form today’s national church: the Presbyterian Church (USA).

58
 1970

The World Around Us

American troops began what President Nixon called an “incursion” into Cambodia. The first
Earth Day was held to raise awareness of environmental issues. Four students were killed on
the Kent State campus by National Guard soldiers during a demonstration against the
Vietnam War. Jimmy Carter was elected Governor of Georgia. The Green Island
Invitational Open golf tournament began, bringing top golfers to Columbus.

Mr. and Mrs. Pete Bray and Mrs. Hazel Sparks used the Pioneer Fellowship material titled
“Alpha Teen” for the 7th and 8th graders. Elder Liz Collins Allison remembers one night when
several Pioneers were meeting in their Pioneer Building and one of the girls began
screaming because she had seen a large roach on the floor!

Growth Groups meeting at 6:00 p.m. each Sunday in 1970 were the Holy Spirit Group, led by
Francis Brown; the Prayer Group, led by Jimmy Goodlett; College and Career, led by Mrs.
Raymon White (Joan); and Family Living, led by Rev. White.

In connection with the Season of Christian Witness, Rev. Bill Warlick, missionary to the
Congo, spoke on Thursday, January 15 at a Family Night Supper. Rev. Warlick met with the
Men’s Club at a luncheon on Friday, and with the youth on Friday night.

In recognition of Race Relations Sunday, the Executive Committee of the Women of the
Church submitted a recommendation to the Session to invite the minister of Carver Heights
Presbyterian Church and any members to evening worship at Edgewood on February 8, 1970.
In rejecting the recommendation, the Session notified the Women of the Church that it does
“not feel this is the appropriate time to comply with their request.”

Rev. White wrote the following article concerning the court-ordered desegregation of public
schools, published in the Edgewood News.

Change in the Public Schools – The Christian Thing to Do?

All of us are aware that the public schools in our community are in a situation of
turmoil and transition. The announcement has already been made that beginning in February
teachers will be transferred so that there will be in all schools roughly a 30–70 black–white
teacher ratio. While no details have yet been published, the anticipation is that a similar pupil
ratio will be put into effect next fall.
Many of us here at Edgewood Church are affected by this change. More than 50% of
our congregation is touched either directly or indirectly. This being the case, it seems right to
me that we should raise the question here, “What is the Christian thing to do? Where should
a Christian stand in this change?”
While I have no right nor would I presume to decide for you, I list the following
Christian facts and suggest that you include them in your considering of this:
1. As Christians, our attitudes and actions in this matter must be a part of our
response to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. How we feel about black people––
the Federal Government––the needs of our family––must all be secondary if we
are to take a Christian position here. (Ephesians 2:10)

59
 2. God in Jesus Christ identifies Himself with order and unity among all men.
(Galatians 3:28-29; Ephesians 2:11-22)
3. The perpetuation of separateness on the arbitrary basis of race stands in sharp
antithesis to God’s creative and reconciling work in Jesus Christ (Colossians
1:15-20; II Corinthians 5:16-21)
4. The suffering of Christians expands the representative redemptive suffering of
Christ and extends its effect into the world (Colossians 1:24). Certainly this kind
of sweeping change creates chaos and suffering for all of us. In a sense, we are
paying the price for the sins of our grandfathers. The undeniable New Testament
promise is that representative accepted suffering works out to God’s peace.
5. As Christians we are called to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). In the
process of integration thus far, families living in integrating communities whose
children have been going to schools where the black–white ratio has climbed
upward toward 50 to 60% have had to bear more than their share of the load of
change. These families have been hurt personally and economically, while many
of us have not been directly affected at all. To share in the peaceful establishing
of a more equitable ratio in our schools and in our community as a whole is one
way of better bearing one another’s burdens in this matter.
I share with you a strong dislike of the disruption of my children’s educational process, and
the inconvenience that such changes conceivably can create for us. Think of how wild it
would be distribute five children to five different schools. At the same time, my decision is
that the White family will continue to share in public education wherever we are assigned. I
am convinced that such a decision grows inevitably out of the Christian facts listed above.

Listening Eyes School expanded its schedule to include eight hours per day, five days a week.
The daily schedule included two 3-hour morning sessions and one 2-hour afternoon class.

The Women of the Church held a bandage rolling for the White Cross program in February.
This was done annually for the medical missions of the Presbyterian Church, U.S. The WOC
also announced the need for tablecloths for the church. Members could purchase tablecloths
at a cost of $3.87 each. At the March family night supper, the WOC Birthday Objective was
the theme, with Mr. Thomas Biggs as guest speaker. The objective for 1970 was Villa
International. The Girls Chorus from Jordan High School sang.

Edgewood’s first Congregational Camp was held on the weekend of April 18–19 at Pine
Mountain, with over 140 members attending. Dr. Charles Cousar of Columbia Seminary
was the inspirational speaker. In conjunction with the camp, the officers training sessions
were held, and activities for all ages were enjoyed. Mrs. Joan White was Camp Director.
Pastor White wrote in the April newsletter, “The Congregational Camp was a tremendous
success and I appreciate all the effort and cooperation that everybody expressed. Special
thanks go to Bob Peacock and Joan White for planning and arrangement; to Alice Kelly for
planning meals and getting the food prepared; to Lena Bearden for supervising meals at the
camp; and to the following who served as teachers and leaders: Mary Elizabeth Johnston,
Betty Gilbertson, Lee Hartline, Evaughn Balkcom, Ronald Balkcom, Byron
Hollingsworth, and Norma Hollingsworth. There were many others, too numerous to
mention, who worked ‘behind the scenes’ preparing food in advance, serving meals at the
camp, and keeping the kitchen clean. My sincere thanks to all of you!” Officers of the church

60
enjoyed an early coffee service on Saturday and Sunday mornings as they underwent Officer
Training Sessions.

A Pioneer Retreat was held in April at Callaway Gardens. The theme was “To Grow in
Christ.” A seminary student or young couple conducted all meetings. Pete and Joyce Bray
provided transportation, food and all other details. Cost per Pioneer was $6, with the Church
paying for food and speaker expense.

Rock Eagle Missions Conference in April was attended by several Edgewoodians.

Jim and June Bilderbeck and Eugene and Sue Anderson were advisors for the Senior High
youth. In June, special guests Asa Meadows and the Fishfolk met with the youth.

Vacation Bible School was held June 8–19, with Marty Lancaster and Miranda Jones as
Co-Directors. A Family Night Supper was held at the conclusion. An offering was taken to go
to An Lac Orphanage in South Vietnam. Toys and clothing for the children were also
collected and turned over to Mrs. Betty Tisdale for shipment.

J. C. Bray served as the Institutional Representative to the Boy Scouts of America.

Elder Bob Gant, at a Called Meeting of the Session on August 23, stated he felt the
congregation was not responding to the leadership at Edgewood and that the Session needed
to know what the congregation really wanted. Elder V. J. Bearden stated that he felt that
before anything could happen, a spiritual commitment among the people would have to take
place. Elders J. C. Easterling, Jim Harper, Bill Hutchins, Howard Johnston, Bob
Peacock, E.G. Sparks, Paul West, and Moderator Rev. Ray White joined in the discussion
that followed Elder Gant’s statement. Elders J. C. Bray, Francis Brown, Jimmy LeSueur,
and Jack Lowery were not in attendance. By mutual consent, the Session decided to meet
August 30 to evaluate what the Session should do in the life of the church, and to discuss the
vital needs of Edgewood and what acts of leadership should be followed.

At the August 30 meeting, “it was decided by mutual consent to reach no final conclusion
hastily but to go our separate ways, seeking spiritual guidance and keep meeting at various
times until it was felt that the Holy Spirit was directing the session, and some specific
conclusions could be reached.” Elders Bearden, Brown, Gant, Hutchins, Johnston, Peacock
and Pastor/Moderator White were present. Elder Peacock received Session’s approval for the
dissolving of his relationship with the Session effective January 1, 1971. The Session
approved a basic plan for Sanctuary renovation as submitted by Elders Harper and Bray.

The annual Church Picnic was held at Yuchi Reservation on August 28, 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Frances Braswell recalls this annual outing to Yuchi fondly, with fishing, swimming, feasting
on picnic spreads, and square dancing! She remembers that Bill Sherrod usually arranged
it.

An Officers Retreat was held at Callaway Gardens in October.

The Session appointed a Ministry Planning Resource Committee to evaluate Edgewood’s

present ministry, and to set short-term and long-range goals for Edgewood’s future ministry.

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The congregation was asked to give the committee their opinions. The committee members
and the groups they represented were E.G. Sparks (Session), Leonard Moore (Diaconate),
Mrs. J.K. LeSueur (Women of the Church), Kay Wike and Jimbo Harper (Youth Groups).

The Choir presented a Festival of Lessons and Carols on the evening of December 29. The
Director was Mrs. Ronald Balkcom and soloists were Hugh Farmer, Alice Kay Brown,
and Mrs. Henry Geiger. Narrators were Bill Crowell and Gene Anderson.

The Westminster Class of college-age members provided the Christmas Eve program. In
1970 Edgewood had 27 college students: Christine Berry, Allen Braswell, Alice Kay
Brown, Frances Sue Brown, Harry Collins, Liz Collins, Pat Collins, Tom Collins, Mary
Lou Cooper, Tommy Goodlett, Rosemary Hall, Lil Harper, Frieda Hartline, Waldo
Hunter, Brock Jones, Mike Kelley, Bill Leech, Neil Lowery, Joe Meadows, Patti
Pridgeon, Eric Sears, Billie Sherrod, John Sparks, Jim Templin, Evelyn Wike, Nancy
Willis, and Ronnie Wright.

1971
The World Around Us
Communist China was allowed entry into the United Nations. Two thousand Vietnam
veterans, members of Vietnam Veterans Against the War, rallied in Washington to protest the
war. The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving 18-year-olds the right to vote, took
effect. In Columbus, the City Council approved rezoning to allow the building of a
condominium complex called Hidden Lake on Norris Road. Lt. William Calley was found
guilty by a military jury at Fort Benning for his role in the My Lai massacre in Vietnam.
Columbus became Georgia’s first consolidated government.

At Edgewood, Personal Growth Groups began in January. Topics ranged from Family Living,
“Empty Nest,” Spiritual Life, and Interracial Issues to Men’s and Women’s Issues.
Approximately 75 persons were involved, with 19 being nonmembers. Leaders met regularly
for training and interaction with one another.

In March, the pastor and a team of lay persons from Edgewood led a Lay Renewal Weekend
at the Northminster Presbyterian Church in Macon. Later in the year, an Edgewood lay
renewal team went to DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

One hundred and twenty-eight people, representing 33 families, attended the Congregational
Camp that was held in April. The Rev. Jack Taylor from Seneca, S.C. was the leader for the
Adult group. Joan White and Bob Peacock served as Co-Directors.

Edgewood’s basketball team defeated a tough Star of David team 35 – 32 in April. Scoring
for the EPC five were Jay Marcks (11), James Sparks (8), Eric Sears (7), and Lee Peacock
(6). The hoopers of Beallwood Baptist’s team fell to EPC the next week 34 – 32. Scoring for
Edgewood were Jay Marcks (12), Lee Peacock (8), James Sparks (7), Eric Sears (4), Richard
Hancock (2), and Jimbo Harper (1). The following week Hilton Terrace Baptist humbled
EPC with a final score of 45 – 13. But Edgewood got back on track a few days later against

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the North Highland shooters with a 44 – 42 win. James Sparks led the team in scoring with an
impressive 20 points.

The Pioneers (junior high age) hosted an Easter Egg Hunt for the Listening Eyes School.
Joyce and Pete Bray accompanied the Pioneers on their Retreat to Indian Springs in May.

The Senior Highs held a Retreat May 14 – 16 at Gulf Treat, a Retreat Center for the East
Alabama Presbytery. Adult leaders who accompanied the youth were Mr. and Mrs. Gene
Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Geiger, and Mr. and Mrs. S.A. Hutchins. Larry Brown,
Young Life Coordinator for the Montgomery area was the speaker.

The Listen ‘n Do Club for children three years old through sixth grade began meeting on
Wednesday mornings in June and continued through the summer. Activities included trips to
Flat Rock Park.

One Sunday in June was set aside as Choir Appreciation Sunday, with the members of the
choir sitting in the congregation and the Infantry Chorus of Fort Benning presenting the
morning worship service. The Edgewood Choir was commended for their willingness to give
of their time and talent to glorify God.

A Building Committee was formed in June to prepare recommendations for a new Sanctuary
building. Elders J. C. Bray, J. B. Harper, Jr., and Robert Peacock were appointed as
members of the committee, with E. G. Sparks as Chairman.

The Pastor set up a series of four meetings that were held each Monday evening during the
month of June for the purpose of studying the proposed union of the Presbyterian Church
(US) with the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Mrs. Joyce Bray directed Vacation Bible School in June. The theme was “A Family School
of Prayer,” with all ages invited to attend, not just children. Forty-five families participated in
VBS and overall evaluation was very good. It was noted that fewer children were represented
among the 126 attendees since it was held at night. Mrs. Bray was recognized for her
leadership role.

The Women of the Church sponsored a special program on ecology in July. The speaker was
Dr. George Stanton from Columbus College.

Mrs. Evaughn Balkcom resigned her position as Choir Director on August 1, 1971. On
August 18, Mrs. Barbara Brinson was hired to fill the vacated position. Miss Susan Fowler
replaced Miss Nancy Johnson as accompanist for the choir.

In September, the congregation voted to abandon plans in progress for any renovating and
building; to cancel all pledges and to return any monies so far contributed for this purpose. A
new Building Planning Committee, consisting of two elders (J. B. Harper, Jr. and Pete
Bray), two deacons (Robert Fouché, Jr. and David Pope), four representatives from the
Women of the Church (Bobbie West, Mary Ann Ennis, Louise Willis and Nina Hutchins),
one young person (Paul West, Jr.), one choir member (Tom Miller), one church school
council representative (Bob Gilbertson), and three members from the congregation-at-large

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(Lee Hartline, Howard Johnston, and Bob Peacock) were appointed. The committee saw
three areas of need: Worship, Multiministry (youth, fellowship, etc.) and Spiritual
Involvement, and encouraged ideas and suggestions from the congregation.

Later in the year, the Building Planning Committee appointed subcommittees to do research
on various possibilities to meet Edgewood’s needs. Those sub-committees were: Sanctuary
Renovation, Financial Potential, Youth Activities Building, Talent Potential, and New
Sanctuary.

A Revival was held the week of September 25 – October 3 , with a Week of Lay Renewal
conducted shortly thereafter. Rev. Arnie Maves, of Pensacola, Florida, conducted the
Revival, and cottage prayer groups supported it.

On November 7, a Congregational Meeting was held for the purpose of hearing a

recommendation from the Session that the design of the governing bodies of the church be
changed from a bicameral to a unicameral system. This would mean that the present
Diaconate would be elected and ordained as Ruling Elders, with the exception of those men
going out of office in 1971; and that each year for the next three years, six Ruling Elders
would be elected. Therefore, over a three-year period the size of the Session would decrease
from 22 members, to 20 members, to 18 members. The recommendation was approved.

Pat and Dewayne Patrick were appointed to teach the Westminster (college age) Sunday
School Class.

The Joy Gift and Choir Christmas Program, “A Ceremony of Carols,” and the Christmas Eve
Service, led by the Westminster Group, ended a busy and eventful year.

Charlie Walker, who joined the staff at Edgewood in 1971 as sexton, recalls that as a boy he
had a paper route in the Edgewood community. His route took him across the property,
which was donated to First Presbyterian for a mission church: Edgewood Presbyterian. And
so, in a sense, he has been associated with the corner of Macon Road and Cody Road (now
University Avenue) for a long, long time. He says “I have seen many changes and much
growth on this corner.”

1972
The World Around Us
President Richard Nixon made a historic visit to the People’s Republic of China. Hostages
were killed at the Munich Olympics. Presidential candidate George Wallace was shot and
critically injured in Maryland.. Five men were arrested as they attempted a burglary in a
Watergate office complex in Washington DC. Former president Harry Truman died.
President Nixon and Vice-President Spiro Agnew were re-elected, defeating Democrat
Senator George McGovern. In Columbus, the old Columbus Stockade was closed. The first
occupants of the new Columbus Government Center began their move into the tower. Plans
were completed for the construction of Interstate 185, connecting Columbus to I-85.

The new unicameral Session was installed on January 2 [see Session appendix] as Edgewood
began its 20th year of being a chartered Presbyterian Church in this community. The

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Officer’s Retreats were held at Camp McKenzie, March 17–18, and Callaway Gardens,
October 20–22.

Rev. White taught a class on “Learning More About Presbyterianism,” and Mrs. Oma Holt,
of First Presbyterian, taught a class on “Women’s Work in the Program of the Church” on
January 29 at the church.

Personal Growth Groups meeting at the church in 1972 included Family Living, Problems of
Alcoholism, Prayer, Men’s Issues, Interracial Issues, Holy Spirit, The Inward Journey, and an
Open Study Group. Leaders included Herbert Jones, Joan White, Howard Johnston, and
Ray White.

Youth Groups, WOC Circles (five at this time), and the Men’s Club met and enjoyed Bible
Study, service projects and fellowship. Mrs. Henry Geiger organized two Children’s Choirs.

The Building Committee made the recommendation to Session on March 12 to “completely

renovate the Sanctuary –– with all that it implies; and further we recommend that in the same
effort we build a Fellowship Hall and Youth Activities building; that this be a package deal
with renovating the Sanctuary having priority.” The recommendation was not approved; the
Building Committee was commended for their efforts and dissolved. The Session then
considered a motion that a new Sanctuary be constructed, and after considerable discussion,
the motion was unanimously approved. A special committee was appointed to prepare a
presentation to the congregation that would include the thinking of the Session in arriving at a
“new sanctuary” decision, the financial possibilities of pursuing that decision, and a
recommendation for the creation of a Planning Council to work toward that goal. Elders Dick
Collins (convener), Buddy Sparks, DeWayne Patrick, and David Pope served on the
committee.

The Church celebrated its 20th Anniversary on March 26 with a special worship service,
followed by a covered dish luncheon. A photograph of each family in the church was
displayed on that day, and tours were given of the Listening Eyes School, playground, etc.

Leonard and Frances Moore wrote an article that appeared in the Ledger-Enquirer on that
Sunday, titled “Celebrating Birthday and Easter.” Excerpts from the article describe the
church, and its ministries and activities:

“Three members of Edgewood, Eddie Ensley, Morse UpDeGraff and Charles Swann, felt the
personal call to serve God and left Columbus to enter seminary . . .The ministry of Edgewood Church
includes weekly corporate worship . . . Sunday School, study groups and circles, Fellowship of the
Disciplined study, Junior High and Senior High youth groups, Men of the Church, Women of the
Church, Growth Groups . . . Southeast Columbus Presbyterian Chapel, Benevolent ministry through
denominational agencies, World Missions, National Ministries, Columbia Seminary, Thornwell
Orphanage, and Rabun Gap School.

“An integral part of the ministry of Edgewood to the community is the Listening Eyes School for the
Deaf, located in the Educational Building at Edgewood. Its function is to provide an educational and
social curriculum for deaf children, to enable the student to be independent and function in a hearing
world, to provide an effective parent guidance program, to provide the general public the opportunity

65
to learn lip-reading skills and means of communicating through sign language and finger spelling.
Participants are 26 students from infants to 12-year-olds, three teachers, parents and a board of trustees
. . .Listening Eyes School was organized under the guidance of Auburn University’s Speech and
Hearing Clinic . . .a recent visitor remarked that Edgewood Presbyterian is known as a church without
pews but with the Listening Eyes School . . .the church thus far has used chairs instead of pews . . .
however, a building program is underway to provide a new sanctuary on the present site, including
pews.

“A unique playground is located between the Main Building and the Education Building. It was
developed and built by William Crowell, with the assistance of teenagers . . . and Men of the Church.
The playground is enjoyed by the youth of the church and the Listening Eyes School.

“One of the community services offered by Edgewood is the sponsorship of a Boy Scout Troop and a
Cub Scout Pack involving 59 boys. C. Russell Edwards, Ruling Elder, was originally instrumental in
instituting the program under the church’s sponsorship. [a photograph accompanying the article shows
Russ Edwards (the Scoutmaster) and Jeff White, Bruce Edwards, Bill Hathaway, Scott Haines,
David Eckstein, Alan Fisher, Eddie Anderson, Joe Breedlow, Chuck Gent, Bobby Chase, Jay
Williamson, David Jones, Doug Candlin, Tim Killingsworth, Bobby Rector, and Jay Edwards.]

“A highlight of worship at Edgewood is the children’s Easter Cross . . . The cross, built by Ruling
Elder Herbert Jones three years ago, stands about nine feet tall and is covered with fresh greenery and
ivy. On Easter Sunday, the children bring fresh flowers to decorate the cross. It’s a beautiful sight
when finished and has been an inspiration to all who see it on Easter.”

On April 16, the Session presented this recommendation to the congregation: “The Session
hereby recommends that the Congregation endorse its decision to move toward the building
of a new sanctuary. To facilitate that decision, the Session further recommends that a seven-
person Planning Council be formed. This Council is authorized to appoint and coordinate
whatever committees are necessary to accomplish the action of this recommendation for the
new sanctuary. This Council would be composed of four men and three women, responsible
for leading the research and the promotion in the following areas: Finance, Architecture and
Furnishings, Landscaping, Publicity, etc. This Council is hereby nominated by the Session, to
be elected by the Congregation, with the following being the Session’s nominees: Dick
Collins (Convener), Tom Miller, E. G. Sparks, Jim Harper, Lee Hartline, Betty
Gilbertson, and Mary Ann Ennis. This Council will further be authorized to call into being,
at the appropriate time, a Building Commission, members of which must be approved by the
Session. This Commission will be composed of three members with the responsibility of
working with the Architect and the Builder. The Pastor will be an ex officio member of all
committees.”

Kathy Stevenson remembers arriving in Columbus in 1972 as a young newlywed. Husband

John was going out of town on a business trip and “he gave me a job to do while he was
away: ‘find a church home.’ So one Sunday in April, I took him to the airport and drove to
Edgewood Presbyterian. I had grown up Methodist, but John was Presbyterian and of
course, being a newlywed, I wanted to please my new husband!
“I was trying to find the sanctuary (that was when the Fellowship Hall was the
sanctuary) when two very nice gentlemen noticed I was a little lost, and one of the gentlemen
(handsome and blue-eyed) approached me and introduced himself ––‘I’m Herbert Jones.’
Herbert walked me to the sanctuary and found a seat for me. I called John later and told him
about this nice little church, but warned him, ‘no pews, just chairs.’ ‘No problem,’ he said.

66
 “I could, of course, write a novel. We were members for 18 years. Our precious
Hilary was born in November 1975 into our family and the Edgewood family and three years
later we were blessed with the birth of twin sons, Ross and Neil. I still tell the story of how 22
women in my circle kept a secret for over a month and surprised me with a double stroller.
The congregation was all ‘abuzz’ about the twins.
“The love that was given us while we were members at Edgewood is still felt.
Edgewood will always be my home church, even now, ten years after we left to move to
Jacksonville, Florida. Thank you, Edgewood!”

In May, the graduating seniors were honored at a banquet, sponsored by the Women of the
Church. The speaker was Nancy Carr Buntin, Miss Georgia of l970. Also in May, the WOC
held their annual Birthday Celebration. The WOC Birthday Objective for 1972 was the
American Bible Society and Stillman College (an educational institution of the PCUS).

The Annual Congregational Family Camp was held at Pine Mountain May 12 – 14, with
approximately 125 members and friends of Edgewood attending. Five missionary families
presented the program. Lena (Mrs. V. J.) Bearden and Ronald Balkcom were the directors
of the camp.

A Youth Retreat for Pioneer and Senior High young people was held in May at Gulftreat in
Florida. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Peacock, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Pete Bray, Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Fouch, Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hutchins accompanied the youth.

Edgewood’s Choir Director, Barbara Brinson, resigned on May 28 th to teach in another

city. Evaughn Balkcom became Choir Director later in the year.

An organizational service for the Presbyterian Chapel in Southeast Columbus was held on
May 7. Rev. White preached the sermon and Elder Dick Collins participated in the service.
The church was named Steam Mill Road Presbyterian Church.

Vacation Bible School was held for the children in the week of June 12 and for adults in the
week of June 19. Mary Ann Ennis was the director of the VBS for children, and Francis and
Clara Brown directed the adult VBS. Teachers were Carol Bradford, Mary Collins,
Barbara Hall, Lynn Hammock, Miranda Jones, Angie King, Marty Lancaster, Sue
Miller, Sue Nelson, Jessica Ostick, Margaret Owen, Carol Pope, Penny Short, Hazel
Sparks, and Bobbie West. The theme was “Inward Journey,” and 27 family units attended.

The congregation met on July 16, 1972, and approved the financial arrangements presented
for the construction of a new sanctuary, not to exceed $181,000. Architect Jack B. Letson’s
services were retained for the project. A three-wing floor plan design was approved on
August 13.

