"To Whom It May Concern."
"If there are any mistakes or omissions in this report, please accept such as oversight or lack of information."
"Appreciation is extended to all who so willingly helped out with dates, events and etc. This is an act of love to undertake such a mammoth assignment. Please accept all errors in the same spirit they were written.
Last, but not least, I extend a word of appreciation to Cheryl Young who gave so much of her time in typing this compilation."
Mae T. Dollar
~and with that, we begin, in the same spirit~
The Thomasville Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was organized December 5th, 1965 in the home of Virgil Cox. This meeting was under the direction of President Hartman Rector, Mission President, Florida, and President Lincoln Barlow of the Moultrie Branch, Moultrie, Georgia. At this meeting, Laurie Isgett was sustained as Branch President with Arrie D. Watson serving as First Counselor, Wilson A. Folsom serving as Second Counselor, Virgil A. Cox as Clerk. There was a total of twenty eight members in this area at the time of this organization.
Almost a month later, the Church purchased the old Winn home place, including a large lot at 755 Remington Avenue. The old home was converted into a Chapel where we held our meetings. On January 2, 1966, the first meeting was held there. Up to this time, we traveled to Cairo Georgia for our meetings, twice on Sunday. This old home had been empty for a long time. It was invisible from the street due to a wilderness of tall reeds. (Bamboo) The brothers chopped down enough reed to make a drive up to the house. The sisters scrubbed and cleaned away a heavy accumulation of dirt and dust. It made us think of our pioneer fathers who had to clear the land to build homes and a place to worship.
It required many months of hard labor to rid the land of this growth as well as thousands of Black Starling birds who had used the reed thicket as their home for many years. Finally by using a bulldozer, the land was cleared of the reed.
In the year 1967, Leo A Larson and his wife Lissis were sent here to work as full time missionaries from Page, Arizona, but he was sustained as our second Branch President, President Isgett was released. He kept the same two counselors that were serving with President Isgett.
President Larson and his wife devoted time, labor and material to help make the old home take on a more attractive and comfortable appearance. The members pitched in and helped clean up the house by hanging drapes made from sheets, painting here and there, etc. It began to look more attractive. There was no complaining voiced by the members over the gigantic job that we were undertaking. The fruits of our labor began to show and we were proud and loved this old house, our first meeting house in Thomasville.
Due to small membership, each of us had one or more callings. This situation was accepted in a Spirit of Love, with very little complaint voiced. We knew we had a job to do and we did it with willing hearts.
Our first meetings were held in one small room, but as we grew we had to enlarge this room by removing a wall and taking in another room. President Larson had paneling put up on the walls and a podium built. Some pews were loaned to us by the Cairo Branch. With them in the room, it looked like a small Chapel and we were proud of it.
The time came when the Larsons were transferred to Douglas, Georgia. The new Missionaries who were sent to take their place were Brother Leonard T. Cowley and wife Helen, this transfer taking place March 24, 1968. They came here to serve as full time missionaries but Brother Cowley succeeded President Larson and was sustained as the third Branch President. They were from Eugene, Oregon. His counselors were Arrie D. Watson first and Ray Henry Varnedore as second.
The Cowleys picked up where the work was left off by the Larsons and did a good job leading the Church here. They were transferred on November 3, 1968. Here for a short time only.
1969~ Our Branch had had three Presidents this past year~ work has been completed on