Ron Gilbert and John Stevenson were the champions in the golf tournament sponsored by
the Men of the Church in August.

“The Story of Christmas” was the title of the Choir’s Christmas program. The Director was
Norma Green, and Rev. White was the Narrator.

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 1973
The World Around Us
The United States and North Vietnam signed a treaty ending 12 years of American military
intervention in Vietnam. The Watergate scandal engulfed the Nixon Administration. Vice-
President Spiro Agnew resigned after pleading no contest to a charge of evading income tax.
House Minority Leader Gerald Ford was appointed to succeed Agnew. The Roe v. Wade
decision legalized abortion. In February, 14 inches of snow buried Columbus, bringing the
area to a standstill! Mayor J. R. Allen and three others died in a plane crash in North
Georgia. Mayor Pro Tem A. J. McClung took the reins of government until former
councilman Robert Hydrick was elected mayor.

At Edgewood, plans were finalized and preparations for construction of the new sanctuary
began during this year.

A Boy’s Basketball Team was organized, with Gary Longaker coordinating the program.

Personal Growth Groups continued, including Family Living, Marriage Enrichment, Holy
Spirit, and The Inward Journey.

“A Time of Renewal and Discovery” was held from March 13 to March 22. In preparation,
members were asked to read the Book of James, one chapter each day, and to pray
continuously for renewal. Each elder met with his Shepherd Group for a time of prayer. A
Lay Renewal Team, led by Mr. Hank Still of Atlanta, came to Edgewood and was presented
to the congregation at a Family Night Supper. The Men of the Church held a breakfast for the
visiting team, and the Women of the Church held a luncheon for the team. A special worship
service was held on Saturday, March 17, led by the visiting lay renewal team. Special
activities were planned for the youth. The team members conducted all youth and adult
Sunday School classes on the March 18 as well as leading the worship service that day. Mrs.
Robert Peacock, Jr. led a class on Discovering Our Ministry Gifts on March 20. On March
22, there was a service of praise and thanksgiving, with a choral group from St. Paul
Methodist Church presenting a message in music, and congregational singing.

The Congregational Camp at Pine Mountain, directed by Tom Miller and Pam Ware, was
held in May.

A Marriage Enrichment Workshop was held at Edgewood, directed by Rev. Ray White, May
28 – June 1, in the evenings. Topics included Trust, Creative Communication, A Mate is a
Person, and Negotiation is Wiser than Winning. Dr. C.D. Cabiness, Director of Medical
Education at the Medical Center; Dr. Howard Vigrass, Director of the Family Practice Unit
at the Medical Center, Mr. Romolo Cannamela, Director of the Family Counseling Center,
and Rev. Charles Granade, pastor of Wynnton Baptist Church, participated in the
workshop.

The youth of the church went on an Appalachian Trail hike for the first time, accompanied by
Rev. Ray White and Mr. Jim Rowe. Young people hiking were Pam Bray, Kim White,
Pam Walden, Eugenia Adams, Melissa Peacock, Jean Gilbertson, Jeff White, John
Bray, and Bob Smith. This was to become an Edgewood tradition.

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As he did for several summers while at Edgewood, Rev. White traveled to San Anselmo,
California, where he attended the San Francisco Theological Seminary as a part of his
continuing education. In his absence, Edgewood enjoyed the preaching of chaplains from
Fort Benning and ministerial students (sometimes women!) from Columbia Seminary.

Vacation Bible School was a huge success, with up to 125 children attending over the two-
week period. Directors were Dale and Ginger Bovenkamp, and over 30 members helped as
teachers, serving refreshments, etc. It was noted that several workshops were held to prepare
the teachers for this important ministry.

In October, a new group designed for fellowship was organized: FOPAPS. The acronym was
for Fellowship of Post-Adolescent Presbyterians (those “under 40”)! Not to be outdone,
another group was organized a couple of weeks later for those “over 40.” This group was
named the Lively Ones (still active in 2002!). The groups combined for a Christmas party in
December, exchanging “gag” gifts and collecting toys for the Valley Rescue Mission.

It was noted in the newsletter that Sunday School attendance was up 30% from the previous
year.

At the Sunday Morning Worship Service on November 18, 1973, great controversy erupted
following the appearance of several performers from Circus Maximus, a satirical revue
written and directed by Columbus native Don Tucker. The Session passed a Resolution at its
Called Meeting of November 20, wherein the Session reaffirmed its confidence in and
support of minister Rev. Ray White, while reminding Rev. White of his responsibility to
adhere to the Book of Order in matters relating to pulpit supply. “The present feeling of the
majority of the Session is that if they had been given the opportunity to decide whether or not
the group from Circus Maximus should have delivered the sermon on the Sunday morning in
question, it would have withheld its approval.”

“A Night of Miracles,” was the name of the Christmas Choir Program. Evaughn Balkcom,
with Norma Green as accompanist, was the director of the program. As was her custom for
many years, Mrs. Eva Hunter invited all members to her home for a Christmas Party and to
enjoy her candlelit Christmas tree.

1974
The World Around Us
In the face of almost certain impeachment, Richard Nixon became the first U.S. President
ever to resign his office. Gerald Ford became the 38th President of the United States in
August. President Ford pardoned Nixon one month later. President Ford appointed former
New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller Vice-President in December. Hank Aaron of the
Atlanta Braves hit his 715th career home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s record. Jack Mickle
defeated Bob Hydrick for Mayor of Columbus.

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At a called Congregational Meeting, Clara K. Brown became the first woman elected to the
Edgewood Session. She replaced Major David Pope, who was sent to Vietnam, in the Class
of l974. She was ordained and installed on January 6, 1974.

New Sunday School classes announced at the first of the year were Christian Vocation, taught
by the pastor, Ray White; New Testament, taught by Stratton Peacock; The Twenty-Third
Psalm, with Gene Jacques as teacher; Learning to Trust, Nina Hutchins, teacher; and
Growth in Fellowship, taught by Francis Brown.

The Men of the Church took on a project to renovate the church kitchen in February.
Members contributed to pay for materials and appliances. David Pope was commended for
his leadership role in this project.

Jack Leech was commended for his work with the Boys’ Basketball Team. The tournament
each year provided an opportunity for the boys to share in teamwork and fellowship with
each other and their coaches.

On March 24, as part of the weeklong Presbyterian Missions Conference which included
activities in each Presbyterian Church in Columbus, The Rev. Bill Warlick, missionary to
Zaire, was the guest preacher at Edgewood.

The Church Congregational Camp was held in April, with Dr. Erskine Clark, from
Columbia Seminary, as leader. The theme was “What Does It Mean to Be a Presbyterian?”

The theme was set for the month of May as “Twentieth Century Discipleship.” Each Sunday,
guest preachers spoke on this theme. They were Bob Herlong, Halawaka Retreat Center,
Columbus; Dr. Charles Cousar, Columbia Seminary; Rev. Harrison Morgan, Executive
Presbyter, Southwest Georgia Presbytery (now Flint River Presbytery); and Rev. Bill
Warlick, Missionary to Zaire, home on furlough and living at Mission Haven in Atlanta.

The congregation approved the construction of the present sanctuary on June 2, 1974. The
Corporate Officers were instructed to execute the necessary legal instrument with Home
Federal Savings and Loan and secure a construction contract with Pound Construction Co.,
Inc. The Building Committee presented the cost estimates as follows:

New Sanctuary Building …………………………….. $262,000

Pews ……………………………………………………. 10,000
Landscaping ……………………………………………. 5,000
Fees ……………………………………………. .…… 21,000
$298,000
Current Debt ……………………………………. ….. 52,000
Less Estimated Cash ………………………………… (20,000)
TOTAL COMMITMENT ……….… $330,000

Superintendent Mrs. Stratton Peacock headed the Church School staff, assisted by Howard
K. Johnston and Librarian Mrs. Marty Lancaster.

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Mrs. Susan Gilbert chaired the Children’s Division, which consisted of Nursery through
Sixth Grade children. Mrs. Linda Todd, Mr. & Mrs. Jimbo Harper, Mrs. Edith Hall,
Mrs. Pam Chambers, Mrs. Hazel Sparks, Mrs. Alice West, and Mrs. Latrella Harrell
served as teachers of this Division.

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Fouché, Jr. led the Youth Division, comprised of sixth and seventh
graders and the ninth through 12th Graders. Mr. & Mrs. J. A. Bray, Rev. Raymon White,
and Mr. & Mrs. Tom Schaus provided the teaching leadership.

Mrs. Stratton Peacock chaired the Adult Division and she and Rev. Ray White, Mrs.
Jonnie LeSueur, Mr. Gene Jacques, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Lancaster, Mr. Bill Crowell,
Mrs. Eris Farmer, Mrs. Alice Kelly, Mrs. Joan White, and Mrs. Jeanne Slay served as
teachers and group leaders.

The Senior High Fellowship enjoyed a Retreat at Camp McKenzie November 15 – 17. The
pastor and Mr. & Mrs. Tom Schaus served as Retreat leaders.

The Personal Faith and Family Life Committee led a Wednesday night prayer group, with
Bill and Nina Hutchins, Martha Fouché, and Pam Bray as leaders.

Several Christmas programs were presented during Advent. “Heaven’s Christmas Tree” was
the Joy Gift Program; “Legends of Christmas” was the theme of the Adult Sunday School
Department, given during the Sunday School hour; the Chancel Choir presented a service of
“Lessons and Carols;” and the college-age members led the Christmas Eve Service.

Elder Bob Fouché, on behalf of the Session, presented the following statement to the
Columbus City Council at its December 30 meeting. The City Council had approved the
licensing of the practice of astrology.
“We hold the practice of astrology to be inconsistent with the basic tenets of the
Christian faith. It devalues human worth. It exalts and perpetuates the value of hidden rituals
in contrast to the virtues of life lived in honest openness.
“Realizing that the City Council must have a broader base for its action than the
Christian faith, we also consider the practice of astrology to be a detriment to the general
well-being of life in our community.
“In and of itself, it is a neutral activity––neither good nor bad. Its negative influence
comes through the way it is used and the human vulnerability on which it feeds.
“It capitalizes on people’s fears, uncertainties, and superstitions. It makes the weak
more irresponsible and susceptible. It offers no positive value to enrich life in our
community. To use it seems to be a parasitic practice feeding on the fears of the many for the
profit of a few. It does no good that we can see.”

Howard and Mig Hanko joined the church in 1974. Howard joined the softball team, a
Sunday School class, and the Chancel Choir soon thereafter. He remembers attending
Sunday School in a house facing Walton Street, Wednesday night prayer services in the
Parlor, men’s breakfast fellowships, and Sunday evening services. He modestly says, “I led
the Bible Study as part of that service after Ray White left Edgewood in 1977.” He also
recalls participating in canoe outings on the Flint River: “They were organized by Hugh
Farmer and were quite popular events. One time Dr. Gordon Miller and I were paired in a

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canoe. As it approached the ‘Yellow Jacket’ (an area of white water rapids), we realized we
were rapidly headed toward a large rock in the middle of the racing Flint, and Dr. Miller
shouted ‘we’re going to crash!’ He then abandoned ship, leaving me alone to become
wedged between the rocks. Fifteen of the Edgewood men struggled to release the canoe – to
no avail. The canoe belonged to a member who, as I recall, never returned to church after
losing his brand-new canoe!

Mig remembers being in Jonnie LeSueur’s Sunday School class and what a wonderful
teacher Jonnie was. She also recalls, “Evaughn Balkcom was the choir director and Norma
Green was the accompanist. Choir rehearsals were held in the Education Building and the
choir then walked down to the sanctuary (now the Fellowship Hall building) each Sunday
morning for the worship service. On that first Christmas, there were huge pools of water on
each side of the walkway. I also remember the folding chairs used in the sanctuary! Special
memories are of Alice Kay Brown directing a Maundy Thursday service, the children around
the Easter cross, and the hand bells at Leslie Farmer’s wedding. Also, a Christmas Tea for
mothers and daughters, with all the women bringing china teacups, which gave a special flair
to the event.”

Herb Jones also recalls the canoe outings: “We would usually put in at Sprewell Bluff,
and that meant we had to maneuver the infamous Yellow Jacket . It was fun, but not unusual
for a canoe or two to overturn, and the occupants would get soaking wet. Randy always knew
when I had overturned my canoe because I would spread out all the papers and money in my
wallet to dry when I got home. After our adventure on the river, we would go to a fish camp
nearby and eat our fill of catfish, hushpuppies, and slaw!”

1975

The World Around Us

Watergate indictments continued. President Ford escaped injury in an assassination attempt
on his life in California. Over two decades of U.S. military involvement in Vietnam ended.
Bill Gates and Paul Allen started the Microsoft Co. In Columbus, crowds gathered at
Columbus College to watch “streakers” ride motorcycles or swim in the fountain. Peachtree
Mall opened on the Manchester Expressway. Betty Tisdale, of An Lac Orphanage in
Vietnam fame, brought 70 Vietnamese orphans to Columbus. AFLAC Incorporated moved
its headquarters into an 18-story tower on Wynnton Road.

At Edgewood, Personal Growth groups continued, and a workshop was held at the beginning
of the year for persons interested in becoming more effective in leading groups of adults.
Twenty-eight persons registered for the workshop.

The Sunday bulletins reported contributions being given by members of the congregation for
pews, choir robes and stoles, offering plates, communion trays, cups and chalice, hymnals
and other items needed for the new sanctuary.

Friendship Day was the setting for several “how to” classes, including quilt-making (taught
by Joan White), cake decorating (taught by Selena Parker), bread-dough trays and napkin

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holders (taught by Brenda Rowe), homemade rolls (taught by Jonnie LeSueur), and
Swedish cookies (taught by Mig Hanko). Friendship Day continued for several years.

Miranda Jones recalls, “the most joyful and most poignant times of our life at Edgewood
have always involved the wonderful people who are the Church of Jesus Christ. From the
very first time our doorbell was rung by Ray White visiting us the day after we first attended
(when I asked where Joan was, he answered that she had too many children to visit with him)
and on other days that week by a succession of women (I especially remember Hazel Sparks
and Norma Hollingsworth), to today, it has been the people who kept us connected to
Edgewood. In the days when we had Friendship Day every week, Elizabeth Gant, who was a
self-described ‘knitwit’ because she loved to knit and do other needlework so much, realized
that I wanted to learn how to crochet and also that I was left-handed, so she practiced at
home in front of a mirror so that she could teach a lefty to crochet! I was thrilled, and very
touched by her generous spirit. We and Ken and Marty Lancaster always shared a cabin at
EPCCC (and who knows, perhaps unwittingly, toothbrushes!); we always talked and laughed
more than we slept. Jonnie LeSueur and Lee Hartline always ask, ‘how is our Melissa?’
Clara and Francis Brown, and Marge and Carroll Welker have helped us in so many ways;
all we have to do is call. Mrs. Gant’s spirit lives in so many others, and today a rhubarb pie
showed up at our house, baked by Mig Hanko, because Herbert had mentioned he’d never
had one! And, these named persons are just part of an entire congregation who are so caring
and who, when you ask them to pray for you, you know they really do!”

Choir Director Evaughn Balkcom resigned in March as she and her family were moving to
Montgomery. A contract was made with Mrs. Ann Mordic to serve as Organist at an interim
salary of $35 per week. Mrs. Norma Green was contracted as Choir Director at the same
interim salary.

Margaret Laney, Ledger-Enquirer Religion Editor, wrote the following article, headlined
“Unique Shape at Edgewood,” in the March 22 edition:
One of the most architecturally distinctive church buildings in the city is the new sanctuary of
the Edgewood Presbyterian Church, which is shaped like a cross.
“We believe that this in itself is a structural witness to the grace and love of God,” says Rev.
Raymon White, pastor.
The congregation will worship for the first time in its new sanctuary on Easter Sunday, but the
dedication will be delayed until May 18, Pentecost Sunday.
“Within the building,” he noted, “the people are gathered for worship around the communion
table and the pulpit. They are seated on all four sides. This arrangement symbolizes the fact that we are
gathered among the Living Christ to worship Him.
“If we have any life at Edgewood at all, it is the life of the Spirit of Christ among us. The
pulpit itself is elevated and central, which speaks of the authority of the Word of God in a Presbyterian
congregation.
“The interior is dominated by high wooden arches and ceiling. Behind the choir a large
wooden cross is a focal point for the attention of the worshippers.”
Planning for the new building began more than two years ago and has been “truly a joint
effort” of the entire congregation, said Rev. White.
The congregation went to architect Jack Letson to design a place of worship.

The congregation worshiped for the first time in the new sanctuary on Easter Sunday, March
30, 1975, which was also the 23rd anniversary of Edgewood Church.

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The new sanctuary was dedicated on May 18 in conjunction with the observance of Pentecost
Sunday. Dr. J. McDowell Richards, a past president of Columbia Seminary, was the guest
speaker. Southwest Georgia Executive Presbyter Rev. Harrison Morgan was a special guest.
The Session approved the dedication in memory of Edgewood’s first pastor, Rev. William
Bourne Clemmons, with a plaque to be placed in an appropriate place in the new building.
Fellowship and Dinner on the Grounds followed the Dedication Service. The original
building, long used as the sanctuary, was designated as Fellowship Hall.

Frances Long, a charter member, recalls the early days: “In 1951, my husband Lt.
Leonard Moore, two children and I had bought a home on Kuida Ave. We were attending
Memorial Presbyterian Church with my aunt and uncle, Grace and Leon Helms, at the time.
When Rev. Ernie Gilmore (a seminary student at the time) approached us about a new
church being started on Macon Road, we decided to join EPC.
“Leonard Sr. and Leonard Jr. were baptized by Rev. Clemmons the Sunday that we
joined. Our son, Mike Moore, was born at Ft. Benning in December 1952. Mike was not
expected to live, so the post chaplain baptized him in the incubator. Happily, he did recover,
and was later baptized a second time at EPC by Rev. Clemmons.
“The Army sent us to Yuma, Arizona, in 1954 for a year and then transferred us to
Germany. The children and I spent the summer in Columbus waiting to go to Germany. We
never transferred our membership at EPC, for we felt we’d be back. In 1958, we returned to
Columbus with Mary, our new daughter born to us in Germany. She was baptized by Rev.
Clay Doyle, who conducted the ceremony with a live rose. He dipped the rose into the
baptismal font, sprinkled the water on Mary, and gave the rose to me after the baptism. It was
a very moving ceremony.
“Leonard retired in 1959 and we settled on Goodson Dr. and became very active at
EPC. Leonard served as treasurer, Deacon, Elder and member of the Men of the Church. He
was on the Session when they decided to build the new sanctuary building. He also was one
of the members who used the shovel at the groundbreaking ceremony.
“It has been my privilege to be a part of the many changes as EPC grew. I got to
know all of the past ministers, and I realize how much time has passed when I see children I
used to teach in 1st grade Sunday School go off to college, get married and have families. I’ve
been a member of Women of the Church, a Study Group chairperson and an Elder.
My four children grew up at EPC, as did two granddaughters, Julie Moore and
Amanda Willard. They were baptized here and one granddaughter, Theresa Merritt married
at Edgewood in a ceremony at which Rev. Barry Ferguson officiated.
“The EPC church family cared for and comforted me through more illnesses than I
care to remember. They strengthened me through the loss of parents, a son, and my husband.
Bob Parker, Pastor Barry and the men of the church did so much for us during Leonard’s
illness.
“On April 10, 1993 a new and happy phase of my life began with my marriage to Al
Long here at Edgewood. The women of EPC provided a delightful reception following the
ceremony. Al joined EPC in June ’93, and since then he has been very active repairing and
maintaining church property.
“When I first joined EPC, worship services were held in what is now the Fellowship
Hall. We sat in used straight-back walnut chairs that were ‘dressed up’ with covers made by
women of the church. Our new church had many young families, military personnel, and
some senior citizens. It was a friendly and caring congregation with a deep concern for each

74
other. I do not believe that the caring and concern for members in general is quite as strong
today as it was in years gone by. Modern day worship services do not seem as spiritual to me,
but I have seen a great improvement in our music programs.
“I thank God for His guidance, love and grace as He has helped me grow in love,
faith, strength and hope at EPC. I thank God for all of the EPC members who have loved,
cared and prayed for me. And, I am especially thankful and most grateful that God directed
and led my family to the corner of Macon and Cody (now University) Roads almost 50 years
ago.”

Congregational Camp was held in May with the Rev. Chuck Olson as resource person.

Mr. Griff Hartline served as a Commissioner from Southwest Georgia Presbytery to the
115th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U.S. The meeting was held at Queens
College, Charlotte, North Carolina, June 14 – 20.

John and Joann Ellington, Edgewood’s missionaries to Zaire, were special guests at a
Family Night Supper in June.

The Authorized Memoirs of the First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Georgia for the
period 1946 – 1995 by Myron Hamilton noted on page 298 the passing of Mrs. Marian
Clemmons on June 25, 1975. Mrs. Clemmons was the widow of Rev. W. B. Clemmons,
first Pastor of Edgewood Presbyterian Church from 1952 to 1955. “Excerpts from the letter to
the son and daughters of Mrs. Marian Clemmons, from Session Clerk J. Norman Pease:
`The passing of your dear mother has left a void that will not soon be filled at First
Presbyterian Church. She was an elect lady, a tower of strength, and a strong witness for
Christ. She not only gave of her time, she gave of herself tirelessly. Her faith and her
devotion will be remembered by those of us who were privileged to know her and work with
her for the remainder of our lives. Please accept these inadequate words as an attempt to
convey the feeling of this group of her fellow disciples in Christ. We are forever richer
because Marian Clemmons came our way.’ This was addressed to Ann, Martha, and Bill.”

Vacation Bible School coordinators Rosie Jacques and Eris Farmer selected the theme,
“God, Me and Where We Live.”

In November, Dr. Frank Harrington, senior pastor at Peachtree Presbyterian in Atlanta, was
the Stewardship Season speaker. Dedication Sunday was November 23, and elders called on
those in their Elder Shepherd Groups on that day, as part of Every Member Canvass.

Choir Director Norma Green and Organist Ann Mordic led the Chancel Choir in a
Celebration of Our Saviour’s Birth on December 21. The college-age young people presented
a Christmas Eve worship service with James Sparks, Randy Hartline, Alice Kay Brown,
Pam Bray, John Bray, Rick Parker, Russ Greer, Jim Hammock, Kim White, Pam
Walden, and Jimmy Bennett participating.

75
 1976
The World Around Us
The nation joyfully celebrated its Bicentennial on Independence Day. Former Georgia
Governor James Earl “Jimmy” Carter was elected President, defeating incumbent Gerald
Ford. Israeli troops attacked Uganda’s Entebbe Airport and freed 103 hostages held by
Palestinian hijackers. Mao Tse Tung, Chinese premier, died. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled
that the death penalty was not inherently cruel or unusual and was a constitutionally
acceptable form of punishment. Harvey Glance, a native of Phenix City, won a Gold Medal
in the Summer Olympics’ track and field competitions. Dr. Mercer Blanchard, Sr.,
Columbus’ first pediatrician, died.

At Edgewood, several new red and silver maple trees were planted around the sanctuary in
memory of Mr. A.R. Mottesheard, father of Mrs. Tom (Sue) Miller. Several members had
contributed to the Memorial Fund for the planting of the trees.

Mrs. Nina Hutchins, long-time Church Secretary, retired and she and husband Bill moved to
North Carolina. Mrs. Elinor Carr, a member of First Presbyterian, became Church
Secretary.

Several members, depicting the events that occurred as Christ appeared before the Jewish and
Roman courts 2,000 years ago, presented a Good Friday drama. Mrs. David Smalley was
Pontius Pilate’s wife, Vic Froehlke was Pontius Pilate, Steve Riddle was Simon Peter, Jim
Hammock was Barabbas, John Bray was the Apostle John, Jerry Mullinax was a
Centurion, Mrs. Howard Hanko was Mary, Bill Crowell was Judas, and Alice Kay Brown
was Mary Magdalene. Costumes were provided by Mrs. W. G. Hartline, Mrs. Hugh
Farmer, Mrs. Hanko, and Mrs. Genevera Rudasill. The drama re-enacted the emotions of
many of those who knew Jesus at the time of his death. Pilate spoke of his dilemma, Peter
spoke of his failure, and Mary remembered Jesus’ past.

Discovery Weekend, an event for fellowship and spiritual enrichment for the churches
throughout Southwest Georgia Presbytery, was held March 12 and 13 at Norman Park
Assembly, Norman Park, Georgia. The cost was $12 per person, and included meals and
lodging. This was a forerunner to today’s annual Celebration of Faith at Norman Park.

Southwest Georgia Presbytery held a “Hot Dog” workshop at Edgewood in March. This was
a Christian Education workshop open to all Sunday School teachers and superintendents,
Nurture Committee members, Vacation Bible School workers, and others interested in
learning more about Christian Education in our church.

The Edgewood Women of the Church hosted the annual meeting of the WOC, Southwest
Georgia Presbytery in March.

Beginning in April, the last verse of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” was used in worship for the
balance of the year as part of Edgewood’s celebration of our nation’s 200th birthday: “Our
fathers’ God, to Thee, author of liberty, to Thee we sing; Long may our land be bright with
freedom’s holy light; Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King.”

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Alice Kay Brown, daughter of Francis and Clara Brown, presented a program of sacred
music in May. She graduated from Asbury College and received her master’s degree in music
from Peabody College.

Youth Sunday was held on May 16. Participating in the morning worship service were
Melissa Jones and Melissa Peacock and the Youth Ensemble. Graduating Seniors were
honored that evening with a banquet. They were Catherine L. Carr, Jane Dollar, Chuck
Gaddy, Bill Hammock, Glenn Hendry, Jr., Perry Johnston, David Leech, Mary Moore,
Peter Nelson, Melissa Peacock, Billy Watson, and Chuck Wike.

Working with Kolomoki Camp was Bob Peacock as boy’s counselor, Stratton Peacock as
one of the lead teachers, and Pam Bray as camp nurse.

The Fellowship of Post-Adolescent Presbyterians (FOPAPS) held a Bicentennial Party,

complete with early American costumes, in June, and later in the year held a Halloween
party, with members wearing costumes and having a lively time.

An undated letter:
Memorial Presbyterian Church
2508 Dawson Street
Columbus, Georgia 31903
Thomson Q. Johnston, Pastor
689-1694
To: The Session of Edgewood Presbyterian Church
Columbus, Georgia

At a Session Meeting of Memorial Presbyterian Church on Wednesday Night, July 28, 1976,
a motion was made, seconded and carried that the Moderator of Session contact the Session
of Edgewood Presbyterian Church and talk to them about the possibility of a merger of
Memorial Presbyterian Church with Edgewood Presbyterian Church.
/s/ J. R. McLeod
Vice Moderator
Session of Memorial Presbyterian Church

On August 8, Elder McLeod delivered this communication to Edgewood’s Session. Elder

Bob Gant moved and Elder Jerry Mullinax seconded that a meeting be set up between the
two sessions, with a member or members of the Presbytery Church Extension Committee
present, to discuss the uniting of the two congregations. A joint meeting of the Sessions was
held on August 19, 1976, at Edgewood. Rev. Harrison Morgan, Executive Presbyter of
Southwest Georgia Presbytery acted as Moderator of the meeting. Motions were approved
that the two congregations, their Sessions, and their Women of the Church Councils would be
merged.

Memorial Presbyterian Church had its beginnings in 1931 as a Chapel of First Presbyterian
Church. Elder W.H. Young of First Church was the first Sunday School Superintendent and
Adult Bible Class teacher. Twenty adults met with him in a five-room dwelling on Dawson
Street, in a South Columbus community that originally was sparsely populated and had many

77
fields and wooded areas. The people of the community rallied around the only organized
religious activity in its midst and this interest soon generated weekly prayer services.

The church was officially organized on June 5, 1932, with 29 charter members. Within a few
months a brick building was erected with a sanctuary that seated about 100 and five
classrooms. Memorial increasingly became the heart of the community, and the contribution
of an interested friend made possible the erection of a frame building that had another
classroom and social hall.

Support for the church continued, and the years of 1945 to 1951 witnessed an explosive
population growth in the community as World War II veterans and their families returned
home to re-establish their lives. Consequently, Memorial assumed self-supporting status from
the Presbytery’s Home Mission Committee on April 1, 1951, reporting 232 active members.
Due to an earlier extension of Columbus city limits, the church was now within Columbus
city limits.

In 1955 Memorial constructed a two-story brick education building. Two years later, ground
was broken on the new 1,200 square feet sanctuary by Rev. L. W. Warren, Jr., W. B.
Coleman, and charter members Mrs. S. A. Tyler, Mrs. L. L. Coleman, and R. L. Bunn.

Their new sanctuary was dedicated on July 6, 1958. The service included this prayer: “God,
our Heavenly Father, having in His grace, which is in our Lord Jesus Christ, brought to its
consummation our work of building for the honor of His Holy Name a house of worship
where His gospel is to be truly preached, His sacraments faithfully administered, and prayers
and praise are to be offered unto Him, we are now gathered in His presence for the purpose of
consecrating this house, by a solemn act of worship, to its proper and sacred use.”

In 1976, the congregation of Memorial wrestled with the issue of merger with another
Columbus Presbyterian congregation. Commercial enterprise had eased closer and closer, and
membership was declining. Initially the Steam Mill Road Church was considered, but a vote
in June to table the motion ended that process, and later in the year, the congregation voted to
petition the Presbytery to unite Memorial and Edgewood. The final worship service
conducted at Memorial was held on October 24, 1976. [see Memorial Transfers appendix]

Pastors who had served Memorial Church included Rev. L.W. Warren, Jr. (1954 – 1958),
Rev. Thomas G. Blalock (1958 – 1967), Rev. Everett Moye (an interim pastorate in 1969),
Rev. William A. Shumate (1969 – 1972), and Rev. Thomson Quarles Johnston (1972 –
1976). At the time of the merger with Edgewood, Rev. Johnston placed this announcement in
the Edgewood News: “I have received a call to become the minister of First Presbyterian
Church in Hinton, West Virginia. We will be leaving December 28 if the van gets loaded.
Shirley and I cannot tell you how much you have meant to us, and what a joy it has been to
work and worship with you these two months. It has been a wonderful experience to see how
God has worked things for good for us all, in the Union of Edgewood and Memorial
churches. My association with Ray has been a special blessing. The appreciation I have
always felt for him has deepened and grown. As we leave Columbus for the new work to
which God has called us, it is our prayer that your warm fellowship in the Family of God will
deepen, and that your loving concern for people will draw many into that fellowship as you
worship and serve our Lord Jesus Christ.”

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 A Church Dedication
(adapted from Edward E. Chipman)

This is a new place in this community,

Here ground was broken that there might arise
A house of God that points men to the skies.

Here is that house, made ready, all prepared

To care for people thronging to its doors,
To honor God, not heeding man’s applause.

Here are the people, faulty sons of men,

But knowing where a peace and help are found
Within this house, on this new holy ground.

Here is the Christ, whom ages have acclaimed,

Who waiting stands with open arms of love,
And draws men to the Father’s heart, above.

Here is the future – all unspent and new,

Beckoning our lives to serve the highest good,
To witness to the Christ as true men should.

Grant us great faithfulness, O Lord our God,

That we shall render here true ministry,
That all may know the Christ who sets men free.

That this new church, in this community,

Shall leaven all the bread of daily life,
And make for unity, instead of strife.

That seeking for the good of all mankind,

We here shall know approval of the Lord,
And nearer bring the Kingdom of our God.

The Session of Edgewood unanimously approved a motion inviting the Korean Presbyterian
Chapel to use the property of Memorial Presbyterian Church. The invitation included the
provision that the Korean congregation would have full use of all the buildings for a monthly
lease payment of $100. Edgewood’s congregation warmly greeted its Korean sister church
and looked forward to the time when the Chapel would reach Church status.

Rev. Raymon White recalls both the formation of the Korean Presbyterian Church and the
uniting of the congregations of Edgewood and Memorial Churches: “The grace of the
Korean Presbyterian Church that included Koreans, African-Americans, and American
soldiers, along with the grace of the members of Memorial and their wonderful pastor, Rev.
Tom Johnston, model for us all the sort of community that living in Christ creates.”

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A called congregational meeting was held in August to consider a recommendation from the
Session concerning a new officer election procedure. The recommendation, which was
approved by the congregation, called for the formation of an Officer Nominating Committee
to be elected annually, to consist of three elders from the active Session and six at-large
members from the congregation. The purpose of this annual committee was to prepare a slate
of nominees for each class of elders as well as to nominate persons to fill unexpired terms of
office.

A Bicentennial Sacred Concert was held on September 12, and following the concert, a
reception was held for the members of Memorial Church.

The Presbytery approved the merger of the two congregations, effective October 31, 1976.
The following Sunday the morning worship service was conducted jointly by Rev. White and
Rev. Johnston, followed by dinner on the grounds for all.

Several members of the Memorial Church were recognized for their faithful service to that
church: “to Georgette Milner for bringing beauty in music and to Joanna Cavanaugh for
helping (in that area); to Lawrence Cavanaugh for directing the Choir for many years, and
to Shirley Johnston for pinch-hitting when needed; to Betty Reed for doing the bulletins and
secretarial work; and to Bradley Thomas for keeping the buildings and grounds in good
condition.”

Miranda Jones remembers the merger of the two congregations: “It was a beautiful,
spiritual thing that happened. It brought so many wonderful people to our congregation who
immediately began to serve at Edgewood, like Jake and Lillian McLeod, Hoyt and Fannie
Lou Stubbs, George and Sue Cleveland, George and Lee Cook, Lois Martin, Luther and
Beulah Goolsby, Lucile Roberts, ‘Miss Annie’ Swensen, Gene and Ann Hall, Wells Moye,
Doris Clark, Mildred Frank, Shepherd Chuites (Rev. Johnston’s daughter) – and so many
more. Many of them remain active today. What would we have done without their service
over these last 25 years?”

The Community Presbyterian Council elected Jake McLeod as Secretary and Dick Collins
as Treasurer. The Council served the Presbyterian churches of Columbus by coordinating
activities of a community wide nature.

The Session, on behalf of the entire congregation, adopted a Vietnamese couple for
Christmas. The couple married the day after Christmas, and the congregation provided many
household items for them.

1977

The World Around Us

James Earl Carter, Jr. was inaugurated as the 39th President of the United States. President
Carter grew up on a Plains, Georgia, farm. The Episcopal Church ordained its first woman
priest. The cost of a first-class stamp rose to 13 cents. Before a crowd of 4,000, General
Omar Bradley cut the ribbon on the Army’s Infantry Museum at Fort Benning. In

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Columbus, seven elderly women, six of whom lived in the Wynnton area, were killed in their
homes. The national media labeled the killer as the “Stocking Strangler.”

At Edgewood, Tom Miller served as Superintendent of Sunday School, and Mrs. Bill
Crowell was the Librarian. Mrs. Philip Griffin headed the Children’s Division. Teachers in
that division were Mrs. Oscar Evans, Kim White and Pam Bray (two and three year-olds);
Mrs. David Gilfert and Mrs. Jimbo Harper (four and five year-olds); Mrs. Millie Watson
(first and second graders); Mrs. E. G. Sparks and Mrs. Herbert Jones (third and fourth
graders); and Mrs. Gene Jacques (fifth and sixth graders. Mrs. Griff Hartline was in charge
of the crib nursery.

Herbert Jones served as Youth Division Chairman and Mr. and Mrs. Ron Gilbert taught
the sixth and seventh graders. Ninth through 12th grade classes were conducted by Mrs. Tom
Schaus. Mr. and Mrs. Don Kinard were Junior High Fellowship Advisors, and Mr. and
Mrs. Bob Wells served as Advisors for the Senior High Fellowship.

Adult Sunday School classes changed quarterly, and the topics and teaching staff were not
recorded.

Dr. and Mrs. Herb Codlington, medical missionaries to Bangladesh, were guests of the
church on a weekend in January. Dr. Codlington delivered the sermon that Sunday, and the
Women of the Church hosted the Codlingtons at a Coffee. Edgewood honored Harriet
Girardeau, volunteer missionary to Zaire, at the February Family Night Supper.

Edgewood participated in several community projects during the year. The Columbus
Community Presbyterian Council sponsored an “Art of Storytelling” workshop in January
and a “Creative Arts” session in February.

At the Sunday morning worship service on February 6, Rev. Raymon L. White announced
that he had accepted a call to the First Presbyterian Church of Greer, South Carolina,
effective February 28, thus ending almost ten years of ministry as Edgewood’s fourth pastor.

Rev. White and his family were entertained by many church members and were honored at a
Farewell Tea on the day preceding their departure for Greer.

The Congregation elected J. A. “Pete” Bray, Francis Brown, Mary Collins, Jim Harper,
Jr., Griff Hartline, Bette MacVean, Melissa Peacock, and Hoyt Stubbs as the Pulpit
Nominating Committee, with Connie Penny and Bob Wells serving as Alternates. At an
organizational meeting, the committee elected Mr. Brown as Chairman, Mr. Harper as Vice-
Chairman, and Mrs. MacVean as Secretary.

Mrs. Stratton Peacock was invited by the Session to serve as Interim Administrator, and
Elder Gene Jacques was elected to serve as Moderator Pro Tem of the Session. Later, Jake
McLeod and Howard Johnston would each serve as Moderator Pro Tem. Stratton recalls,
“In 1975, Ray White asked me to consider taking a staff position with the presbytery, and
after prayerful consideration I became a Presbytery Educator, on a part-time basis. Toward
the end of Ray’s pastorate, the Memorial Presbyterian congregation merged with Edgewood.

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After Ray left in 1977, I offered to serve as a volunteer Administrator during the period of
weekend interim pastors. It was a pleasure working with Bonneau Dickson, Harry Fifield,
and Al Reese as we made special effort to get to know the Memorial members and help them
feel at home at Edgewood. It was a healthy time for the church as members took
responsibility for keeping things going while we didn’t have a full-time minister.”

Following the departure of Rev. White, Edgewood was blessed throughout the balance of the
year to be led in worship by several outstanding ministers. Rev. Harrison Morgan,
Executive Presbyter of the Southwest Georgia Presbytery, led three worship services and
conducted the Maundy Thursday services when the members of the Communicant’s Class
were received [see Confirmands appendix]. Other ministers who led services in this
transitional year included Rev. Dr. John Calvin Chestnut, Regional Communicator for the
Synod of the Southeast; Rev. Richard A. Dodds, Columbia Seminary; Rev. Sidney
Anderson, Columbia Seminary; Rev. Dr. James E. Andrews, Stated Clerk of the General
Assembly, PCUS; Rev. Dr. R.E. Randolph, Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in
Atlanta; Rev. Wayne Anthony, Associate Pastor of Park Avenue United Methodist Church
in Valdosta; and Rev. Dr. J. Bonneau Dickson [see Pastor Profiles], Executive Presbyter of
Atlanta Presbytery. Dr. Dickson agreed to serve as Interim Pastor beginning April 17 until the
end of the year.

Dr. Dickson and his lovely wife, Bettie, would travel from Atlanta to Columbus weekly and
they became familiar faces as they worshipped at and served Edgewood. Jake McLeod and
Hoyt Stubbs loved to take Dr. Dickson fishing because he enjoyed it so much. They reported
that on one outing, he caught a big fish. Jake and Hoyt said that the fish weighed ten pounds,
but Bonneau insisted that it weighed 12 pounds. Francis Brown remembers that when the
proud fisherman told of his great fish, he said, “Francis, when that big fish took my bait, all
heaven broke loose!”

Melissa (Jones) Fontaine recalls her teen years at Edgewood, which coincided with Ray
White’s pastorate and with the interim pastorates of Dr. Dickson and Dr. Harry Fifield. “I
was a first-grader when we joined Edgewood, but what I remember most about growing up at
Edgewood were the youth group activities; the hikes on the Appalachian Trail (I was not a
good hiker, but Mr. White, who has a keen sense of humor, said that I had perseverance);
being in the choir, and the spiritual leadership of Norma Green, who also did so much to
encourage me as a singer; Mrs. Jonnie LeSueur, who ‘adopted’ me along with the other
children in the congregation; and Dr. Bonneau Dickson. Dr. Dickson knew everybody, and
so when I went off to Converse College, he wrote the Dean, and Dr. Fifield wrote the pastor
of First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg to let them know I was coming. As a freshman
who knew almost no one there, it was great to be contacted personally by Dean Ashmore
and the pastor. So many people at Edgewood have ‘kept up’ with me all these years and it
means so much to me.”

The church celebrated its 25th anniversary on March 30. It was noted that Edgewood had
grown from 54 charter members to a membership of 410.

The congregation joined with other neighborhood churches for a Community Thanksgiving
Service held at Edgewood Baptist Church. Our organist, Ann Mordic, along with members
of our choir, participated in the joint service.

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 1978

The World Around Us

Fort Benning medics were sent to Guyana, where cult leader Jim Jones and his “disciples”
committed mass suicide. President Jimmy Carter was applauded for his role in bringing
about peace between Egypt and Israel. Pope Paul VI died and was replaced by Polish native
Karol Cardinal Wojtyla, who took the title of Pope John Paul II. Louise Brown, the first
“test tube” baby, was born healthy. George Busby was the governor of Georgia. Columbus
celebrated its Sesquicentennial (150 years) with concerts, pageants, and a gala ball at which
the Dave Mercer Orchestra played; tickets were $7.50. In June, Columbus experienced
record high temperatures in the 100s.

At Edgewood, the Rev. Al Reese [see Pastor Profiles] began a six-month interim pastorate.
Mrs. Stratton Peacock continued as Church Administrator. Mrs. Elinor Carr was Church
Secretary. Mr. Charlie Walker was Sexton. Mrs. Norma Green was Choir Director, and
Mrs. Ann Mordic was Organist.

Reports listed below from the Sessional Committees show that the church ran smoothly under
the leadership of the interim pastors, the Session, and the Administrator:

WORSHIP COMMITTEE – Elder Dick Collins, Moderator

Rev. Al Reese served as Interim Pastor through June 1, 1978. Dr. Harry Fifield [see Pastor
Profiles] assumed duties as Interim Pastor July 2, 1978. The Fifields occupied the Manse
after it was refurbished. Dr. Fifield completed his interim position January 1, 1979.

Mr. & Mrs. Buddy Sparks and Mr. & Mrs. Ken Stepp served as a welcome committee on
Sunday mornings. Mrs. Mary Anne Ennis chaired the Sanctuary Subcommittee and David
Smalley chaired the Ushering Subcommittee.

The Choir Director and Organist attended the Montreat Music Conference. Mrs. Green
reported “Music Week at Montreat was a wonderful in-service training experience as well as
an awe-inspiring spiritual one.”

Communion was served to 170 on April 9, to 160 on July 9, and to 178 on October 1.

Edgewood hosted the annual Community Thanksgiving Service November 22.

NURTURE COMMITTEE – Elder Tom Miller, Moderator

Congregational Camp was held in the Spring at Pine Mountain Park. Dr. Shirley Guthrie of
Columbia Seminary participated in the weekend event. There were 119 EPC family members,
representing 23 family units, in attendance on Friday night and 117 at Saturday night’s
activities. Cost per person was $8.09.

The Communicant’s Class began February 4, 1978, and was conducted by Gene Jacques.
[see Confirmands appendix]

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A Growth Group for Singles was formed with Patricia Amos as Coordinator.

Senior High youth participated in an Appalachian Trail hike directed by Lloyd Frey in June.
A Senior High Retreat was held at Florence Marina March 10-12 with Rev. Bob Ritchie
participating. A second Retreat was held in October with Ken and Pat Tyler as Advisors.
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Register assisted with the food preparation and volunteered their boat
for water skiing. Melissa Jones was the lone graduating high school senior (Columbus High)
at Edgewood in 1978. She was recognized at the May Family Night Supper.

The new Sunday School year began in September with three new adult classes, a young adult
class, kindergarten, first grade, second and third grades, fourth and fifth grades, sixth grade,
seventh and eighth grades, and senior high classes.

Mig Hanko, Connie Penny, and Reba Fleharty were members of the “Family Night
Suppers” Program Committee. “Family Night Supper” was changed to “Fellowship Supper”
early in the year. During the summer months, there were two “Fun, Games, and Fellowship”
nights per month.

H. K. Johnston presented himself to the Session for guidance and assistance during his
studies at Columbia Theological Seminary and for recommendation to Southwest Georgia
Presbytery at the proper time.

Rev. Harrison Morgan, Executive Presbyter of Southwest Georgia Presbytery, led the
Session’s Officer Training Retreat at Holy Trinity in November.

MINISTRY COMMITTEE – Elder Jake McLeod, Moderator

A Church calendar was drawn up for the year showing principal events.

Participation in the World Hunger Project was approved but later tabled until the latter part of
the year.

Stratton Peacock was hired as half-time Church Administrator with salary of $333 per
month and $66 automobile allowance.

Church Secretary Elinor Carr resigned her position in June. Miranda Jones assumed the
secretarial position. In September, Session made the position full-time, with two weeks paid
vacation added to a $3-per-hour wage.

Four speed breakers were installed in the driveway at a cost of $515.50.

Mr. & Mrs. John Ellington, Missionaries to Zaire, continued to receive support through
prayer and $1,500 annually.

The Columbus Ministerial Alliance organized a new Christian outreach ministry––

CONTACT Teleministries. CONTACT is a 24-hour-a-day telephone service, staffed by
volunteers, and designed to assist those who have reached the end of their own resources.
Rev. Paul Luthman of First Presbyterian explained that the Pastoral Institute would be the
base for the new organization. Edgewood contributed $365 to CONTACT.

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STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE – Elder Luther Nelson, Moderator
Quarterly Financial Statements were mailed to the Congregation.

Bette MacVean was hired in August on a part-time basis, and at a salary of $150 per month,
to assist the Treasurer in keeping books, posting, writing checks, etc.

The 1979 Church Budget was established at $138,882.

YOUTH DIRECTOR HIRED – Hank Battle, teacher at Brookstone School, was hired to fill
the new position. Hank spent a minimum of 15 – 20 hours per week fulfilling his job, which
included Sunday School responsibilities, Sunday evening youth programs, committee
meetings, planning and training, personal contacts with the young people, visitation, and
personal preparation time. His salary was established at $75 per week plus a $25 per week
auto allowance.

PULPIT NOMINATING COMMITTEE – Elder Francis Brown, Moderator

Members of the committee were J. A. Bray, Francis Brown, Mary L. Collins, Jim B.
Harper, Jr., Griff Hartline, Connie Penny, Elizabeth MacVean, Hoyt Stubbs, and
Robert C. Wells.

Rev. Dr. Anderson Wood Buchanan was called as pastor by unanimous consent of the
congregation on November 26, 1978, effective January 1, 1979. Terms of the call included an
annual cash salary of $14,500, an automobile allowance of $3,000, $150 book allowance, and
the usual health insurance and annuity support.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Stratton Peacock

On July 16, Elder Francis Brown moved, seconded by Lee Hartline, that a wife or husband
of a Session Member will not be eligible to serve concurrently. The motion was approved.

Debbie Bowden was appointed Director of Listening Eyes School.

WILLIAM BOURNE CLEMMONS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

This Fund was established at Columbia Theological Seminary with an initial donation from
Mrs. J. K. LeSueur of $500.

OFFICER NOMINATING COMMITTEE – Elder Bob Parker, Moderator

Elder Jake McLeod Elder Bob Wells Glenn Barton
Eris Farmer Miranda Jones Gene Jacques
Hoyt Stubbs Bob Wetherell
Officers for the Class of 1981 were elected by the Congregation on September 17, 1978. [see
Session appendix]

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 1979
The World Around Us
Margaret Thatcher became the first woman Prime Minister of England. The Soviet Union
invaded Afghanistan, stirring world protests. The Shah of Iran escaped to the United States as
Islamic leader Ayatollah Khomeini took over the reins of government. Iranian militants
seized the U.S. Embassy in Teheran and held 52 hostages. In Columbus, the Litho-Krome
Company, whose founder, Tom Morgan, was a pioneer of four-color lithography, was sold
to Hallmark Cards Inc. Interstate 185, the long-awaited link to the interstate system, opened.

Dr. Anderson (Andy) Buchanan and his family, wife Dorothy (Dottie) and children Faith
and Rob were officially and heartily welcomed to Edgewood on January 7, 1979. Dr.
Buchanan preached that morning, and all the family was honored in the afternoon at a
reception hosted by the Women of the Church. The following Sunday evening, January 14,
1979, the Rev. Dr. Anderson Wood Buchanan [see Pastor Profiles] was installed as
Edgewood’s fifth pastor. Participating as members of the Presbytery Commission were Rev.
H. Harrison Morgan, Rev. Bob Pooley, Rev. Dr. James V. Johnson, Rev. Harold
Adkins, Elder Francis R. Brown, Elder Buford Luttrell, and Elder Myron Hamilton.

At the March Fellowship Supper, a surprise “Stratton Roast” recognized Stratton Peacock
for the outstanding job she had done for Edgewood as Administrator since 1977.

The graduating high school seniors in 1979 were Kathy Bray, William Bray, Faith
Buchanan, Sunday Cooley, Derek Evans, Leslie Farmer, Mark Garrett, David Hanko,
Kathy Heaton, Dennis Register, and Chris Slay.

About this time, remembers Herb Jones, “a problem developed with people parking on the
grass instead of in one of Edgewood’s many parking spaces. The Session approved putting a
sign in a prominent place that read ‘Thou Shalt Not Park on the Grass.’ It worked and it
also drew the attention of the Ledger-Enquirer. Soon thereafter, a picture of the sign
appeared in the newspaper, along with the caption ‘11th Commandment?’ and the comment
‘It leaves to the imagination the penalty exacted from transgressors.’ Most in the
congregation got a chuckle out of that publicity.”

Elder W. G. Hartline served as Moderator of the Southwest Georgia Presbytery.

Because the Buchanan family preferred to own their own home, a growing trend with the
clergy, the manse at 3328 Junaluska Drive was offered for sale. The Manse Committee
consisted of Francis Brown, J.B. Harper, Jr., Larry King, E.G. Sparks, and Bob Wells.

Missionaries John and JoAnn Ellington and their children Mark, Beth, and Joseph visited
Edgewood and shared their ministry in Zaire with the congregation. They were Bible
Translation Consultants for the United Bible Societies’ translation program in Zaire, Rwanda,
and Burundi.

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 1980
The World Around Us
The population in the United States was recorded as 222,224,681, with life expectancy at
73.7 years. The cost of a first-class stamp was 15 cents. John Lennon was killed in New
York. Ronald Reagan defeated President Carter in the general election. Cable News
Network (CNN) began broadcasting news 24 hours a day, using satellites; this revolutionized
world-wide communication. Locally, Pratt & Whitney built a $100 million plant, which made
jet engine components, on Macon Road. Two motels, LaQuinta and Days Inn, opened on
Macon Road. The 911 emergency number was approved for Columbus. The Medical Center
announced a $40 million expansion program.

At Edgewood, the Committees of the Session and their Moderators were: Ministry (Francis
Brown), Nurture (Lee Hartline), Worship (E.G. Sparks), Operations (Tom Miller), and
Stewardship (Robert “Bob” Parker). Kenneth Lancaster was Treasurer.

Dr. William Hall died tragically at the end of January. Rev. Ray White and Rev. Joe
Sandifur conducted the funeral service.

The Men of the Church hosted a Valentine’s Day Steak Supper for their wives and
sweethearts. It was a huge success. The food was done to perfection and decorations were
beautiful red and black hearts everywhere. The activities ended with a sponge throw for the
wives at their husbands.

Edgewood Presbyterian Church was the training ground for CONTACT, a 24-hour national
telephone counseling service. Quarterly training sessions for volunteers were 50 hours in
length.

Eastertide began with the Men of the Church working on the church grounds prior to Easter
Sunday. The children decorated the wooden frame cross in front of the church with flowers.
The Sunday School staged an Easter Egg Hunt. The Senior High Youth traveled to Lake
Heath Park for an Easter Sunrise Service.

Edgewood’s manse was sold in April to Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Jones, long-time members.

The Fellowship Hall was enhanced with the addition of a fireplace. The work was completed
in stages on a pay-as-you-go basis. The platform that had originally served as the choir loft
was removed.

Following a presentation by the “Beaux and Belles” Hand Bell Choir of Brookstone School at
a Fellowship Supper, an anonymous donor donated two octaves of hand bells to the church. A
Hand Bell fund was set in place so that Edgewood might establish hand bell choirs.

The Session approved the electing of eight persons each year, rather than six, to serve as
officers of the church. The Class of 1983, elected in the fall of 1980, was the first class to
have eight elders.

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Margot Whitaker was hired as Director of Christian Education.

At the end of the year, the Session reported the following statistics of interest to the
congregation:
1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980
Enrollment on January 1 240 267 312 411 445 450 407
Gains by Profession of Faith 3 12 14 10 8 11 12
Gains by Transfer 39 46 108 60 21 29 45
Losses by Death 2 0 4 0 2 3 2
Losses to Inactive Roll 10 11 6 13 0 66 51
Losses by Transfer 3 2 13 23 22 14 6
Gain or Loss <> 27 45 99 34 5 <43> <2>

1981
The World Around Us
Ronald Reagan was sworn in as the nation’s 40th President in January. President Reagan was
shot and injured in March by John Hinckley. Pope John Paul II was shot and injured in
Rome. Egypt’s Anwar Sadat was assassinated in Cairo. The 52 Americans who had been
held hostage in Iran for 444 days were released, and two million New Yorkers turned out for
a ticker-tape parade in their honor. Sandra Day O’Connor became the first woman Justice to
be appointed to the Supreme Court. AIDS was identified as a deadly disease. Columbus faced
serious jail problems due to overcrowding. Columbus College formed a speech club with
EPC member William Crowell as faculty advisor. Columbus’ unemployment rate rose to
8.6% while the state remained at 6.3%.

The Committees of the Session and their Moderators were: Ministry (Bette MacVean),
Nurture (Connie Penny), Worship (Hugh Farmer), Operations (Phil Griffin), and
Stewardship (Tom Collins). Bob Parker was the liaison to the Pastoral Institute, Herb Jones
was liaison to the Listening Eyes School, and Kenneth Lancaster was Treasurer.

The Long Range Planning Committee, formed in July, had the following members: Clara
Brown, Linn Brucker, Bill Crowell, Jim Harper, Griff Hartline, Gene Jacques, Kenneth
Lancaster, and Hoyt Stubbs. These dreams were recorded:
 A 600-member church
 Dynamic growth groups
 A Building Fund – looking five years into the future
 Adequate room for Fellowship Suppers
 Do we need a Multipurpose Building with a basketball court, recreation room, new
kitchen and space for suppers, and church offices?
 Convert present Fellowship Hall or renovate?
 Choose a membership goal
 Outreach
 Assimilation of middle-age couples
 Reactivate couples Sunday School class

88
 Average worship attendance: 175 – 200. Establish attendance goal for worship service
and Sunday School
 Sunday School Superintendent (Nurture Committee is in effect doing this job except for
actual on-site supervision on Sunday morning –– Do we need to designate someone to be
on the premises Sunday to: oversee buildings and personnel, take attendance and offering
envelopes?)
 DCE will help solve some problems, but not all.
 Sunday School Superintendent should have input into personnel matters and program
content.

Norma Green, Choir Director, submitted her resignation at the end of the year.

1982
The World Around Us
Bankruptcy and unemployment rates matched Depression-era figures as the U.S. economy
struggled for recovery. A Vietnam Memorial was dedicated in Washington. The world
medical community faced challenges in determining the cause, treatment, and cure for AIDS.
Barney Clark received the world’s first artificial heart. William Henry Shaw, longtime
superintendent of Muscogee County Schools, died. The Medical Center opened a fully
equipped intensive care unit exclusively for pediatric patients. The local jobless rate rose to
9.8% in December. AFLAC, Incorporated topped $1 billion in assets.

This was the 30th Anniversary Year of Edgewood.

Committees of the Session and their Moderators were: Ministry (Clara Brown), Nurture (W.
G. Hartline), Worship (Dick Collins), Operations (Herb Jones), and Stewardship (Fred C.
Holt). Jake McLeod was the liaison to the Korean Presbyterian Church, Bob Parker was
liaison to the Pastoral Institute, and Connie Penny was liaison to the Listening Eyes School.
Luther Nelson was Treasurer. Margot Whitaker was DCE. Mary Kay Weise was Choir
Director and Ann Mordic was Organist.

At the first of the year, Margot Whitaker presented a film festival, displaying all audio-visual
materials available through the Synod of the Southeast’s AV library. Margot emphasized that
church leaders can be more effective in their teaching by utilizing these aids.

Rev. Youl Rhee, pastor of the Korean Presbyterian Church of Columbus, was the speaker at
the February Fellowship Supper. Rev. Rhee was installed on March 7, with Rev. Andy
Buchanan as a member of the commission appointed by Presbytery. While the Presbyterian
Church had for years ministered to God’s people in Korea, it was noted that the Presbyterian
Church of Korea now sends missionaries to the United States.

Gus and Cindy Koenig provided new carpet for the Fourth Grade Sunday School classroom.

Edgewood’s Congregational Camp met at Pine Mountain in the spring. Margot Whitaker
and David Lancaster were Camp Directors.

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In March, Griff and Lee Hartline directed the Celebration of Faith, a Presbyterywide
weekend event at Norman Park, Georgia, assisted by Margot Whitaker, Stratton Peacock,
and Lois Fulp.

Edgewood celebrated its 30th Anniversary at a Homecoming Sunday event on May 16, 1982.
Former pastor Rev. Clay Doyle preached the sermon, and the congregation enjoyed Dinner
on the Grounds in the Fellowship Hall. Several former members were in attendance.

Frank and Eugenia Chambers, Wayne and Mary Comer, Bonnie Cooksey, John and Una
Moon, Leonard and Frances Moore, and Bill and Evelyn Sherrod were recognized as
being Charter Members, still active in the life of the church on the 30th anniversary.

In a letter to Dr. Buchanan, the Rev. Dr. Bonneau Dickson, who was an interim pastor in
1977 and 1978, wrote: “Thanks for the invitation to furnish a snapshot and a word of
greeting for the ‘homecoming’ phase of Edgewood’s anniversary celebrations. The snapshot
features an eight-pound beauty caught off Al Reese’s dock at Lake Seminole. Some of your
people will get a bang out of even seeing a fish like that. And I want you to know that I am
grateful to you for letting me share nine months of those years with you. I shall always carry
warm memories of those weekends together. I read your newsletter with avid interest very
week.”

The Rev. Dr. Harry Fifield served as interim pastor in the six months’ period before Dr.
Buchanan’s call. He communicated these warm memories of his time at Edgewood: “As long
as Margaret and I live, we will never forget what a grand congregation Edgewood has and
what wonderful friends we found there.”

The Rev. Dr. Albert L. Reese, Jr., who had served as an interim pastor in 1978, wrote
“…The Edgewood Church has always been very special to us, and my joy as your interim
certainly had an effect on my decision to go back into the parish [Dr. Reese was then serving
as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Bainbridge, Georgia]. Please convey to the Session
and to the members our heartiest congratulations, and our prayer for you on this day will be
that the love and service which have marked the ministry of that congregation through 30
years will also mark its future. God bless!”

Among many letters from former members, Arnie and Maryellen Canady, who had joined
Edgewood shortly after Arnie reported to Fort Benning for a six-month training course,
wrote: “Though members for a few months, we came to love Edgewood, and continue to feel
a bond with its members. It was during that time that I underwent cancer surgery and
treatments. The love of God was shown through the kindnesses of so many church friends.
Despite the size of the congregation, Edgewood amazingly took care of each member — we
have yet to find a church quite like it! You have a very special church! Dr. Bonneau Dickson
was interim pastor when we were there –– what a dear man!”

On April 4, a Thirtieth Anniversary Concert was presented by the Edgewood Chancel Choir,
enhanced by members of the Columbus Civic Chorale. Mary Kay Weise directed. The
Mass No. 6 in E Flat Major by Franz Schubert was accompanied by Ann Mordic on the
organ and by a 20-piece orchestra.

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Edgewood congratulated the graduating seniors at the annual Senior Banquet in May. Those
young men and women about to receive their high school diplomas included Robert
Buchanan, Cindy Fleharty, Edwina Garrett, Steve King, David Lancaster, Ellen Holt
Posey, Brant Slay, Tim Smalley, Kippi Taylor, and Philip Willcox. EPC member Alice
Kelly was the featured speaker.

A popular song of the day was “It’s a Small World After All.” During Witness Season 1982,
the congregation was reminded that the words to this song were truer than ever before in
human history. We lived in an interdependent world that presented a challenge for Christian
mission in a world of diversity. Presbyterians, together with partner churches around the
world, supported one another in mission as we shared our variety of gifts. Missionaries from
sister churches joined Presbyterians in teamwork in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Korea.
Edgewood joined this effort to develop and distribute evangelistic resources; to help send 33
new missionaries and Volunteers in Mission to assist overseas partner churches; to provide
resources and leadership training events for youth; to strengthen leadership of Hispanic,
Korean, Black, and Native American congregations in our General Assembly; to train church
leaders in Third World countries; and to provide transportation expenses in Asia, Africa, and
Latin America.

The 122nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) met in
Columbus in June, marking the first time in the history of PCUS that the highest governing
body had met within the boundaries of the Southwest Georgia Presbytery. This meeting
considered the question of determining whether the proposed Plan for Reunion with the
United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (UPCUSA) would be passed to
the 60 presbyteries of PCUS for ratification. When the time came for the consideration, the
floor of the newly renovated Convention and Trade Center in downtown Columbus was
packed with commissioners, staff members, observers, and ecumenical friends of the PCUS,
all of who wanted to be there for the historical action. The vote was taken by standing and
when the tellers had finished their count, it was 344 commissioners in favor and 30 against.
After the vote, the commissioners stood and sang the Doxology. It was ironic that the
reconciling vote recorded at this meeting was conducted in a building that had manufactured
munitions for the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Truly, they had beat their swords
into plowshares!

Edgewood contributed 393 dozen cookies for the historic 122nd meeting of the General
Assembly, PCUS, and First Presbyterian’s sanctuary was used for worship services.

A New Dimension neighborhood Bible study was begun on Sunday evenings, taught by the
pastor, Dr. Andy Buchanan.

The Edgewood Touring Company for Children was formed, taking the children to various
points of interest in the community. It was a successful venture.

A “Helping Hands” program was initiated to provide assistance to families in financial crisis.
Thirty-two families in the church pledged $30 each annually to fill the fund.

“The Pony Express” theme was used in 1982’s Stewardship Season. A western-style
Fellowship Supper kicked off the campaign.

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Miranda Jones left the position of Church Secretary in November to join the staff of The
Pastoral Institute. Debbie Ammons was hired as Church Secretary.

A Youth Rally was held in October in Albany, Georgia. Rebecca Crowell and Jay Mitchell
were elected to the Youth Council of the Southwest Georgia Presbytery.

 
1983
The World Around Us
The Cold War deepened. Congress approved a new national holiday to honor the late Martin
Luther King, Jr. Sally Ride became the first woman astronaut with a voyage on the space
shuttle Challenger. Terrorists bombed the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. The U.S.
Army invaded Grenada. Indira Gandhi, premier of India, was assassinated. Closer to home,
Coach “Bear” Bryant died. Cold arctic air froze two people in Columbus in December. The
Columbus Airport made plans to have a general aviation section to include hangers for small
planes and jet aircraft.

1983 marked the beginning of the transition from two separate Presbyterian Churches,
separated since the Civil War, to one national church, the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.

At Edgewood, Norma Green returned as Choir Director. Debbie Ammons was Church
Secretary, and Glenn Barton was Financial Secretary. Margot Whitaker was Director of
Christian Education. 1983 was the first year that 24 elders served on the Session.

Neighborhood Bible Study groups were formed around a study of Hebrews. Groups met at
the homes of Gene and Rosie Jacques, Fred and Sue Holt, Howard and Mary Elizabeth
Johnston, Wayne and Mary Comer, Doris Clark, Gus and Cindy Koenig, Jake and
Lillian McLeod, Andy and Dottie Buchanan, and Linn and Patricia Brucker.

Elder Marty Lancaster, Moderator of the Nurture Committee, welcomed everyone to the
January “Church School Open House.” Margot Whitaker introduced the Church School
Staff: Bob Wetherell, Children’s Division Chairman; Lois Smith and Connie Penny, Crib
Nursery; Kim Welker and Claudia Wells, 2 & 3 years-old class; Judy Sasser, 4 & 5 years-
old class; Jennifer Parker and Debbie Ammons, grades 1 & 2; Cindy Koenig and Don
Kelly, grades 3 & 4; Bob Wetherell and Shepherd Chuites, grades 5 & 6; Dottie Penny,
Linn and Patricia Brucker, grades 7 & 8; Tom Collins, Jim and Fran Mitchell, grades 9 &
12; and Mig Hanko and Lynne McLaughlin, Music.

The congregation gathered on the lawn outside the sanctuary on Easter Sunday for a sunrise
service commemorating our Lord’s resurrection from the grave. A light breakfast was
enjoyed afterward.

The Rev. Dr. Ben C. Johnson, Associate Professor of Evangelism at Columbia Theological
Seminary, conducted a workshop on evangelism in April. Dr. Johnson spoke with the
Session during the Sunday School hour, delivered the sermon during the worship hour, and
led the workshop in the afternoon. It was most meaningful to EPC members.

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The “Early Morning Bible Study” met each Wednesday at the home of Bob and Stratton
Peacock.

In August of 1983, a surprise birthday party was given by the choir for member Francis
Brown. At the appropriate time, a large birthday cake was presented, and Francis’ wife,
Clara, jumped out of the cake, dressed as a bunny!

In the fall, the pastor Dr. Andy Buchanan announced that he was leaving Edgewood to serve
a church in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

1984
The World Around Us
French scientists identified a virus that they named the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV) as the most probable cause of AIDS. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a protégé of Dr.
Martin Luther King, became the first black candidate for President of the United States.
President Ronald Reagan and Vice-President George Bush were re-elected in a landslide
victory. Five faculty and staff positions were cut at Columbus College in an austerity move.
Reports of a space crunch prompted a study of the Columbus sanitary landfill.

Edgewood posted a Call for Pastor with the Southwest Georgia Presbytery on January 31,
1984. The Church Staff Information Form contained the following list of responsibilities for
the Call as well as information about Edgewood:

“Edgewood needs a strong, loving leader and pastor who is willing to provide the
leadership and nurturing necessary to lovingly motivate its members to the use of their God-
given gifts to build up the church in a unified manner. Another responsibility of this leader
and pastor would be to encourage members to make responsible stewardship and
commitment of their time and money toward church endeavors a high priority in their lives.
This leader would also have the responsibility of overseeing Edgewood’s programs designed
to build spiritual strength within and to reach into the community, both to help those in need
and to bring the unchurched into the fellowship.

“Edgewood is blessed with a strong, dedicated Session, backed by a significant

number of equally dedicated members. The church enjoys the reputation of being a very
friendly people. The congregation is made up of people with a diversity of talents and gifts.
We are fortunate to have excellent physical facilities with sufficient flexibility to provide for
a variety of programs and also for growth. Our members are brought together frequently for a
variety of reasons enumerated specifically on following pages of this form. From time to time
there is a noticeable decline in active involvement and in giving by a significant number of
members. When this occurs, some dedicated members work harder but with less enthusiasm.
This has been particularly true in the recent past. Thus we are challenged to reenlist
membership participation in current programs available, worship, service, and financial
commitment. The minister coming to Edgewood will not find a situation where custodial
pastoring is the only ability needed, although that is an important qualification. Rather, our
situation will challenge abilities in leadership, administration, evangelism, preaching, and

93
development of the ministry of the laity. He/she will find a congregation that will be
supportive and willing to be led into greater avenues of service. Edgewood Presbyterian
Church is the most strategically located church in Columbus, Georgia. Standing at the corner
of Macon and Cody Roads, the church is highly visible to a large segment of the population.
Columbus can only grow to the north and to the east, and geographically this church stands at
the center of that growth area. Thus the potential for growth is unlimited.”

Edgewood reported a current membership of 387 in 1984, a decrease from 450 members in
1979. There were 185 adult women, 162 adult men, and 40 members under the age of 18.
Average Sunday Morning Worship attendance was 205, with 142 attending Sunday School.
Racial composition was 100% Caucasian. Edgewood had the following enrollment in Church
School: Crib Nursery – 9; 2 & 3 year-olds – 8; 4 & 5 year-olds – 10; Grades 1 & 2 – 11;
Grades 3 & 4 – 7; Grades 5 & 6 – 16; Grades 7 & 8 – 16; Grades 9 through 12 – 17; Four
Adult Classes – 56 (plus 18 teachers). Organization participation was recorded as: Women of
the Church – 185; Men of the Church – 12; Adult Choir – 37; Adult Bell Choir – 14;
Children’s Choir – 17; Youth Bell Choir – 11; The Lively Ones – 28.

Rev. Barry Dean Ferguson [see Pastor Profiles] was installed as Edgewood’s sixth Pastor
on October 21, 1984. The Southwest Georgia Presbytery appointed Rev. H. Harrison
Morgan, Chairman, Rev. Richard C. Hart, Rev. Dr. James V. Johnson, Jr., Rev. Stratton
Lee Peacock, Elders James Adair (Sherwood PC), Francis Brown (Edgewood PC),
Eleanor Burnham (First PC), Joyce Cosby (Morningside PC), Rex Ellis (formerly Steam
Mill Road PC), Fred C. Holt (Edgewood PC), Robert Parker (Edgewood PC), and Nellie
Williams (Carver Heights PC) as the Commission. Rev. Dr. Bonneau Dickson, a member of
Atlanta Presbytery, sat as a visiting brother.

During the hour of the Installation Worship Service, Elder Adair extended the Call to
Worship. Following the opening hymn, Elder Williams led the congregation in the Prayer of
Confession. Rev. Morgan delivered the Assurance of Pardon and, followed by an introducing
the members of the Commission. Elder Brown offered a Prayer of Thanksgiving and Elder
Cosby read the Old Testament Lesson. The Edgewood Adult Choir presented a beautiful
Anthem and Rev. Johnson delivered the Sermon. Rev. Morgan declared Rev. Ferguson’s
Call, and Rev. Dickson propounded the constitutional questions to Rev. Ferguson.
Commission Clerk Elder Holt presented the constitutional questions to the congregation, and
all were answered in the affirmative. Elder Ellis offered a Prayer of Installation and
Commission Chairman Rev. Morgan declared the Rev. Ferguson duly installed as Pastor.
Rev. Hart delivered a solemn charge to the Ministers, and Rev. Peacock challenged the
congregation. Elder Parker led the congregation in the Affirmation of Faith, and our newly
installed Minister pronounced the Benediction.

1985

The World Around Us

Actor Rock Hudson became the first public figure to acknowledge that he had AIDS.
Mikhail Gorbachev became premier of the Soviet Union and began an era of “Glasnost”
(openness). Terrorists attacked and killed Americans on a TWA Boeing 737 in Lebanon, and
the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro in the Mediterranean Sea. In Columbus, The Historic

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Columbus Foundation began a campaign to preserve the Southern Railway Station on Sixth
Avenue as an historic landmark. The station was deeded to the city. Carlton Gary, accused
in three of Columbus’ “Stocking Strangler” cases, broke a concrete wall in an unsuccessful
attempt to escape from Muscogee County Jail.

Committees of the Session and their moderators were: Ministry (Robert Parker), Nurture
(Lee Hartline), Worship (Francis Brown), Operations (Tom Collins), and Stewardship
(Gus Koenig).

Ralph Cain, a candidate for the ministry from Edgewood, delivered the sermon in January
while Rev. Ferguson and the officers of the church were on retreat at Pine Mountain. Ralph
was attending Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.

The Senior High youth enjoyed a fabulous ski retreat in February. Ann Hall and Shepherd
Chuites organized this special event.

The “Little House on Walton Street” was purchased by the church as a meeting place for
groups and classes. The 3660 Walton Street structure served Edgewood faithfully until it was
demolished to enable the widening of Cody Road (later named University Avenue). It was
used by Edgewood’s youth groups and several Sunday School classes. Fred Holt, who
taught the Discovery Class for adults, remembers the cozy atmosphere as the class met in a
former bedroom, reconfigured to accommodate the class. “It was a delightful place for the
class to meet, and we shared a special closeness as we explored the truth and excitement of
God’s Word together.”

Bill Blakely, Ric Clay, Rebecca Crowell, Ceil DuToit, Chris Hall, Chris Lancaster, Paige
Short, and Emet Taylor were honored as graduating high school seniors at the tradition
Senior High Banquet in the spring. An agape meal was served, recalling the meals Jesus
shared with His disciples. Participants in the program were Rev. Bonneau Dickson, Margot
Whitaker, Miranda Jones, Fran Mitchell, Bette MacVean, and Claudia Wells. Richard
Kaspar, Vice-President and General Manager of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, spoke on
“Dream Big – Be Big.”

Allyson Jane “A.J.” Elder joined the Edgewood staff in July as Director of Christian
Education on the departure of Margot Whitaker to a position in Texas.

Each month the Lively Ones met at the church for a brief business meeting and a devotional,
followed by a dutch-treat luncheon. The group was involved in various service projects,
including the construction of a wheelchair ramp and repairs on a member’s roof. Officers in
1985 were Wayne Comer, Connie Hice, and Pat Weiffenbach.

Carroll Welker remembers a special experience: “Christians are sometimes moved forward
by gentle nudges, one at a time. Herb Jones and I had a deer camp in Talbot County, and the
first nudge came one day as we were driving to the camp. ‘We had a real good Sunday
School class last Sunday,’ Herb said. ‘Um hm,’ I replied. A week or two later on our trip to
the woods, Herb said, ‘Howard Hanko is a wonderful teacher. You ought to visit our class
sometime.’ ‘Um hm,’ I replied. At least once a week thereafter I would get a gentle nudge
and an invitation to visit Howard’s Sunday School class. If a person stands close to the edge,

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little nudges will eventually push him over. It happened to me. Herb was right about
Howard’s Bible Discovery Class, which was subsequently changed, as suggested by Francis
Brown, to the B.A.S.I.C (Brothers and Sisters in Christ) Class. Marge and I visited, liked the
class, and have been attending ever since, thanks to Herb’s gentle nudges.”

1986
The World Around Us
The space shuttle Challenger exploded on take-off, killing all seven crewmembers, including
teacher Christa McAuliffe. The Chernobyl (Soviet Union) nuclear plant explosion killed an
estimated 7,000 people. AIDS cases reached epidemic proportions. In the Columbus area,
residents and visitors enjoyed newly organized fishing tournaments and water ski
competitions. The Columbus Astros, a minor-league farm team for the Houston Astros, were
Southern League champions.

Committees of the Session and their Moderators were: Ministry (Fred Holt), Christian
Education (Bob Wetherell), Worship (Francis Brown), Operations (Tom Collins),
Stewardship (Mark Malone), Fellowship (Lloyd Frey), and Member Care (Ed Gilmore).
Jake McLeod was Clerk of Session, Randy Ellison was Treasurer. Robert Parker was
Administrative Assistant. Debbie Ammons was Church Secretary and Jeanice Smoot was
Financial Secretary. “A. J.” Elder was Director of Christian Education.

THE CHANCEL CHOIR IN 1986

Norma Green, Director Lloyd Frey Mark Malone
Ann Mordic, Organist Susan Gilbert Juone McMillin
Jennifer Amos Lynn Gilmore Julie Miller
Patricia Amos Ann Hall Fran Mitchell
Glenn Barton Howard Hanko Jim Mitchell
Melissa Beuker Mig Hanko Bob Parker
Francis Brown Jim Hammock Connie Penny
Kathy Buck Karen Holt Jana Smalley
Allen Collins Gene Jacques Claudia Wells
Buddy DuToit Jill Jacques Edith West
Mary Anne Ennis Charlotte Kennedy Markie Kilgore
Eris Farmer Susan Knight Hugh Kennedy
Hugh Farmer Ken Lancaster Bob Wetherell
Kay Fouts Janice Lowery Walter Williams

THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR

Mary Anne Ennis, Director Lisa Frey Amber Penny
Kristi Ammons Allison McNair Neil Stevenson
Amy Amos Melanie Mewbourne Ross Stevenson
Dallas Britton Sandy Mewbourne Benjamin Wells
Deric Britton Sandy Mewbourne
Abby Collins Jonathan Paepcke
Haley Collins Hilary Stevenson

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 THE CHERUB CHOIR
Norma Green, Director Nicholas Daniels Rebecca Paepcke
Courtney Buck Isaac Denham Allison Roark
Shepherd Chuites Andy Evans Bo Tabor
Thomson Chuites Brian Evans Ann Marie Wells
Nicholas Collins Chad Oyster Ryan Wetherell

HAND BELL CHOIR I

Lynne McLaughlin, Director Amy Gilbert Hanna McNair
Amy Amos Jill Jacques Pam Paepcke
Jason Ferguson Ricky Lee Pris Paepcke
Joel Frey Jennifer McLaughlin

HAND BELL CHOIR II

Lynne McLaughlin, Director Jason Ferguson Lynn Gilmore
Jennifer Amos Jennifer McLaughlin Hanna McNair
Kristina Crowell Cindy Hall Pam Paepcke
Clay Farmer Jill Jacques Pris Paepcke

ADULT HAND BELL CHOIR

Mig Hanko, Director Debbie Lee Kathy Stevenson
Holly Collins Liz Giles Karen Wetherell
Lucille DuToit Melissa Beuker Connie Hice
Susan Gilbert Karen Malone Mary Collins
Ann Hall Susan Oyster Lynn Gilmore
Markie Kilgore Connie Penny
Flutists: Julie Gilbert and Pam Paepcke Violinist: Lynn Gilmore

Shirley and Walter Williams recall getting involved in Edgewood’s ministry right away when
they joined in 1986. They attended EPCCC (Congregational Camp) to have an opportunity to
participate in activities with their children, Kevin and Miranda. Walter joined a Sunday
School class that was very interesting and concerned with contemporary topics. He also
found a place in the Chancel Choir because he had always been in a church choir. Shirley
recalls teaching the Second Grade Sunday School class with Jeff Gilbert. Members of her
class were Ann Marie Wells, Brian Evans, Nicholas Daniels, Ryan Wetherell, and
Shepherd Chuites. Shirley says, “It has been a special joy to see these young people grow up
and become active members.”

At a special Fellowship Supper to honor Rev. Ferguson on his 40th birthday, Barry’s family
surprised him by performing before the overflow crowd a musical drama that recalled the
Sunday when Rev. Ferguson used sparklers in his Children’s Sermon. His sisters Pam and
Donna wrote a script and sang it before laughing Edgewoodians and their red-faced pastor.

The Session’s Annual Statistical Report to the Presbytery showed that Edgewood had 376
active members at year’s end. Fifty-four percent were female. There were 54 new members
added to the roll and 18 losses, five by reason of death, seven by transfer of letter, and six for
other reasons. The active Session consisted of 18 men and six women.

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 1987

The World Around Us

Col. Oliver North testified before Senate and House investigating committees as the Iran-
Contra scandal rocked the Reagan administration. The U.S. stock market fell more than 500
points on a Black Monday in October. Evangelist Jim Bakker was stripped of his ordination
due to involvement in a sex scandal. Andy Warhol, guru of Pop Art, died. Two cable
television stations served Columbus. There were 14 movie screens serving Columbus, with
plans for eight more to open in 1988.

Mrs. Melanie Reuter came on staff as the new Director of Christian Education.

Sessional Committees and their moderators were: Ministry (Fred Holt), Christian Education
(Allen Collins), Worship (Patricia Amos), Operations (Jim Mitchell), Stewardship (Randy
Ellison), Fellowship (Lloyd Frey), and Member Care (Miranda Jones).

EPC was growing in membership, and the Session realized that additional staff would be
necessary to serve the needs of the church. A search committee was formed to seek an
ordained pastor to serve as Associate Pastor. The Church Information Form that was prepared
described Edgewood as “a middle-class, urban/suburban, 401-member church with a high
percentage of enthusiastic, dedicated, and capable members.” The Form declared that EPC
had a vision for increasing its ministry, service, education, and nurture to meet the challenge
of the rapidly growing population of the area. The racial composition of Columbus was
reported to be 58% Caucasian, 40% Black, and 2% Other (mostly Asian). Edgewood’s
congregation at that time was comprised of 99% Caucasian and 1% Asian. There were 209
adult women, 152 adult men, and 40 youth on the rolls at year’s end. An average of five
visitors attended the Sunday Morning Worship Service.

The church had a good balance between older people and younger families with school-age
children. The congregation consisted of people on various levels of the middle class.
Occupations ranged from technician to physician. Several owned or managed businesses,
many more were educators, and there was a good mix of military. EPC also boasted a
growing community of retired members. The average education level of the adults was 14.5
years. With a few exceptions, the church family lived within 20 – 25 driving minutes of the
church.

The church complex consisted of the Sanctuary (310 seats), Fellowship Hall, and Education
Building. A large paved parking area behind the Education Building served as a playground
area for the youth. It was becoming increasingly clear that an additional building and more
parking spaces were needed to support the expanding congregation. The Session appointed a
special committee to review the facility requirements, and plans were prepared for the
construction of a 10,874-square-foot multipurpose building to increase EPC’s fellowship,
administration, and classroom space.

Edgewood’s congregation remained busy with programs and ministries available for all ages.
The Women of the Church reported 60 participants. The music ministry continued to be an
important part of the worship and service life of the church, and there was an active Adult

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and Children’s Choir, supplemented by Adult and Youth Hand bell Choirs. EPC fielded
men’s and women’s softball teams, and although a big trophy never came their way, the
players and their supporters enjoyed the excitement of the sport. The Lively Ones continued
as a fellowship and service avenue for those over 40 years of age. The “YOYO’s” (You’re
Only Young Once) appealed to young adults who desired to fellowship together, while the
“EATS” (Edgewood Adult Tasting Society) venue found some of Edgewood’s members
joining together for an occasional dinner out.

The Women of the Church began reorganization in the fall. Karen Malone, President,
formed a special committee to study the needs of women in the congregation, and reported
that the goal of the recently reunited Presbyterian Church U.S. and United Presbyterian
Church U.S.A. was to transition to a new plan in the spring of 1988. Nell Swensen, Caroline
Kemp, Mary Elizabeth Johnston, and Sue Holt assisted Karen in this study. It was apparent
that three trends were influencing the role of women in the life of the church:
 The trend toward growing partnership of men and women;
 The trend toward a greater variety of life situations for women, e.g. single parent,
divorcee, senior citizen, widow, career, etc., and
 The trend toward the need for a larger churchwide and worldwide perspective.

1988
The World Around Us
Vice-President George Walker Herbert Bush won the presidency of the United States,
defeating Michael Dukakis. The number of homeless persons in the nation was estimated to
be in the millions. All Saints Presbyterian Church was organized in Northeast Columbus,
with the Rev. William Conine as its first pastor. Record high temperatures and lack of rain
made Muscogee County one of 17 counties in Georgia eligible for disaster loans from the
federal government. The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer launched the series “Columbus Beyond
2000 – An Agenda for Progress.”

Shortly after receiving his Master of Divinity degree from Columbia Seminary in Decatur,
the Rev. Paul Kirbas [see Pastor Profiles] was called as Edgewood’s first Associate Pastor.
He immediately began a ministry of visitation and preaching, and was warmly accepted by
the congregation.

Presbyterian women gathered at Purdue University during the summer for the purpose of
organizing the Presbyterian Women as a national group. At the Annual General Meeting of
the Edgewood Women of the Church, it was agreed that the organization would dissolve and
reorganize as the Presbyterian Women at Edgewood Presbyterian Church (EPW). Its first
moderator, Nell Swensen, called a Coordinating Team Meeting, where she stated that the
1987 theme was “Expanding Horizons,” an inward focus on the new PW organization. She
suggested that the theme for 1988-89 be “Expanding Horizons II,” with focus on outward
reach. Goals were established to implement the new bylaws, increase benevolence and
service activity, increase Edgewood’s feeling of connection and belong to Presbytery, and
increase membership [see WOC appendix].

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The Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules for Presbyterian Women stated the following
purpose: “Edgewood Presbyterian Women subscribes to the purpose of Presbyterian Women
in the Flint River Presbytery, the Synod of the South Atlantic, and in the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.): Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, we commit ourselves to nurture our
faith through prayer and Bible study, to support the mission of the Church worldwide, to
work for justice and peace, and to build an inclusive, caring community of women, that
strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and witnesses to the promise of God’s
Kingdom. The specific purposes of Edgewood Presbyterian Women shall be for Bible study
and spiritual enrichment, for fellowship and mutual support, and for support of the mission of
the Church, locally and worldwide.

Chip Blakely, David Carrell, Dev Jarrett, Ashley Martin, Pris Paepcke, Melanie Ussery,
Kevin Williams, and Wendy Wingo were honored as graduating high school seniors at the
annual May banquet.

1989

The World Around Us

George Herbert Walker Bush was inaugurated as President. Hurricane Hugo pummeled the
South Carolina coast. An earthquake hit San Francisco and Oakland. An Exxon tanker
created a huge oil spill in Alaska. The Berlin Wall, built in 1961, was torn down. The Chinese
Army retaliated against a student uprising in Tiananmen Square, Beijing. The World Wide
Web revolutionized the Internet. Money magazine ranked Columbus as the third best place to
live in Georgia. School Superintendent Braxton Nail died tragically. James Jernigan,
Mayor of Columbus, came under fire for “hiding” $21 million in Columbus’ budget.

To the delight of the congregation, Jennifer Parker, daughter of Col. (ret.) and Mrs.
Robert Parker, and Edgewood’s Associate Pastor the Rev. Paul Kirbas were married in the
Edgewood sanctuary on June 3, 1989. Paul’s ministry here ended in the fall of that year, and
the young couple moved to Cornelia, Georgia, where Rev. Kirbas had been called as Pastor.

In November, the Session established a new Youth Ministry Committee. The committee was
given the responsibility for planning and accomplishing EPC’s youth programs for young
people in grades seven through 12. Elder Wilson Kemp served as the first Moderator, with
Elders Shepherd Chuites and Steve Lennon serving on the committee. Youth members of
the committee were Lisa Frey, John Ruddick, Rebecca Shepard, Jason Ferguson, Elise
Ruddick, and Scarlett Sorey.

The Session’s Annual Statistical Report to the denomination reported 338 active members at
year’s end. There were 28 new members added to the roll and 76 losses, five by reason of
death, eight by transfer of letter, and 66 for other reasons. The congregation comprised 120
members over 50 years of age, with 62 members of that age group 65 years or older. Sixty-
two percent were female. The active Session consisted of 19 men and five women.

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 1990

The World Around Us

Fort Benning troops left for Kuwait. Hundreds of U.S. savings and loans institution collapsed.
A string of tornadoes whipped through Columbus. Fort Benning and the City of Columbus
discussed a land swap. Jack Swift, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer editor, committed suicide.

Rev. Barry Ferguson was in his fifth year as pastor. William McLaughlin was Clerk of
Session. Randy Ellison was Church Treasurer. Mrs. Rebecca “Becky” Castellow became
Church Secretary in March.

Committees of the Session and their Moderators were: Ministry (Caroline Kemp), Christian
Education (Carol Daniels), Worship (Francis Brown), Operations (Nick McNair), Member
Care (Mary Adams), Stewardship (Randy Ellison), Fellowship (Allen Collins), and Youth
Ministry (Wilson Kemp). Clara Brown was liaison to the Pastoral Institute, Mary
Elizabeth Johnston was liaison to Presbyterian Women, Miranda Jones was liaison to
Listening Eyes School, and Rick Parker was liaison to the Boy Scout troops.

In the spring, the Rev. Stratton Peacock organized and directed a Before School Program at
Gentian Elementary School, with four Edgewood volunteers going each school day to work
with approximately 40 students in the school cafeteria. The program was approved by the
Session and supported by the congregation, as a way to provide supervised care to children
whose parents worked and had to leave their children at school long before the first class
began. The program was provided with no fee to parents or the school.

Elder Fred Holt, one of several members who served as volunteers for the Before School
Program ministry, recalls his experience: “The early morning arrival at Gentian was an eye-
opener for me. I was the father of four and the grandfather of eight, but this was my first
direct contact with the public school education system in many years. I was immediately
impressed with the number of children who gathered at the school’s cafeteria door at 7:00
a.m. Some were attending school for the first time and were reluctant to leave Mom and
Dad’s side. Others were ‘old timers’ and eager to stretch their legs, often trying the patience
of the Before School Program staff. The church provided table games and some outdoor
activity balls and Rev. Peacock had instructed us in our responsibilities. Initially, our major
task was to keep the children from tearing up the school or each other. Gradually, as we
became friends with the children, a bond of trust and love became evident, and I found it
easier and easier to get up early on Wednesday mornings and visit with my Gentian friends.
While we were asked not to ‘preach’ to the kids, I discovered the power of God’s love as it is
mirrored through His people. Some of the children were from broken homes and starved for
love and care from adults. The year passed quickly, and there were hugs and tears as I said
goodbye at the close of the school year.”

Stratton Peacock also recalls “In 1982, I was elected to the Edgewood Session as Elder.
Then in 1984, after I had felt the call to become a Minister of the Word and Sacrament, and
had completed all the requirements, Edgewood very graciously hosted a service of ordination
for me. I continued in my work with the presbytery and added some preaching to my

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schedule. I served the Geneva Church once a month and preached as needed in other
churches. I resigned from the Session and was seldom at Edgewood for a few years.

“After my formal retirement from presbytery staff in 1990, Edgewood called me to serve as
Parish Associate, with the primary assignment to set up an After-School Program for
elementary children. We quickly recognized the need for a Before-School Program also, and
I directed that in the beginning. I resigned in 1992, having accomplished what I was asked to
do and with the programs in the hands of competent staff. In February, 1993, Bob and I
moved to North Carolina.”

In April, the Youth Ministry approved a “Youth Slave Auction” as a means of fundraising for
the Senior High Group. At a Family Night Supper, bids on the youth of your choice for one
day’s service were made!

The Fellowship Committee offered several exciting activities during the summer months. A
gala Fourth of July picnic featured board games in the Fellowship Hall and volleyball and
croquet in the courtyard. A covered dish picnic followed the afternoon events, topped off
with delicious homemade ice cream. After dinner, a caravan journeyed to Fort Benning for
the giant fireworks display.

Vacation Bible School was held for five nights July 30 – August 3 with the theme “Journeys
with Jesus.” Classes were held for children, youth, and adults. Fred Holt was the adult
teacher, using the book of Luke to study “Faith Journeys.” Glenn and Sue Wells taught the
class “Someone to Follow” for the youth. Susan Oyster and Amy Spear taught elementary
age children about “Walking with Jesus.” For children ages three to seven, “Everywhere I
Go” was the topic taught by Caroline Kemp, Pam Parker, and Karen Wetherell.

R.E. “Gene” Kelly, Jr. was an accomplished trumpeter who shared his musical talent with
the congregation on several occasions. A native of Columbus, Gene learned his skill under
the tutelage of the late Robert M. Barr, longtime director of music at Jordan Vocational
High School. In addition to lending his voice to the Adult Choir’s bass section, Gene’s
trumpet added emphasis to the praise of God on special occasions.

Another musician who was appreciated for his musical skills during worship was Rick
McKnight, who was guest organist on occasion. He demanded the maximum effort of our
organ as he majestically played a hymn or classical piece.

In the fall, the congregation elected Bill Berry, Howard Hanko, Griff Hartline, Jennifer
McLaughlin, Gail McNair, Nick McNair, Elise Ruddick, Bob Parker, and Amy Spear to
the Officer Nominating Committee.

On December 2, the new The Presbyterian Hymnal (Blue Book) was dedicated and used for
the first time. The congregation continued to use the The Hymnal (Red Book) until they
became familiar with the new hymnal.

The Rev. Dr. Gerald L. Voye was appointed Executive Presbyter of Flint River Presbytery
in December. Dr. Voye served churches in Virginia and Florida for 30 years before coming to
Flint River Presbytery. He held degrees from the University of Tampa and Union Theological

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Seminary in Richmond, and the Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Leadership from
Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur.

On a cold and cloudy morning in December, 15 brave males met to face the course that lay
ahead. They were the Edgewood Presbyterian Church Four-Ball Play Golf Match. Some four
and one-half hours later, all four teams were champions. Fun and fellowship were the main
objectives and they had been accomplished. There were individuals who displayed a little
more skill than some others and they were awarded trophies and prizes for their good play.
Team members who came in First Place were Charlie Walker, Bob Henderson and Steve
Oyster. “Longest Drive” went to Bob Wetherell. “Closest to the Pin” was Brad Clemmer
and “Our Youngest Player” award went to Ryan Wetherell. Everyone said it was “Par all the
way.”

Rev. Barry Ferguson, wrote the following article in the December 19 Edgewood News:
From the Pastor’s Pen …
This is the last Edgewood News for the year 1990. As this year comes to a close,
there is much that causes us anxiety about 1991 – the Gulf crisis, the economy, plus all the
family and personal concerns each of us carry with us. Yet, in the midst of all those very real
circumstances, there is an eager anticipation and new energy in the Edgewood Presbyterian
Church family. Why?
As November and December have unfolded, I have been unprepared (O, me of little
faith!) for the unreserved response of the officers and members of Edgewood Presbyterian
Church. You have not only heard a vision I shared with you, you have said and acted support
and enthusiasm for that vision.
At our December Session Meeting, our officers made the decisions necessary for us
to move forward in that vision for excellence in ministry to and for children. WE as
congregation, Session and pastor have come together and resolved to do anything and
everything to accomplish that vision to the glory of Jesus Christ.
I am elated to announce on behalf of the Session that we will have a new part-time
staff person effective February 1, 1991. Our new staff person’s title will be “Parish Associate
for Children’s Ministry.” That title represents our conviction to keep the focus of our vision
as we begin a new year and new era.
The Reverend Mrs. Stratton L. Peacock will be our Parish Associate for Children’s
Ministry! Rev. Peacock is a former member and staff person of Edgewood Presbyterian
Church. She and her husband Robert reared their children here at EPC. For almost fifteen
years she has served at the Presbytery level. In many ways we will be welcoming Stratton and
Bob back home.
The Session’s job description for Rev. Peacock represents that resolve to keep our
focus with her centered in two areas: Strengthening our ministry to the children of EPC and;
Developing a ministry for children in our community.
The title “Parish Associate” is new to many of us. It is the official nomenclature of
the church for a retired minister who works through the call of a Session. It is different from a
Director of Christian Education or an Associate Pastor. Rev. Peacock and our Session have
agreed to the functions and priorities listed above. We are doing something new –– new for
us, new for Rev. Peacock and in a real sense, something relatively new across the
Presbyterian Church.

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Elder Jake McLeod wrote an article for the Advent Devotional Booklet distributed in
December:

“After 73 years, Christmas still means that season of giving and sharing. My mother told me
as a little kid that God gave his son Jesus so that we might live. She said we were always to
remember that we must share with others all the blessings of life that we receive. At that time,
as a small kid, I did not realize what she was really telling me. But, as years go by, I know
now that God gave us the greatest gift of all in his son, Jesus.

“I have also found that I really enjoy what we have, and we must share with others, not only
at Christmas, but every day of our lives. It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift, just a simple
visit or to just tell someone you love them, for I have found that God’s love is the one thing
you must have to be able to love yourself and your neighbor.

“For God so loved the world…”

1991

The World Around Us

The U.S.S.R. was dissolved, President Mikhail Gorbachev resigned, and Boris Yeltsin
became the new president. Iraq surrendered in the Desert Storm battle in Kuwait; Benning
troops were in the tank battle. Racial unrest erupted in Los Angeles over a videotaped beating
of a man by L.A. police. The Atlanta Braves lost the World Series to the Minnesota Twins.
The Florida lottery attracted Georgia customers. The Columbus area went into a recession
earlier than much of the country, with Fort Benning, a major employer, cutting its civilian
work force by 16% from 1989 – 1990. However, there was growth in the wholesale/retail
trade and service sectors.

The Rev. Stratton Lee Peacock [see Pastor Profiles] was welcomed in a new capacity,
Parish Associate for Children’s Ministry. A commissioning service for Rev. Peacock was
held on February 10 during the morning worship service. The congregation enjoyed a
covered-dish luncheon in her honor following the service.

Rev. Peacock, who had already begun the process of strengthening Edgewood’s ministry to
children by organizing the Before School Program at Gentian Elementary School, founded
the Loving Care for Kids (LOCK) program, a certified day-care center for children from
Gentian and Clubview schools. Every school day, the church’s Education Building was open
from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. to provide a safe, Christian atmosphere for students to gather and enjoy
supervised play and study.

Brownie Troop 104, held its first meeting in February. Connie Hice was the coordinator for
this ministry for young girls in grades one through three.

Kid’s Night Out, a program begun in 1990, continued to meet monthly with much success
and enjoyment by the participants.

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In May, the monthly Fellowship Supper honored the graduating seniors in the congregation.
The graduates were Jason Ferguson, Joel Frey, Amy Gilbert, Ricky Lee, Jennifer
McLaughlin, Kelly Penny, and Miranda Williams.

For the summer of 1991, a program called Fantastic Friday was organized for elementary age
children, with activities of various types.

Edgewood congratulated Elise Ruddick who was chosen a Congressional Scholar,

representing Georgia at the National Young Leader’s Conference, held in Washington, D.C.
in June. Nationwide, only 350 high school students were chosen.

Seven campers attended the Presbytery camp at Kolomoki Mounds State Park in June. They
were Ann Marie Wells, Rebecca Paepcke, Shepherd Chuites, Allison Roark, Nick
Daniels, Chad Oyster, and Buddy Kelly.

“US,” a youth group, began meeting in the homes of participants. The last meeting of the
summer was held at the home of Sandy and Melanie Mewbourne.

Carroll Welker remembers summer workdays at the church: “Work-on-the-grounds days

have always been an excellent way to meet and become better acquainted with fellow church
members. In addition to a lot of hard work, the time is filled with much jesting and laughing.
I met many of my closest church friends at those work bees. It was at one of those workdays
that I ended up with my pickup truck fully loaded with tree limbs and brush. I agreed to take
the load to the city landfill. At that time, refuse could be dumped free of charge at the landfill
by homeowners, but there was a charge for loads from other than personal residences. When
I checked in at the weigh station, the attendant asked if the load was from my home. I told
him no, that it was from Edgewood Presbyterian Church. He replied, ‘Is that not your
Father’s house?’ and when I answered that it was, he said with a smile, ‘No charge, take it
on in.’“

Edgewood held a special worship service in August with the theme “In Response to God’s
Mighty Acts –– My Soul Magnifies the Lord.” Former member Melissa Fontaine was the
guest soloist and Richard Robertson, organist at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta,
was guest organist. The service of praise featured scriptural readings with musical responses
by soloist, organist and congregational hymns.

The Member Care Committee revived the Dinner for Eight gatherings in volunteer hosts’
homes, in the fall. Participants were invited to bring a part of the meal, as specified by the
host, and to enjoy the food and getting to know one another better.

At the Christmas Eve service, the college-age group prepared and led the program.
Participating were Scarlett Sorey, Kevin Williams, Pam Paepcke, Pris Paepcke, Jason
Ferguson, Danielle Remy, Jennifer McLaughlin, Hanna McNair, Joel Frey, and
Miranda Williams.

Joel Frey wrote in the newsletter of his Senior High experience at Edgewood: “Senior Highs
has been a truly worthwhile experience. It has taught me to open up to others and have fun;

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also I have gained friends for a lifetime in Senior High; like Jason Ferguson, Scarlett Sorey,
Amy Gilbert and Miranda Williams.”

The Session’s Annual Statistical Report to the denomination reported 300 active members at
year’s end. There were 18 new members added to the roll and 38 losses, five by reason of
death, 19 by transfer of letter, and 14 for other reasons. The congregation comprised 254
members over 45 years of age, with 84 members of that age group 65 years old or older.
Fifty-five percent were female. The Session reported 90 members on the inactive roll of the
church. The active Session consisted of 16 men and eight women.

1992

The World Around Us

Democrat Bill Clinton defeated incumbent George Bush in the presidential elections.
Atlanta was chosen to host the Centennial Olympic Summer Games in 1996. In Columbus,
the Superintendent of Muscogee County schools, Jim Burns, was murdered in his home.
The new Riverwalk opened and was dedicated, and in recognition of the Quincentennial of
Christopher Columbus’ “discovery” of America, a statue of the explorer was placed on the
Riverwalk. A $12.7 million consolidated public health complex was built near the Medical
Center. Voters approved the change from an appointed school board to an elected one.

Edgewood began its 40th year of charter.

Tommy Desselle, writing for the Ledger-Enquirer, noted events of Edgewood’s history,
present-day ministries, and plans for the future. Excerpts from the article, which was
headlined “Church Set for 40th Birthday,” follow:

…Emulating (the apostle) Paul’s work, the congregation at Edgewood Presbyterian is

reaching out to others, becoming more involved in community activities. “We think of
ourselves as a regional instead of a neighborhood church, drawing members from all sections
of Columbus and Alabama,” said pastor Barry Ferguson…The church has always had a
sound musical tradition with the children’s choir, adult choir, and two bell choirs playing
major roles in the celebration. Special events have included family nights, balloons, magic
shows, cakes and services conducted by lay leaders and the youth. “We’re excited and
thrilled about the future. We had a self-evaluation study conducted by Columbus College and
wanted to become more involved in the community,” Ferguson said. In addition to
sponsoring a Brownie, Cub Scout, Alcoholic and Narcotic Anonymous groups, the Listening
Eyes School has conducted classes at the church since October 1969…Thanks to a dedicated
core of volunteers, they have a before-school program daily at Gentian. Designed for children
of working parents, the kids enjoy such activities as jumping rope, board games, reading and
ball games. They also receive assistance with their homework if needed… “each volunteer
serves one day a week. There is a limit of 40 children with a long waiting list,” Ferguson
said…An after-school program at the church is under the direction of Stratton Peacock, the
associate pastor. Youngsters at Clubview and Gentian are…transported to the church. There
is a limit of 44 children, with a cost of $22.50 per child per week. The program includes
Biblical history, arts and crafts, and other games…Another important group is the Lively
Ones, composed of seniors. They’re the foundation of the church, serving as volunteers in

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numerous roles. They visit the sick and help sponsor youngsters to attend Camp JOY (Jesus,
Others, You) and support a retirement home in Quitman, Ga.

It was reported to the congregation that the Rev. Ernest E. Gilmore, who served Edgewood
as pastor from 1961–1966, died on February 14, 1992, in Bradenton, Florida, where he served
the First Presbyterian Church. Funeral services were held in Bradenton on February 17.

The 17th Stated Meeting of the Flint River Presbytery met at Edgewood on February 15.

On Boy Scout Sunday, Edgewood welcomed the Cub Scouts of Pack 365. Participating in the
worship service were Chris Parker, Will Parker, Thomson Chuites, Clay Richards,
Daniel Wetherell, Ryan Wetherell, Brian Evans, Andy Evans, Ben Sanders, Matt Nigh,
Steven Adams, David Adams, and Jeffrey Schroeder.

Ryan Wetherell, who says he was born into the church, but officially joined in 1992,
remembers that while being in the nursery was his first activity at Edgewood, other special
memories include “the youth at the lake during the summer, Montreat’s Youth Conferences
with other Edgewood youth, Mrs. Jonnie LeSueur and Mrs. Smith keeping the nursery, the
pictures throughout the years of the flowered cross and putting flowers on it during the
Sunday School hour, being in the Children’s Choir, the Youth Group doing the activities for
Halloween, and coming and going through the haunted house. I also remember Mr. Carroll
Morgan, who always gave out mints when we as young children came into church.”

Edgewood Presbyterian Church Congregation Camp, by now known affectionately as

EPCCC, was held in September at Pine Mountain. The theme was “Enjoying God’s
Kingdom” and over 100 members attended.

The Cherub Choir was directed by Norma Green and Lynne McLaughlin, and always
brought smiles to the faces of the congregation as they led us in worship. Collins Allison,
Mary Leavitt Allison, Mallory Boswell, Carson Chuites, Abbey Lennon, Lindsay
Oyster, Elizabeth Rollier, Elizabeth Wise, and Allison Wright reminded us through their
enthusiasm and music that we are all truly children of God.

The Children’s Choir was under the direction of Cynthia Frey, Patricia Wingo, and
Benjamin Wells. Members included Gretchen Arsenault, Thomson Chuites, Catherine
Darsey, Jena Lennon, Wendi Matthews, Chris Parker, Will Parker, and Megan Saville.

Susan Gilbert directed the Sonshine Bell Choir and the delightful bells were played by
Shepherd Chites, Angela Darsey, Mig Hanko, Connie Hice, Sandi Mewbourne, Heather
Milner, Kristi Milner, Pam Parker, Bob Peacock, and Sara Stola.

The Adult Bell Choir was under the able leadership of Mig Hanko, and its members included
Kristina Crowell, Angela Darsey, Lucile DuToit, Susan Gilbert, Ann Hall, Debbie Lee,
Sarah Lennon, Melanie Mewbourne, Bob Peacock, Benjamin Wells, Brian Wysong, and
Kristy Wysong.

Edgewood boasted an excellent instrumental ensemble consisting of Angela Darsey (viola),

Susan Gilbert, Julene Johnson, and Kristy Wysong (flute), Brian Wysong (trumpet),

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Frank Robertson (trombone), Joel Frey (French horn), Jim Mitchell (tenor saxophone),
Bob Peacock (tuba), and Benjamin Wells (keyboard).

In a special November 15 service of thanksgiving to God for the ministry of Rev. Stratton
Lee Peacock, the congregation paid special recognition for Stratton’s many contributions to
Edgewood over a span of years. Fred Holt, who recalled that Stratton Lee was youth leader
at First Presbyterian Church of Columbus in the 1950s when he was a teen at Sherwood
Presbyterian Church, hailed her as a teacher. Church Secretary Becky Castellow recounted
Stratton’s contributions as a church staff member. Lee Hartline praised her as a pastor and
friend, while Mary Elizabeth Johnston told of Stratton’s many contributions as a retreat
leader. Myrtis Shavor told of Stratton’s role as a preacher of the Word. Griff Hartline, who
assisted Stratton with the LOCK (Loving Care of Kids) program from its inception, praised
her vision and determination as founder of that ministry. Rev. Peacock was presented with a
plaque commemorating her retirement, and the Chancel Choir sang “May the Road Rise to
Meet You” as Stratton ended her long and successful ministry.

The Christmas Eve Service featured a dramatic presentation of “`Twas the Night Before” by
Rachel Olson. Act I revealed a conversation between “Angels” Rebecca Paepcke, Ann
Marie Wells, Allison Roark, Kristi Milner and “Gabriel” Nick Daniels. Readers were
Rebecca Shepard and Angela Darsey. Act II consisted of a local town discussion between
“Townspeople” Kristi Milner, Benjamin Wells, Robert Shepard, and “Innkeeper” Kit
Wells. Act III portrayed “Angel” Gretchen Arsenault announcing to “Shepherds” Chris
Parker and Will Parker the birth of the Christ child in Bethlehem. Act IV recreated the
shepherd’s pursuit of the angel’s message as “Shepherds” Kit Wells, Robert Shepard,
Heather Milner, and Ann Marie Wells visited “Mary” Rebecca Paepcke and “Joseph” Sky
Wells. Holy Communion followed the Christmas Pageant, and the congregation departed the
sanctuary with lit candles.

The Session’s Annual Statistical Report to presbytery reported 318 active members at year’s
end. There were 33 new members added to the roll and 15 losses, five by reason of death,
two by transfer of letter, and eight for other reasons. The congregation comprised 243
members over 45 years of age, with 63 members of that age group 65 years old or older.
Fifty-nine percent were female. There were 104 members on the inactive roll. The active
Session consisted of 20 men and four women.

1993
The World Around Us
William Jefferson Clinton was installed at the 42nd President, along with Albert Gore as
Vice-President. The Branch Davidian cult in Waco, Texas, exchanged gunfire with Federal
officers before the compound was destroyed by fire. The World Trade Center in New York
City was bombed by terrorists. Apartheid ended in South Africa. Columbus citizens approved
a $170 million dollar sales tax referendum, making possible significant civic improvements.
Mayor Bobby Peters announced that the International Olympic Committee had selected
Columbus as the venue for the 1996 Women’s Fastpitch Softball games.

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The “Lively Ones” began a new year April 1st with the installation of Ben Ramsey as
President, Margaret Greene as Vice-President, Grace Robinson as Secretary, and Anthony
Reinel as Treasurer. The Bylaws of the Lively Ones state that the organization was chartered
for “fellowship and dining together once a month”. They traveled to Atlanta in April and
enjoyed lunch at Peachtree Towers, then visited the Cyclorama. Subsequent trips to
Montezuma, Americus, and Warm Springs allowed the members to enjoy the sights and
tastes of the area. Rev. Barry Ferguson prepared delicious fish dinners on several occasions,
with the fish he and other members caught in the Chattahoochee River, and local ponds and
lakes. The Lively Ones performed important ministries through contributions to Valley
Rescue Mission, the Adult Protective Service, and Edgewood’s Memorial Gifts program, and
quarterly visits to Pine Manor Nursing Home, where they served Communion. They
maintained a card ministry and Prayer List throughout the year.

On June 6, the musical/drama Celebrate Life by Ragan Courtney and Buryl Rea was
presented during the morning worship service. The Chancel Choir, Ann Mordic, Susan
Gilbert, Buddy DuToit, and readers Bill McLaughlin, Fred Holt, and Bud and Jon
Paepcke collaborated in the preparation of this drama of the life of Christ.

The Habitat for Humanity project on 30th Avenue, off North Lumpkin Road, was completed
and the Blessing of the House was held on July 11. Several members participated in this
project, along with members of other Presbyterian Churches in the Columbus area.

Pastor Ferguson delivered this sermon titled, “The Evangelism Equation: 1 + 1 = 3” in

September. The Old Testament reading was II Kings 5: 1-19a, the story of how the prophet
Elisha, healed Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. The New Testament reading was
Acts 8:26-40, the account of Philip’s encounter with an Ethiopian official.
“For those of us who regularly gather at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings on the
northwest corner of Macon and Cody Roads, all of these Biblical humdrums are normal.
Most of us parked our cars in the same space we usually park them. We walked the same
sidewalk path we usually walk. We knew where we were going without thinking about it. We
found the pew and the place on that pew that we are convinced bear the mark of the contours
of our very own seats and backs.
“Yes, for most of us, coming to church is humdrum normal –– now listen very
carefully. I don’t want to startle you. I don’t want to upset you. But there is nothing normal,
regular, or usual about this place or those of you who are gathered here today!
“You are part of a miracle! You are participating in a miracle this very moment! The
living Church of Jesus Christ is a miracle. In spite of external forces –– the Neros, the Hitlers,
and the Stalins –– in spite of wars, floods, and famines, the Church has survived and grown.
“In spite of internal forces –– the schisms, the charlatan preachers in every
generation, the imperfections and weaknesses of officers and members –– in spite of all the
external and internal forces, the Church has survived and grown.
“If my little rehearsal of the facts has connected with you this morning, you KNOW
it’s a miracle this place is even here – that the people around you are here –– that you are
here!
“In spite of you and me, our histories and all of history, the Church survives and
grows. It IS a miracle!
“So, why? Why, in spite of every reason to contrary, has the Church survived? It is
because the Church is bigger than the sum of her parts. In the Church, 1 + 1 = 3.

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 “Now, let me take that out of math terms and try it another way for you. The Church
is always bigger than itself. If I were to tell you the story of Edgewood Presbyterian Church,
and tell you every person involved from the day someone said that we ought to start a new
church –– if I told you every event along the way to this day, it would still not explain why
EPC has survived and grown.
“Evangelism is not secret knowledge. Evangelism is not special formulae or
procedures. Evangelism is telling the Big Story of the living God. It is telling that story and
inviting someone to come, taste, and see: the Lord is Good!”

The Session’s Annual Statistical Report to the denomination reported 326 active members at
year’s end. There were 22 new members added to the roll and 14 losses, one by reason of
death, eight by transfer of letter, and five for other reasons. The congregation comprised 251
members over 45 years of age, with 65 members of age group being 65 years old or older.
Fifty-nine percent were female. The Session reported 101 members on the inactive roll of the
church. The active Session consisted of 18 men and six women elders.

1994

The World Around Us

Former President Richard M. Nixon died on April 22, 1994. A major earthquake hit Los
Angeles, California, leaving 51 dead. Former professional football star O. J. Simpson was
indicted for the murder of his wife and her friend. The 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion
of World War II was celebrated. Georgian Newt Gingrich was elected Speaker of the
Republican-dominated House of Representatives. The Ronald McDonald House opened in
Columbus, serving families of hospitalized children. First Presbyterian Church embarked on a
$2 million expansion, marking 100 years in the present sanctuary. Kirven’s Department
Store, after doing business in Columbus for 117 years, closed.

The Rev. Barry Ferguson began his tenth year as pastor of Edgewood. William
McLaughlin was Clerk of Session.

Edgewood’s college students were Jon Paepcke, Kevin Williams, Joel Frey, Jason
Ferguson, Amy Mitchell, Melanie Mewbourne, Angela Darsey, Kristi Ammons, Allison
McNair, Hanna McNair, Jennifer McLaughlin, Jill Jacques, and Sky Wells. The Women
of the Church assigned each student to a circle group who kept in touch with them throughout
the school year.

At the May 1994 Women’s Retreat, there were 21 Edgewood Women in attendance. Rev.
Ferguson presented the program Presbyterian Women in a Changing World. The women
reminisced about the early years of the 20th century and noted many of the changes that had
taken place. Following a delicious Country’s Barbecue lunch, “Skipper” Barry Ferguson
and “Captain” Peggy Leech treated the attendees to a boat ride on Lake Oliver. The event
was held at Peggy’s Lake Oliver home.

“Skipper” Barry loved his time on his (or anyone else’s!) boat on the Chattahoochee River. It
was precious time, away from the cares and concerns of the church, if only for a little while.
Fishing for the elusive largemouth bass, he would ply the waters of Lake Harding, Goat Rock

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Lake, Lake Oliver, and the main channel and tributaries of the lower Chattahoochee between
Columbus and West Point, Georgia. While he enjoyed the company of anyone while boating,
he especially enjoyed sharing his Florida-learned fishing prowess with the likes of Robert
Parker, Howard P. Johnston, B.W. Adams, Connie Hice, and Fred and Sue Holt.

The Holts owned property on Standing Boy Creek, a large tributary that flows into the
Chattahoochee River just north of Oliver Dam. Sue was usually not inclined to join Barry
and Fred as they pulled away from the Holt’s dock on a fishing expedition. One sunny
afternoon, Barry insisted that Sue tear herself away from her usual yard duties and
experience a “new life” on the river. Reluctantly, Sue put away her weed-pulling utensils and
quietly joined the fishermen on their pontoon boat. Barry patiently explained to Sue how one
trolls for bass on a pontoon boat and placed her in a seat on the boat’s stern. “All you have
to do, Sue, is sit quietly here on this comfortable seat, drink your Coke, and hold onto the
fishing rod. When the fish strikes, hold your tip up and start reeling the fish in.” Barry’s
enthusiasm did not overly excite Sue until shortly after they entered what Barry termed as
“Honey Hole One,” an area of the river on the Georgia side just south of the point where
Standing Boy Creek empties into the Chattahoochee. It was there that Sue felt a tug on her
line for the first time and a nice bass was brought aboard the boat. The rest is history,
because Sue became a constant fishing companion from that day forward!

Bob Parker and Barry borrowed Peggy Leech’s pontoon boat for an afternoon on the river,
and near “Honey Hole One,” the motor on Peggy’s boat became dislodged from its normal
position on the stern and threatened to fall into the river. Using rope and prayers, the frantic
men managed to get close enough to the shore to allow Bob to walk to a neighbor’s house
and hitch a ride to Fred Holt’s residence. Fred was surprised to see Bob, especially when he
had previously watched Peggy’s boat disappear under the Standing Boy Creek Bridge,
obviously headed for the fishing grounds. “We need help!” Bob said breathlessly. Fred
cranked his boat, and he and Bob headed rapidly to where Barry was attempting to salvage a
bad situation. When they arrived, Pastor Barry was stripped to his shorts and valiantly trying
to secure the crippled motor to Peggy’s boat. Using all of the engineering skills they could
muster, the motor was finally secured and Peggy’s boat taken under tow to the Lake Oliver
Marina, where a very concerned Peggy Leech was standing on the dock awaiting their
arrival.

More memories from Jim Harper include the famous Circus Maximus, the building of the
new sanctuary, all the great congregational camps, the infamous sparkler children’s sermon
(“I remember that Dick Collins and I tried to put out the fire at the hem of Barry’s
robe…man, it was spectacular and were the kids impressed!”). He also laughingly
remembers the men’s supper when about 12 men showed up with covered dishes and “we
discovered that everyone had brought a dessert! That’s all we had for supper at that
meeting.” Before he and Rachel moved out of town in 1994, they had experienced many,
many more events and relationships. Jim says, “we saw it all while we were at Edgewood,
and enjoyed it all, even the tough times were instructive.”

The Session Annual Statistical Report to the denomination reported 338 active members at
year’s end. There were 18 new members added to the roll and six losses, three by reason of
death and three by transfer of letter. The congregation comprised 250 members over 45 years
of age, with 62 members of that age group being 65 years of age or older. Fifty-nine percent

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were female. The Session reported 95 members on the inactive roll of the church. The active
Session consisted of 17 men and seven women elders.

1995

The World Around Us

The Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was bombed by terrorists, killing many
adults and children. Air Force Lt. Colonel Eileen Collins became the first female shuttle
(Discovery) pilot in National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) history. The
O.J. Simpson trial became the second most watched event in television history. In
Columbus, the municipal auditorium was razed to make way for a new Civic Center. The
Olympic softball fields were completed on Victory Drive.

Mrs. Stephanie Norton was installed as Director of Children’s and Youth Ministry on
October 15, 1995. She and her husband Brian were heartily welcomed into the life and work
of the congregation.

The Session’s Annual Statistical Report to the denomination reported 335 active members at
year’s end. There were 12 new members added to the roll and 15 losses, seven by reason of
death, two by transfer of letter, and six for other reasons. The congregation comprised 273
members over 35 years of age, with 65 members of that age group being 65 years old or
older. Sixty percent were female. The Session reported 93 members on the inactive roll of the
church. The active Session consisted of 11 men and 13 women.

1996
The World Around Us
The South Commons Sports Complex in Columbus opened in time to host the 1996 Women’s
Olympic fastpitch softball teams. Atlanta and other cities in Georgia became the center of the
world for a while as they turned on their best Southern charm to host the Olympic Games.
Robert Dole, Minority Leader of the Senate, attacked President Bill Clinton’s character.
The Bradley-Turner Foundation of Columbus gave a $20 million challenge to the community
to help build the RiverCenter Performing Arts Center, to be located downtown. The son of
famed evangelist Rev. Franklin Graham held a Crusade at the Columbus Civic Center.

The Edgewood Presbyterian Women (EPW) voted to dissolve as an organized group March
3, 1996. The minutes of that meeting contained the following statement by EPW Moderator
Frances Braswell to Mrs. Vonnie Fritz, Moderator, Flint River Presbyterian Women’s
Coordinating Team: “The Women of Edgewood Presbyterian Church continue to be very
active, but they feel they can best serve God in other ways at this time.” It was noted that the
Session could take over some EPW functions and other functions could be handled through
the continuing Circles and Bible Study Groups. It was also noted that an organized women’s
group, the Women of the Church (WOC) first met on June 18, 1951, with eight women in
attendance.

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The final report of the EPW for year 1996 contained the following report of activities:
Yearly Activities
1. Cooperate with Women of Presbytery and help support financially.
2. Interpret and promote annual mission program of the church.
3. Nurture through prayer, visits, cards, and food preparation for sick and bereaved of
our congregation.
4. Honor high school graduates with dinner and gifts each May.
5. Remember college students with cards and gifts on special dates throughout the year.
6. Compile a history of our church for Montreat.
Designated Benevolences
1. Local:
a. CONTACT
b. Salvation Army Summer Camp
c. Valley Rescue Mission Camp JOY
d. House of Mercy
e. Battered Women’s Shelter
f. Stewart Community Home
g. Twin Cedars Youth Services (Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home)
2. Presbytery:
a. Rabun Gap School
b. Mission Haven
c. General Assembly Missions
d. Villa International
e. Columbia Friendship Circle
f. Varied causes (national and worldwide) for annual birthday gift

The Session and congregation welcomed the 1996 Confirmands [see Confirmands appendix]
into the fellowship of believers during the March 31 worship service.

Daniel Wetherell joined the church in 1996 when Barry Ferguson was pastor. He was born
in 1984, when Dr. Bonneau Dickson was serving as interim pastor. He remembers being in
and enjoying the Cherub Choir and as he got older wanting to get involved with the youth
group and with Sunday School. Some of his special memories are the Montreat Youth
Conference, river trips with the youth group, participating in Youth Sunday each year, and
“Mr. Jim Mitchell’s catfish story!”

The Session’s Annual Statistical Report to the denomination reported 342 active members at
year’s end. There were 18 new members added to the roll and 14 losses, two by reason of
death, three by transfer of letter, and nine for other reasons. The congregation comprised 273
members over 35 years of age, with 59 members of that age group being 65 years old or
older. Fifty-eight percent were female. The Session reported 102 members on the inactive roll
of the church. The active Session consisted of 12 men and 12 women.

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 1997
The World Around Us
Princess Diana of England was killed in an automobile crash in Paris. Mother Teresa died
in Calcutta where she had served the poor for many years. Scientists in Great Britain cloned
“Dolly,” a sheep, successfully. Columbus voters approved a one-cent sales tax that raised
$148 million to build new schools and enhance existing ones. National Park Service officials
threatened to remove historic landmark status from the Columbus riverfront if the Muscogee
Mills were destroyed to provide land for Total System Services.

The Rev. Barry Ferguson was pastor; Howard Johnston was Clerk of Session, and
Stephanie Norton was Director of Children’s and Youth Ministry.

The LOGOS Ministry Program was approved by the Session at its January meeting, to begin
in September. This ministry, which involved all age groups in the church, provided a weekly
program for children in Kindergarten through 12th Grade. The program consisted of Bible
study, worship and music, recreation and crafts, and family time at the evening meal.

Eldercare Fellowship Suppers began in February, and church members were encouraged to
attend. Each Elder hosted his or her Eldercare group.

The Chancel Choir presented Worthy is the Lamb as the worship service on Palm Sunday.
The inspiring presentation featured music and speaking parts and told of the mighty acts of
God as He revealed his plan of salvation to the Hebrew people.

At the Maundy Thursday service on March 30, those young people who had attended the
Confirmands Class were received into the fellowship of the church as communing members.
[see Confirmands appendix.]

Vacation Bible School was held August 10 – 14 under the direction of Lynn Summers and
Wendy DuToit. Classes were available for all ages. Dr. Edwin Chase of the Pastoral
Institute led the adult study.

In the fall, it was announced, with regret, that Rev. Ferguson and his wife, Gloria, would
divorce. The Session gave the pastor a vote of confidence, and the congregation was
supportive to both Barry and Gloria as they made their decision.

In November, Christopher “Kit” Wells, son of Sue and Glenn Wells, built a raised bed for
flowers around one of Edgewood’s Bradford pear trees as his Eagle Scout project.

The Edgewood Presbyterian Church Endowment was established with a gift that was offered
in thanksgiving and gratitude to God for many blessings and some exceptional blessings over
the last few years. The anonymous donor presented the gift with praise to God in Jesus Christ
and thanksgiving for the nurture and fellowship of the Edgewood family. Elders Francis
Brown, Bobby Shepard, Ken Lancaster, and Phil Wise were named to a special committee
of the Session to design the endowment program.

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 1998

The World Around Us

White House sex scandals rocked the nation, and President Bill Clinton was impeached on
charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, but not convicted by the Senate; therefore he
remained in office. In Columbus, Total System Services began construction on a new campus
near the Chattahoochee River. Muscogee County School District began an upgrade of school
buildings and construction of new schools. Synovus Financial Corporation was ranked
number one by Fortune magazine as the best company to work for in the nation. AFLAC,
Inc. was named fifth in the same rating.

Edgewood’s graduating high school students were honored at a Senior Banquet in the spring.
They were Bobby Anness, Catherine Darsey, Brian Evans, Benjamin Goins, Jeremy
Hundley, James Johnson, Chris Parker, and Ryan Wetherell.

In November, it was announced by the Worship Committee that Ann Mordic, organist for
Edgewood since 1975, was retiring, effective December 31st. The letter to the congregation
stated, in part: “. . . Ann has been a great blessing and faithful servant who has enriched our
worship life, supported all aspects of our music ministry and been a dear friend...she has
given her best to our Lord and His people here at EPC. She has been here for weddings,
funerals, special worship services and honored us with an organ recital. We can fill the
position of organist, but no one will ever fill Ann’s organ shoes or the place she holds in our
hearts. . .The Worship Committee, under the direction and authority of the Session, is
designing a process for filling our accompaniment needs on an interim and then a permanent
basis. . .At this point we want to announce plans for honoring Ann as she retires. As you
know, the worship service on December 13 will be our Choral Christmas Worship Service.
Following that Worship Service, there will be a church-wide meal with a program honoring
Ann and her faithful service. . .Our Pastor has offered to provide turkey and ham for the meal
as his Christmas gift to the congregation, and in honor of Ann Mordic…At that meal and
program, we want to present Ann with a plaque, and an appropriate gift. We would also like
to provide Ann with a scrapbook of cards and letters. So, you are invited and encouraged to
make a contribution for Ann’s retirement gift. Any amount over the cost of the plaque and
gift will be given to Ann in a check as a Love Offering. Please take a few moments to write a
note for the scrapbook . . . these will be the gifts Ann will cherish. Let us give Ann a
generous expression of ‘Well done, good and faithful servant,’ as she enters retirement.”

The Session’s Annual Statistical Report to the denomination reported 339 active members at
year’s end. There were 22 new members added to the roll and 20 losses, six by reason of
death, seven by transfer of letter, and seven for other reasons. The congregation comprised
232 members over 35 years of age, with 92 members of that age group being 65 years old or
older. Fifty-eight percent were female. The Session reported 129 members on the inactive roll
of the church. The active Session consisted of 13 men and 11 women.

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 1999

The World Around Us

In July, John F. Kennedy, Jr. was killed, along with his wife and her sister, when the plane
he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic off the coast of Massachusetts. Egypt Air Flight 991
crashed at sea, killing all 219 persons on board. Professional golfer Payne Stewart and five
others died in a private jet crash. The Atlanta Braves lost to the New York Yankees in a
World Series sweep. It was the Yankees’ 29th World Series win in this century. Columbus,
along with the rest of the world, prepared for the new millennium. Voters approved a
continuation of the one-cent sales tax increase in a referendum that listed $255.4 million
worth of city projects and a new central library. The Muscogee County Board of Education
selected the Columbus Square Mall site for the new library. The mall began preparations to
close by 2001. The Phenix City Little League team took the national title in the Little League
World Series.

A ReVision Task Force Team was formed during the Spring for the purpose of facilitating the
process of examining the mission of the Church. The team was co chaired by Liz Allison and
Steven Payne, and consisted of members Mary Adams, Clara Brown, Carol Daniels,
Mary Anne Ennis, Andy Evans, Howard Johnston, Bill McLaughlin, Sandy Mason,
Walter Nesbitt, Nell Swensen, and Benjamin Wells.

Stephanie Norton, Edgewood’s Director of Children’s and Youth Ministry, accepted a call
to serve First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, effective June 19. The Session deeply
regretted receiving her resignation at its May 2 Called Meeting, as Stephanie had served
Edgewood with enthusiasm and vigor. In her letter to the Session, she stated, “I believe that
God is doing a mighty work here at Edgewood. He is calling people out of a comfortable,
safe, bland relationship with Him. I believe that the ‘Experiencing God’ study and the
ReVision process are just the tip of the iceberg of the plans God has for His people at EPC.
And while my heart aches that I will not be able to experience that with you, my heart also
rejoices knowing that God also has amazing plans for me and for First Presbyterian Church.”

Fred and Sue Holt directed Vacation Bible School August 9 through 13. The popular
VeggieTown Values theme was utilized and was well accepted by the children and staff.
Adult and youth supervision was accomplished by Collins Allison, Mary Leavitt Allison,
Rev. Barry Ferguson, Cynthia Frey, Susan Gilbert, Virginia Gilmore, Mig Hanko, Kelly
Holt, Howard Johnston, Mary Elizabeth Johnston, Herbert Jones, Miranda Jones,
Abbey Lennon, Arlene Meshes, Eric Nesbitt, Fran Paepcke, Rebecca Paepcke, Brian
Posey, Chris Posey, Martha Jane Roark, Myrtis Shavor, Bill Sherrod, Claudia Wells,
Daniel Wetherell, and Lisa Youmans. The children were divided into school grade
“neighborhoods” with a “neighborhood mom” assigned to each of the four groups.
VeggieTown “Mayor” Rev. Ferguson called the Town Meeting to order each morning at
9:00 a.m. and set the tone for each day’s activities. Each neighborhood visited a different site
Monday through Thursday and the week ended with a VeggieTown “block party” on Friday.

A special Family Night Supper was held on Tuesday, September 7. The program, which was
coordinated by the History Committee (an ad hoc committee charged with writing and
publishing a 50-year history of Edgewood Presbyterian Church), celebrated Edgewood’s past

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as several members shared stories and memories about their Edgewood experience. The
pastor shared these comments and a prayer at the close of the program:

“As we close tonight, I want to say that the most important stories that I am aware of are the
countless acts of gracious kindness, loving support, and capacity to give strength in hard
times that I have been able to witness as you all have lived with each other, lived for each
other, and done that to the glory of God. This Congregation is an inspiration to the Kingdom
of God in our midst. For the joy that has been mine to see it, and to share it with you, I give
you thanks. May the stories live on.

“Let us pray. Almighty and ever present God, You form us to be a family, with all the
strengths, with all the weaknesses, with all the hopes, with all the dreams, with all the
frustrations, with all the aggravations. And through it all, Your amazing grace flows and
binds our hearts together, and we bless You and thank You for the ties that do bind us, and
we acknowledge that You are the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Now, as we who are
EPC at this point in history are stewards of the mysteries and wonders and mercies of grace,
make us good stewards as we pass on that which we have been given. Now dismiss us with
Your blessing, keep us in Your Way, and guard us as we follow. In Christ’s name we pray,
Amen.”

The “Good News Garden” opened its doors to the Sunday School children on Rally Day,
September 12. The Session approved the new format at a spring meeting, and the Christian
Education Committee acted on recommendations of Youth Minister Stephanie Norton and
Elder Carol Daniels to institute the rotational Sunday School model at Edgewood. The
Workshop Rotation Planning Committee consisted of Stephanie Norton, Carol Daniels,
Karen Wetherell, and Lisa Youmans. Sandy Mason and Ellen Posey served as consultants
to the Committee, having previously attended the Workshop at Montreat. The first floor of
the Education Building was transformed into an “Oasis” Room (designed by Kamal and Ned
Campbell), “Potting Shed” Room (designed by Gail McNair), and “Playground” Room
(designed by Lee Hartline). The lower hall was transformed by Sue Wells, with assistance
from Glenn and Kit, into a wonderful “outdoor” scene. On the second floor, EPC installed its
first computer lab, appropriately named “The Church Mouse Room,” designed by Mary
Johnson, Benjamin Wells, B. J. Bagwell, and Carol Daniels. A video room, “WGOD,” was
created in the Fellowship Hall building by Julie Arsenault. The children rotated through a
five-week curriculum, with each Sunday’s program telling the same story in a different
format. At the Dedication Service, Good News Garden adult leaders promised to treat each
child as God’s special child, to nurture and love each student, and to encourage each student
to grow in love and as a disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ. The charter Director and PreSchool
Teacher was Sheryl Wright. Music Leaders included Walter Williams, Pete Sanders-
Nesbitt, and Susan Gilbert. Workshop Coordinators were Sue Wells and Gail McNair
(Art), Amy Spear (Storytelling), B. J. Bagwell (Computers), Ellen Posey (Video), and
Cynthia Frey (Drama/Puppets). Team Leaders were Allison Roark, Julene Johnson, Susan
Knight, Wilson Kemp, Allen Posey, Lennie Grudisher, and Rodney Milner. Seed Planters
Mary Adams and Virginia Gilmore rounded out the extensive list of leaders for this new
ministry.

Edgewood Presbyterian Church Congregational Camp (EPCCC) was held September 24 – 26

at the Roosevelt State Park Large Group Camp. EPC members joined hands around God’s

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Word, and the park was never more beautiful. Attendees learned that if we are going to
defend our faith, we must know our Bible. We experienced what it is like to journey through
life with no defined starting place or no idea of what our destination really is. We shared our
thoughts, concerns, and prayers as we explored God’s Word for guidance in our lives. We
witnessed a “trial” on Saturday evening where the validity of the resurrection of Jesus Christ
was the issue. It was an awesome experience as we listened to witnesses such as Simon Peter
and Mary Magdalene as they testified before the judge and jury. The planning staff and event
leaders included: Rev. Barry Ferguson, Fred Holt, Sue Holt, Sarah Pope, Sheryl Wright,
and Susan Gilbert.

Pat Collins recalls returning to her home church and feeling that she had never left. Many of
the members she has known since childhood, especially those of her parent’s generation,
have been so warm, kind, and welcoming that she feels that she has come “home.” In Pat’s
experiences with other churches, she says “I have never encountered a congregation of such
genuinely caring people.”

Barry Cosby remembers the first few times he visited EPC with the Collins family. His most
outstanding memory is the genuine warmth and love that was shown to him from members
who seemed so glad he was there. Barry continues to feel and share that affection which
impelled him to become a member of EPC himself. Barry commented that the same warmth
and affection is given by members whether someone has visited for the first time or has been
a member for thirty-plus years.

The Stewardship Committee reported that offerings totaling $244.996.80 were received
through October against a budgeted $236,585.80.

A Special Committee of the Session presented a report on November 21 that recommended

that a Personnel Committee be formed as a new Committee of the Session, effective January
1, 2000. The Special Committee consisted of Elders Fred Holt, Rick Parker, and Bill
McLaughlin. The purpose of the proposed committee was to provide an orderly, focused,
and considerate means for the Session to build a healthy work environment at Edgewood. The
recommendation was unanimously adopted.

In the fall, the Session received an offer from Charles F. Heard, Jr. to purchase 1.56 acres
of Edgewood Presbyterian Church property at a selling price of $1.4 million. He also offered
to pay up to $150,000 for the purchase of approximately 10 acres of land near I-185 Exit 10
and to assist the church in disposing of the remaining acreage on Macon Road for a 6-percent
commission. Mr. Heard had presented an initial offer of $2.0 million for all of the 5.33 acres
two months earlier, and a Steering Committee was appointed by the Session to consider the
offer, the consequences of accepting the offer, and the feasibility of the Church’s options.
Steering Committee members were: Nick McNair, Moderator; Carol Daniels; Griff
Hartline; Fred Holt; Rick Parker; and Phil Wise. The Steering Committee recommended
to the Session that the offer be rejected for three reasons:
1. It was felt that for the Church to move on relatively short notice; at least $2.0
million would be required.
2. There was no active building program already in progress to raise the balance of
funds needed to affect a move.

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 3. Presently, the ReVision strategic planning process had not identified mission(s)
that would be better served if the Church was in a different geographical location

It became clear that the property Edgewood occupied had become a valuable commodity
from the standpoint of real estate value. The Steering Committee presented its opinion of the
cost of constructing a church building on a different site, and cost estimates for a 25,000-
square-foot building ranged from $2,080,200 to $2,305,200.

The Session met in a called meeting on November 14 and unanimously accepted the
recommendation of the Steering Committee to reject Mr. Heard’s offer.

Rev. Ferguson wrote the congregation on December 1:

“As we move to the Congregational Meeting for this Sunday (December 5), I want to share
some thoughts I have been pondering. As I do this, I am sure I don’t have the answers to the
questions that face us as we live through these days. But, I am sure that God in Jesus Christ is
alive and working overtime in our midst. I do not yet know where God is leading us, but I do
know He is at work, getting us to face some issues we have never faced and asked like we are
forced to do now.

“First, I am excited! In the midst of all the uncertainty and unanswered questions, those
things we are facing have not come from any one of us or group of us. I am filled with awe
and reverence as I reflect on how external forces and internal dynamics have converged to set
the stage and table for us. I am convinced that there is a Reformation happening across the
Church and the world. God’s transforming and renewing power is at work in the church and
in the world.

“Next, I am overjoyed and encouraged as I have watched so many of you go through first, the
‘Experiencing God’ study and then, the ReVision studies. Never in my ministry with you,
have so many been asking the right questions! I do not hear people saying, ‘This is what the
Church ought to be about and doing.’ I do not hear as much, ‘I think this is what we should
do.’

“No! Now, I hear these questions: ‘What is God calling us to be and to do?’ ‘Where is God
already at work in the world around us?’ ‘Where is God inviting us to change and to come
follow Him?’ I do know that those prayerful questions are the right questions. I am equally
confident that God will reveal the answers to us and bring unity of purpose and direction.

“The last ponderable thought I share with you is that God leads us and promises to bring
order out of confusion. So, prayerfully prepare for our Congregational Meeting Sunday. pray
that if what is stirring in you is of God, that you will speak whatever that is – in love. Pray for
all of us to listen to God’s Word through our brothers and sisters in Christ.

“Remembering that the grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord is more than sufficient, let us
run our race with perseverance, trusting Christ who is the pioneer and completer of our faith.”

A Congregational Meeting was held on December 5 for the purpose of hearing and acting on
a recommendation of the Session to reject the offer to buy the church property. After much
discussion, the congregation overwhelmingly voted to reject the offer.

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 TEN-YEAR TRENDS OF EDGEWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (Courtesy PCUSA)
Total Worship Sunday School Total Gains/
Year Membership Attendance Attendance Giving Losses

1990 320 200 120 $236,533 23/19

1991 300 175 127 $246,132 18/38

1992 318 180 111 $237,926 33/15

1993 326 183 131 $250,657 22/14

1994 338 172 140 $262,318 18/6

1995 338 Not available Not available Not available Not avail.

1996 342 200 183 $264,140 18/14

1997 337 200 184 $301,700 30/35

1998 339 180 Not available $313,829 22/20

1999 339 Not available Not available Not available Not avail.

Rose Slonaker, Edgewood’s Minister of Music, recalls,"David (her husband) and I were
visiting Edgewood, and after the service Bill McLaughlin caught us in the walkway outside
the Sanctuary and gave us church information. We have been impressed with the talents of
this congregation, not only in music, but computers, carpentry, etc. It is a working
congregation.”

The Lively Ones, in cooperation with the Outreach Committee, sponsored a Santa Claus
Express gift program for the Presbyterian Homes of Georgia. The program helped to gladden
the hearts of the home residents throughout the year –– on birthdays, as prizes for games,
therapy sessions, and as welcome gifts for new residents.

Dr. Bonneau Dickson, hearing of the writing of the church’s 50 year history, wrote in a
letter dated December 4, 1999, “. . . I really enjoyed my times at Edgewood. I remember it
as a congregation of fine spirited people who were easy to love. I am glad that there have
been a few occasions when I could pop back in just to keep the friendships in repair. You and
yours are part of my good memories.

“My health remains good. Bettie died 15 months ago, but happily my youngest son, an old
bachelor, moved into the house with me. I still go out to the Seminary. The people in the
Development Department are really like an extended family for me. I will turn 92 on March
4, 2000, and probably should be in one of our retirement homes; but things are going so well,
with Sam and his cat and my yardful of camellias, that I am reluctant to make any change.
Best wishes to you all . . .”

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 2000 – The New Century and the New Millennium

The World Around Us

The 21st century made its entrance with none of the fears voiced by many and amidst much
celebration throughout the world. In the closest presidential election in U.S. history,
Republican Texas Governor George W. Bush defeated incumbent Vice President Al Gore.
Democrat Roy Barnes was elected Governor of Georgia. Charles Schultz, creator of the
popular comic strip Peanuts, died. Opponents of Georgia’s state flag’s inclusion of the
Confederate battle flag increased their demands for a new flag. Columbus entered the new
century energized by a cooperative spirit that gained momentum at the culmination of the old
one. The Jordan Company made 1,442 acres of pristine wildlife habitat in north Columbus
available to the state of Georgia for a proposed Standing Boy Creek State Park. The Springer
Opera House completed an $11.3 million two-year renovation. The Lumpkin Center, a state-
of-the-art basketball arena, opened at Columbus State University.

A Called Congregational Meeting was held in mid-January to hear and act on an offer from
Miller Realty to purchase the church property and buildings at a price of slightly over two
million dollars. The Steering Committee and Session informed the congregation that the
church would net $1.8 million from the offer. The congregation voted to decline the offer and
declared a moratorium on dealing with future proposals to purchase the property until the
final mission statement of the ReVision process is adopted.

Edgewood, who always supported the Boy Scout program, invited the members of Boy Scout
Troop 24 and Cub Scout Pack 100 to the Worship Service in February to commemorate Boy
Scout Sunday. Carl “Bud” Paepcke, recently retired Director of the Columbus Federal
Bureau of Investigation Office, served as the Scoutmaster of Troop 24. Nicholas Daniels and
Jon Paepcke, who had been awarded Eagle rank while members of Troop 24, and Life Scout
Will Parker, the Troop’s Senior Patrol Leader, participated in the service.

The ReVision Process Team presented the Session with its recommendations and findings,
and new Vision and Mission Statements became a reality. The team met at Lake Point Resort
in Eufaula, Alabama, early in the year and considered all of the facets of ministry and life at
Edgewood, with the goal of determining God’s plan for His church in the new millennium.
Prayer, meditation, and discussion sessions abounded as the attendees listened intently for the
still, small voice to speak through the process.

ReVision Retreat attendees were Mary Adams, Liz Allison, B. J. Bagwell, Becky
Castellow, Barry Cosby, Rev. Barry Ferguson, Lloyd Frey, Susan Gilbert, Ed Gilmore,
Connie Hice, Fred Holt, Howard Johnston, Sandy Mason, Bill McLaughlin, Walter
Nesbitt, Pam Parker, Rick Parker, Sarah Pope, Nell Swensen, Jim West, Bob Wetherell,
Shirley Williams, Walter Williams, and Lisa Youmans.

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The “ReVision Context `99” status report, published for the church by Percept, revealed
many significant factors to be considered during the retreat. This report considered the area
within a five-mile radius of Edgewood and the responses of 145 members of the
congregation.

 There were 163,274 persons residing in the defined area, representing a 5.9%
increase since 1980. Expected growth rate by 2004 was estimated to be 1.5%,
well below the anticipated U.S. projection of 4.3%. According to the Percept
Report, Edgewood’s membership should increase by 5.9%, or 20 additional
members, bringing its total membership to 359.
 The lifestyle diversity in the area was rated “extremely high,” with a
considerable 42 of the 50 U.S. lifestyles segments represented. Of the six
major segment groupings, the largest was referred to as “Ethnic and Urban
Diversity,” which accounted for 42.5% of the households in our area of
consideration. The segment labeled “Young and Caring” accounted for 12%.
The report stated that 52% of the population was Anglo and 43% were
African-American. The average age of the population was 35.8 years.
Edgewood’s measured lifestyle diversity was rated “somewhat high,” with
three of the six possible Age and Income groups represented near or above
the national average. The largest group was “Mature and Affluent” (age 45
and older, household income $50,000 or higher) representing 32.6% of the
households in the congregation. Anglos represented 94.9% of the
congregation and 3% were Native American and Other, and 2% were
African-American. The average age of the congregation was 37.8 years.
 The area population consisted of 23% “Millenials” (ages 0 to 14), 28%
“Survivors” (ages 15 to 34), 27% “Boomers” (ages 35 to 54), 12% “Silents”
(ages 55 to 69), and 9% “Builders” (ages 70 and up). The average family
household annual income was $42,073. Edgewood consisted of 37%
“Survivors,” 22% “Boomers,” 20% “Silents,” 16% “Millenials,” and 5%
“Builders.” Edgewood’s reported average household income was $58,522
per year.
 Married couples accounted for 50% of the area, and divorced or widowed
population accounted for 25% of the measured group. The report stated that
“the area can be described as very nontraditional due to the below (U.S.)
average presence of married persons and two-parent families.” Single
mothers attributed 35% of the total households with children; single fathers
registered 4%, while 50% were married couples. Edgewood reported 65%
married, and 19% divorced or widowed members. Edgewood showed 35% of
the households led by single mothers, 15% by single fathers, and 50% were
married couples.
 The report rated Edgewood’s radius of concern as “very low” based upon the
number of years of formal education completed. While 68.9% of the
population aged 25 and over had graduated from high school (U.S. average
75.2%), college graduates accounted for 16.0% of those over 25 in the area
(U.S. average 20.3%). Edgewood congregation’s education level was rated
“extremely high,” reporting that 94.0% of its members aged 25 and over had
graduated from high school, and 58.7% had received college degrees.

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  The measured Columbus area reported that it preferred a church style that
was described as “both traditional and contemporary,” with 26% preferring a
traditional architecture style, 23% traditional music, 24% contemporary
worship, and 18% preferred contemporary music. Edgewood’s members
were rated as “very traditional,” with 27% preferring traditional architecture,
27% traditional music, 28% contemporary worship, and 14% contemporary
music.

The Vision of Edgewood Presbyterian Church

(Adopted 2000)
The Vision of Edgewood Presbyterian Church is to be Christ-like, becoming whole and fully
alive as we minister and witness to the glory of God!

The Mission of Edgewood Presbyterian Church

(Adopted 2000)

Under the Lordship of Jesus Christ

The Mission of Edgewood Presbyterian Church is
TO TELL everyone in our community
and in all the world
the good news that God in Jesus Christ
loves
forgives
redeems
and transforms
TO PROVIDE a place where all of the children of God
feel safe, able to grow, and part of one spiritual family

TO WORSHIP God with joy and thanksgiving,

using all of the gifts that God has given us to praise Him

TO PRESERVE the unchanging truth about God’s love for the world in Jesus Christ

TO WORK for the merciful treatment of all by all

and
TO DISPLAY such love toward one another and the world
in that all we say and do that others will see
Christ in us and experience His grace.

On Youth Sunday in May, the entire program was planned and/or written by EPC youth. The
Youth Family included: Collins Allison, Mary Leavitt Allison, Gretchen Arsenault,
Jessica Boswell, Mallory Boswell, Carson Chuites, Thomson Chuites, Leslie Clements,
Jeremy DeWalt, Andy Evans, Jennifer Garcia, Jeff Greer, Erin Hester, Elizabeth
Hocking, Holly Hocking, Abbey Lennon, Jena Lennon, Matthew McDonald, Eric
Nesbitt, Lindsay Oyster, Will Parker, Jeremy Platt, Brian Posey, Chris Posey, Jenny
Rollier, Libby Rollier, Chris Sanders, Jeannie Smith, Stephanie Spear, Daniel
Wetherell, Elizabeth Wise, Allison Wright, and Leigh Youmans.

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A Campus Ministry Board was formed, and the Rev. Jim Metzger was hired on a part-time
basis to make an application to Columbus State University for official status for Westminster
Fellowship to operate as a ministry to the student body, the faculty and staff. The
administration and coordination of this ministry was undertaken by Edgewood, working with
a Student Council. Board members were Liz Allison, Anne Breeden, Miranda Jones,
Wilson Kemp, Peggy Leech, and Walter Williams. Working with Rev. Metzger, they also
sent information on CSU, the city of Columbus, and Edgewood Presbyterian to five
seminaries in an effort to secure an intern to work with the program.

Edgewood’s graduating high school seniors, Leslie Clements and Jennifer Garcia, were
guests of honor at the May Fellowship Supper.

Rising fourth through eighth graders attended Kolomoki Camp in June. The children enjoyed
swimming, arts and crafts, nature hikes, the Tacky Show, and Kolomoki Olympics. During
afternoon free time, the young Christians chose from a variety of activities, a new feature of
this annual event. The camp theme was based on the Book of Acts –– “Growing the Church.”

In October, The Columbus Presbyterian Cluster met at EPC on World Communion Sunday
for an evening worship service designed to celebrate the diversity represented by the several
Presbyterian congregations in the Columbus area. Ordained clergy participating in the service
of music, dance, and the spoken word included: Rev. Art Bishop, Sherwood Presbyterian
Church; Rev. Dr. John Campbell, At-Large; Rev. Jones Doughton, Associate, First
Presbyterian Church; Rev. Barry Ferguson, Edgewood Presbyterian Church; Rev. Lynn
Gifford, Associate, First Presbyterian Church; Rev. Dan Graham, All Saints Presbyterian
Church; Rev. Shin Chul Kim, Korean Presbyterian Church; Rev. Gordon Marshall, Beth-
Salem Presbyterian Church; Rev. Esther Metzger, Pastoral Institute; Rev. Dr. James H.
Monroe, Interim Executive Presbyter, Flint River Presbytery; Rev. Sungman Park, Rock
Korean Presbyterian Church; Rev. Bob Sparks, Interim Pastor, Morningside Presbyterian
Church; and Rev. Garlin Springer, Carver Heights Presbyterian Church.

A joint adult choir, under the direction of Edgewood’s Director of Music Ministry Rose
Slonaker and accompanied by flutists Julene Johnson and Pete Sanders-Nesbitt, provided
inspiring music for the worshippers. Children of the Cluster’s Summer Music Camp, directed
by First Church’s Organist and Choir Director Tom George, sang “Song of Joy” and “Psalm
98.” Four members of the Korean Presbyterian Church, dressed in native clothing, danced
and sang several songs of praise in their native language. In a moving benediction, the
congregation joined hands on the lawn in front of the Fellowship Hall and sang “Blest Be the
Tie that Binds.” Afterward, a social in the Fellowship Hall allowed the members of the
various congregations to mingle and enjoy Christian fellowship.

Carroll Welker recalls a special sermon on November 19: “Pastor Barry’s sermon, ‘The
Person Who is Full of Gratitude Is the Only One Who Can Give Thanks’ was about giving to
and sharing with others. Bill Massey, a social worker who attends church regularly with his
wife Kristina, a long time EPC member, approached me immediately after the worship
service. Bill explained that he had a client that recently had to quit her job to care for her
mother who is suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. She was out of money, and Bill wanted to
know if the Edgewood Presbyterian Church, through the Outreach Committee, could assist. I
told Bill about the Helping Hands Fund, and we talked to Pastor Barry as we left the church.

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“Pastor Barry confirmed that money from the Helping Hands Fund would be used to defray
some of the woman’s bills. At the same time he reached down and picked up a bag that was
on the sidewalk by his feet. ‘Here,” he said, ‘give this to your client. A member of the church
just handed it to me and asked me to see that it is given to someone in need.’ The bag
contained a few cans of food and a certificate for Thanksgiving dinner groceries from a local
supermarket.

“God recognizes our needs before we ourselves are aware of them.”

Rev. Dr. Gerald Voye was granted the status of Honorable Retirement effective September
30, 2000. Dr. Voye had served faithfully as Executive Presbyter of Flint River Presbytery
since 1990.

The Chancel Choir presented a spectacular “Madrigal Feaste” December 2 and 3 in the
Fellowship Hall. It was a first for Edgewood. Bob Wetherell as Town Crier announced all
banqueters, Julene Johnson was Jester, Howard Hanko was the King, and Anne Breeden
was the Queen. The Royal Court was comprised of Patricia Banks, Patricia Banks, Barry
Ferguson, Gene Jacques, Joan Shepard, Ursula Crowell, Cynthia Frey, Susan Knight,
David Slonaker, Cathy Driver, Lloyd Frey, Ken Lancaster, Edith West, Gene DuToit,
Susan Gilbert, Max Oliver, Daniel Wetherell, Mary Anne Ennis, Ann Hall, Pete
Sanders-Nesbitt and Walter Williams. Susan Gilbert, Julene Johnson and Pete Sanders-
Nesbitt played the recorder and Nicki Sutherland played the guitar. Daniel Wetherell was
the trumpeter.

Edgewood Minister of Music Rose Slonaker directed the festive festival and the Fellowship
Hall took on the mood of an old English castle, thanks to the artistic talents of Sue Wells,
Glenn Wells, and Kit Wells.

EPC entered the world of the Internet with plans for its own website and acquired an e-mail
address, edgewoodpresbych@aol.com.

The Session’s Annual Statistical Report to the denomination reported 346 active members at
year’s end. There were 14 new members added to the roll and seven losses, one by reason of
death, four by transfer of letter, and two for other reasons. The congregation comprised 232
members over 35 years of age, with 91 members of that age group 65 years old or older.
Fifty-three percent were female. The Session reported 131 members on the inactive roll of the
church. The active Session consisted of 14 men and 10 women.

People are like stained glass windows:

They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,
But when the darkness sets in,
Their true beauty is revealed
Only if there is a light within.

Elizabeth Kubler Ross

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 2001

The World Around Us

George W. Bush was inaugurated as the 43rd President of the United States, becoming the
second son of a President to become President in our nation’s history, and the first President
of the 21st century. Bill Clinton left the White House as the second of America’s impeached
Presidents. On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked and destroyed the World Trade
Center’s twin towers in New York City and struck the Pentagon in Washington D.C. The
terrorists hijacked aircraft of American Airlines and United Air Lines for their heinous act.
Almost 5,000 lives were lost in the attacks, which were unparalleled in world history.
President Bush and world leaders began a strategy for ridding the world of terrorists, and
America prepared itself for war. The Georgia State Legislature approved a change to the
Georgia State flag, replacing the 1956 flag that prominently displayed the Confederate battle
emblem. Columbus Square Mall closed in March, and plans were made to clear the site in
preparation for building a central library. The $7.8 million Port Columbus Civil War Naval
Center opened off Victory Drive. The $67 million RiverCenter for the Performing Arts was
completed in October.

In the atmosphere of both being a part of the new century and millennium, and in the process
of writing Edgewood’s 50-year history, this article appeared in the church newsletter
announcing a revival series:

Preparing for a Spiritual Revival

“Once upon a time there was a big Presbyterian Church downtown in a nice little town in
Georgia. The big church saw a need to help develop another Presbyterian Church. There was
some land at the edge of the woods that was donated for that purpose and a little building was
built and they named it Edgewood Presbyterian Church. The little church grew from a few
members in the community to a few hundred members from all over the little town. The little
town grew into a bigger town and soon all the woods were gone, and there were a lot of
stores, restaurants, apartments, and universities around the church. Some of the real estate
developers in the town wanted to pay millions of dollars for the land the church sat on –– and
the people investigated, talked and prayed a lot about what to do. The people decided God
had a purpose for His church here and they wanted to seek and carry out that purpose. So, in
discussions in Sunday School, Worship, Session Meetings, Experiencing God Groups,
ReVisioning Groups, Spiritual Enrichment Groups, and individual prayer, the little church
came up with a Vision and Mission statement to renew their purpose for God’s Church. The
people thought it would be a great idea in the time of renewal and preparation before Easter
to have a series of Revival Meetings to keep ourselves focused on God’s purpose for us and
to share our Faith with others.”

The Spiritual Revival services began on Sunday, March 25, with the Rev. James Monroe,
Interim Executive Presbyter, preaching. His topic on Sunday morning was “Just Look at Your
God,” and on Sunday evening, it was “Just Look at Your World.” On Monday night, his
topic was “Who We Are in God’s Created Order,” and he preached on “Living in Wholeness
in God’s Word and World” on Tuesday evening. Assisting with the music were Ms. Oweta
Hegeman and Rev. Buck Thompson.

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LOGOS IV completed a successful school year under the direction of Sue and Fred Holt.
This ministry involved the cooperation of many of Edgewood’s adults and met weekly on
Wednesday afternoon from September 2000 through March 2001. Adults participating
included; Patricia Banks (Teacher, Music), Tom Collins (Teacher, 5th Grade), Barry Cosby
(Teacher, 2nd Grade and Kitchen), Ursula Crowell (Kitchen), Rev. Barry Ferguson
(Teacher, 8th Grade), Cynthia Frey (Teacher, 3rd Grade and Table Parent), Susan Gilbert
(Kitchen), Ed and Virginia Gilmore (Table Parents), Norma Green (Teacher, Music),
Lennie Grudisher (Kitchen), Griff and Lee Hartline (Kitchen), Fred Holt (Director and
Teacher, 7th Grade), Sue Holt (Financial Secretary and Kitchen), Caroline and Wilson
Kemp (Table Parents), Ken Lancaster (Storyteller), Peggy Leech (Family Time
Coordinator), Gail McNair (Table Decorations), Arlene and Greg Meshes (Kitchen),
Walter Nesbitt (Peacemaker and Kitchen), Vicki Pample (Kitchen), Sarah Pope
(Registration and Table Parent), Ben Ramsey (Kitchen), Allison Roark (Assistant Dinner
Dean), Martha Jane Roark (Kitchen), Rose Slonaker (Music/Worship Time Coordinator
and Table Parent), Amy Spear (Teacher, High School), Lynn Summers (Play Time
Coordinator), Ron Summers (Dinner Dean), Claudia Wells (Teacher, 1st Grade), Bob
Wetherell (Teacher, 6th Grade), Karen Wetherell (Kitchen), Andrew Wickers (Table
Parent and Kitchen), Beth Wickers (Play Time Coordinator), and Walter Williams (Table
Parent and Pianist).

In June, a Parenting Program began for parents, including “soon-to-be” parents, new parents,
and parents dealing with “baby two.” Sessions were held in the homes, and included a meal
and fellowship as well as the workshop.

On Father’s Day, June 17, the Rev. Dr. Anderson Buchanan, pastor of Edgewood from
1978 to 1983, preached. Andy and his wife Dottie were welcomed back by the congregation.

Also in June, Edgewood’s annual Hand Bell Choir Patriotic Program and Ice Cream Social
was held. Rotating among the year’s various patriotic holidays, the event over the years
became a favorite of the congregation. Mig Hanko directed the hand bell program.

The Outreach Committee, Carroll Welker, Moderator, published a report that described the
many ongoing outreach programs at Edgewood. Members were encouraged to become
acquainted with and join in support of the ministry of their choice. Caroline Kemp, as an
active Session member, also served on the committee as liaison to the ReVision Committee.
 Christmas in April – A nondenominational program designed to provide home
improvement services to people who are either disabled or cannot afford to keep their
home in repair. EPC sponsored the effort by nominating someone deserving the home
repair service and also by encouraging members of the congregation to volunteer to
help work on the homes. The work was done on a Saturday in April, hence the name.
Gene DuToit coordinated the program.
 Community Outreach – EPC members supported local outreach programs with time,
talent, and financial assistance. Participating with Carver Heights Presbyterian
Church of Columbus, Edgewood members actively supported the summer youth
program, encouraging the youth to become productive citizens who love God. Liz
Allison and Daniel Wetherell were the coordinators of this program.

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 Contact Helpline – This 24-hour confidential telephone listening ministry allowed
two lives to connect in a loving and caring environment in order to face a crisis. Bob
Wells coordinated this ministry.
 Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts – Edgewood was the Charter organization for Cub Scout
Pack 100, and provided support for Boy Scout Troop 24, sponsored by First
Presbyterian Church of Columbus. Longtime Troop 24 Scoutmaster Bud Paepcke
received the coveted Silver Beaver Award from the Chattahoochee Council of the
Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Cub Pack 100 received the Unit of Excellence
designation by the BSA, and offered a Tiger Cub program (ages 6 and 7), Cub Scout
program (ages 8 and 9), and a Webelos (We’ll Be Loyal Scouts) program (ages 10
and 11). Bud served as Edgewood’s liaison to the Scouting program.
 Helping Hands – A ministry helped the indigent and working poor of the Columbus
community by providing funds for rent and/or utility payments, medical expenses,
food, clothing, and other essential needs. Members of the congregation pledged
financial support to the special fund. Liz Allison coordinated the program.
 International Outreach – This year, Edgewood’s Session wholeheartedly approved an
international mission project: Covenant Hospital in Mombin Crochu, Haiti. This was
to be the first ongoing foreign mission program in which Edgewood was to become
involved in several years. Under the guidance of the Missions Committee of the Flint
River Presbytery, and conjointly with several churches in the Presbytery, the
announced goal was to support the hospital missionaries, staff, and patients with our
prayers and financial resources, as well as sending Edgewood members for onsite
visits and support. Miranda Jones was the coordinator for this program.
 Pastoral Institute – Edgewood continued support of this ministry through
contributions and Congregational Assistance Program (CAP) fees. All of the money
contributed went to help provide the Institute’s unique ministries of counseling,
education, and clergy and congregational support. Gene DuToit served as the liaison
from Edgewood.
 Presbyterian Columbus Cluster – Provided a means for the Presbyterian
congregations of the Columbus area to share their common concerns and
experiences, and helped to coordinate their research, planning, and resources to the
end that the ministry of each congregation could be sustained and developed. Liz
Allison and Sandy Mason served as Edgewood’s representatives to the Cluster.
 Red Cross Blood Drives – Edgewood conducted two Blood Drives for the American
Red Cross this year. Vicki Pample coordinated the Blood Drives.
 Second Harvest Food Bank – A special food offering was taken the first Sunday of
each month and contributions were welcome at any time. Elder Fred Holt served on
the Food Bank’s (formerly called The Interfaith Action Food Bank) Board of
Directors and two terms as its President. Connie Hice was the coordinator of this
program.
 Chattahoochee AIDS Services Initiative (CASI) – This support group received
financial, emotional, and leadership from EPC. The community-based organization
served five counties in West Central Georgia. Vicki Pample coordinated this
program and held a successful yard sale in the spring that provided funds for
furnishing a new building.
 Support Groups – Edgewood provided meeting facilities for the following
community support organizations: Compassionate Friends, Alanon, Alcoholics

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 Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous. Vicki Pample had the oversight of all the
support groups.
 Special Offerings – Several special offerings were taken throughout the year to
support outreach programs. They included: One Great Hour of Sharing, taken on
Easter Sunday to support PCUSA hunger programs; the Witness Offering, collected
on Pentecost Sunday to support overseas missions, evangelism, and church
development; the Peacemaking Offering, taken on World Communion Sunday and
used to support local, presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly peacemaking
programs; the Christmas Joy Offering was collected the Sunday before Christmas
Day and used to support the Board of Pensions and the eight racial ethnic schools and
colleges related to PCUSA; the Mother’s Day Offering went to support the
Presbyterian Homes of Georgia; and other offerings as approved by the Session were
taken. Frances Braswell had the oversight of these offerings and prepared bulletin
boards to educate the congregation about them.
 The Church Sign was also used as a means of reaching those who drove by the
church each day going to and from work, school, or shopping. Bud Paepcke was
responsible for having meaningful, and often witty, messages for all to see.

At a Session meeting Elder Welker was giving his report as Moderator of the Outreach
Committee, and extolling the fine work that committee member Vicki Pample had done in
organizing and promoting a recent Red Cross blood drive. Wanting to give credit where
credit was due, he said, “It is only appropriate that the Session commit Vicki Pample for her
effort and hard work.” (Carroll adds: It would probably have been more appropriate to
commend Vicki, however, she would probably welcome the rest that commitment would
provide).

The Operations Committee, under the leadership of Bud Paepcke, arranged for the painting
of the Fellowship Hall and the Library, carpeting the Church Office and the computer room,
and many other cleaning and repair projects.

Several ladies of the congregation presented a delightful comedy called “Ladies of the Mop”
at a Dinner Theater at Edgewood in July. Susan Gilbert (Mattie), Joan Shepard (Annie),
Julene Johnson (Hallie), and Patricia Banks (Bessie) danced, sang, acted, and played the
piano for an enthusiastic group of diners in Fellowship Hall. The dramatization was produced
by Claudia Wells and directed by Rose Slonaker.

Susan Gilbert, Pete Sanders-Nesbitt, and Rose Slonaker attended the annual Montreat
Music and Worship Conference. Connie Hice and David Slonaker attended worship
services and special programs at the Conference. Former EPC members Bob and Stratton
Peacock provided Southern hospitality for the group at their Montreat home.

Longtime member Mrs. Ruth Story Willis celebrated her 90th birthday on August 5, joining
a small but distinguished group of members in their nineties. Mrs. Mary Neely celebrated
her 97th birthday on October 22.

On Sunday evening, August 26, EPC hosted 11 Columbus State University (CSU) students,
faculty, and staff in celebration of the beginning of the Westminster Fellowship’s on-campus
ministry. Dr. Frank Brown, President of CSU, and Dr. Becky Matthews, Faculty Advisor,

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accepted the church’s invitation and were present for the inaugural event. There were
entertainment, snacks, a meal and a “Service for Beginnings,” with singing, praising, sharing
God’s word and prayer for students, faculty, and staff and all campus organizations as the
new academic year began. The Campus Ministry Board had talked and talked. They
investigated and investigated. They jumped through administrative hoops and established
relationships. They sputtered and staggered. Through it all, the Board was convinced that
God was calling Edgewood to campus ministry, and God blessed the effort to minister to His
people at CSU! In 2001, the University’s enrollment was 5,500 students, supported by a 210-
person faculty and a staff of 291.

The Mission Statement of the Westminster Fellowship stated:

The Westminster Fellowship of Columbus State University is a campus ministry supported
by Edgewood Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), rooted in the Reformed tradition, yet
welcoming of students from all traditions and in all stages of their faith journeys. We provide
opportunities for:
 Examining and integrating the relationship between faith and knowledge
 Bearing witness to the love of God in Christ through service in the community,
on campus, and in the local church
 Developing and enjoying relationships with others in an open-minded, open-
hearted Christian community
 Exploring your unique gifts and graces and how and where God might be calling
you to serve the world
The Westminster Fellowship invites all who seek to “grow in knowledge and love” to be a
part of its community and its ministry.

As the Westminster Fellowship gathered on the walkway between the Fellowship Hall and
Sanctuary, Dave Holland, local musician, TV reporter, and CSU instructor, led a trio of
musicians in several popular and upbeat renditions enjoyed by all. On a warm and muggy
Sunday afternoon, the students mingled with faculty, other students, and members of EPC
during the social hour.

EPC’s members cooked spaghetti sauce by the gallon, and Peggy Leech enlisted the
assistance of Lenny Grudisher, Bill McLaughlin, Sue Holt, Fred Holt, and Walter
Williams to prepare a delicious spaghetti dinner for the guests. The Fellowship Hall was
filled with laughter and conversation, and the dinner was capped off with a birthday cake for
Rev. Ferguson, accompanied with the singing of “Happy Birthday” to our pastor.

After dinner, “A Service Celebrating New Beginnings” was conducted in the Sanctuary.
EPC’s own Allison Roark and Chris Posey, both CSU students, presented a welcome to the
worshippers and led the congregation in the invocation. Students Paul Garrard and
Hampton Bishop led the lively worship hour. Rev. Ferguson announced that he had
experienced difficulty finding a CSU student, faculty member, or administrator who could
describe the CSU fight song. Not to be denied, he finally located an official who provided a
copy of the music and words. Barry led the Westminster Fellowship through a rousing
session of “On! On! Ye Cougars!” to the delight of all.

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The Thursday evening worship service begun in 2000 continued, but attracted fewer CSU
students than hoped for. However, the singing of old gospel hymns, camp songs, VBS songs,
and a relaxed setting created an atmosphere where sharing happened and worship consisted of
active three-way dialogue. The Fall Semester at CSU witnessed the beginning of biweekly
Bible Studies and weekly Westminster meetings on campus.

The Session approved Sack Lunch Forums on August 19 and September 9, immediately
following the Sunday worship service, to give members an opportunity to discuss the issues
before the Presbyterian Church (USA) concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ and
the proposal to ordain avowed and practicing homosexuals as officers and ministers. The
210th General Assembly (1998) had approved the following authoritative interpretation of G-
6.0106 and G-4.0403 in the Book of Order. "Standing in the tradition of breaking down the
barriers erected to exclude people based on their condition such as age, race, class, gender
and sexual orientation, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) commits itself not to exclude
anyone categorically in considering those called to ordained service in the church but to
consider the lives and behaviors of candidates as individuals."

The 213th General Assembly (2001) voted to send a proposed constitutional amendment to
the presbyteries that –– if ratified by a majority of them in the coming year –– would delete
G-6.0106b (the commonly called “fidelity and chastity" provision) from the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) Book of Order.

Edgewood gathered on the fateful evening of September 11 for the scheduled monthly
Fellowship Supper. The program was sponsored by the Outreach Committee and Committee
Moderator Carroll Welker introduced Committee members Liz Allison, Francis Braswell,
Gene DuToit, Connie Hice, Caroline Kemp, Miranda Jones, Vicki Pample, Walter
Williams and Bob Wells, who all told of the many ministries that Edgewood participated in
and supported. It was reassuring to those who heard the briefing that God’s work continued
as He promised.

Following the supper and program, the Sanctuary became the scene for a praise and prayer
service conducted by Rev. Ferguson. Parishoners, still stunned by the horrific scenes they
had witnessed on television during the day, joined in hymns about God’s everpresent help in
times of distress.

The Session approved contributing $200 from the Helping Hands Fund to the American Red
Cross Disaster Relief Fund, to be used to help the World Trade Center and Pentagon victim’s
families. The congregation was encouraged to contribute to the fund so that more could be
sent to the Red Cross, and the generosity of members increased this fund to over $500.

Mrs. Louise Leazenby undertook a major “overhaul” of the Church Library during the
summer months. The work included the updating of all cataloguing of materials, reorganizing
categories, and collecting new books. Mrs. Leazenby was recognized for her hard work by
the Session and congregation on September 23. Theresa Walton was named Librarian to
replace Mrs. Leazenby, who moved out of town in October.

On September 30, at a Congregational Meeting, the Session recommended the calling of an

Associate Pastor and, if the recommendation was approved, the election of seven persons to a

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Pulpit Nominating Committee. After much discussion that centered around the need for
additional pastoral staff, and whether the church had the funds to support such an addition,
the motion to call an Associate Pastor was approved by a majority of the voters. Those
elected to serve on the Pulpit Nominating Committee were Liz Allison, Sue Holt, Miranda
Jones, Bill McLaughlin, Nick McNair, Walter Nesbitt, and Chris Posey. Rev. Art
Bishop was named as the liaison from the presbytery to the committee.

Several Edgewoodians attended the Faith and Fishing workshop, sponsored by the
presbytery, on October 13, at Morningside Presbyterian Church in Columbus. The theme of
the workshop was “Making Disciples Who Make Disciples.”

Edgewood held a blood drive, conducted by the local Red Cross office, on October 15. Three
important needs were stressed: The donation of blood to help save and prolong lives;
volunteers to help register blood donors, and serve refreshments to donors; and for those who
cannot donate blood or work on-site, contributions to help buy pumpkins to give to those who
donate blood. It was decided by the Outreach Committee that pumpkins would be a good gift
during this harvest season. Vicki Pample coordinated the event.

Photographs for the 2001 “Anniversary” Pictorial Directory were made on October 25 – 27.
This project was coordinated by Lee Hartline.

As this document went to press, America found herself confounded and confused about the
actions and intentions of a militant group of people who seemed determined to disrupt our
nation’s way of life. Operating under the guise of a “holy war”, the terrorists announced that
they would wreak havoc on America and anthrax attacks confirmed their prediction.
President Bush led a coalition against the ruling Taliban of Afghanistan and former or current
members such as Dave Buitendorp, Adam Suhr, and Andrew Wichers found themselves in
uniform once again. Fort Benning and the rest of the nation were on high alert against further
terrorist attacks. Through it all, we Presbyterians were comforted in the fact that God was still
in His heaven and in control of His creation.

Stratton Peacock ended her recollections of her years at Edgewood with “. . . Bob and I have
been closely connected with Edgewood Church almost from its beginning. Our three
children grew up in that church family. We were nurtured by its pastors and its members,
and treasure the associations we have had with so many fine people. We value especially the
caring support that members give to one another, and believe it is a unique quality not found
in many congregations. May that quality continue to be nourished, and may God lead the
congregation into new and exciting ministries in the years ahead.”

The narrative thus ends of the first fifty years of Edgewood Presbyterian Church. In the
midst of national tragedy, we see the people of God turning to Him as never before, and the
triumph of the human spirit. We pray that those chroniclers of the next fifty years will be
blessed, as we feel we have been blessed, to record the events and call to service of this
congregation.

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 Though your beginning was small,
Yet your latter end would increase abundantly.

For inquire, please, of the former age,

And consider the things discovered by their fathers;

For we were born yesterday, and know nothing,

Because our days on earth are a shadow.

Will they not teach you and tell you,

And utter words from their heart?

Job 8: 7–10

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John A. Dalles, 1984

God, Bless Your Church with Strength!

God, bless your church with strength!

Wherever we may be,
Upbuild Your servants, as we work
In common ministry.
Urge us from fledgling faith
To venture and to soar
Through open skies, to sing the praise
Of Christ whom we adore.

God, bless your church with life!

May all our branches thrive,
Unblemished, wholesome, bearing fruit,
Abundantly alive.
From You, one holy vine,
In freedom may we grow;
Sustain us in our mission, Lord,
Your love and peace to show.

God, bless your church with hope!

Despite chaotic days,
May we in chaos shine to light
A pathway through life’s maze.
May justice be our aim,
And kindness ours to share,
In humbleness O may we walk,
Assured our God is there!

Copyright © 1990 by GIA Publications, Inc., Chicago, Illinois

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All rights reserved. Used with permission

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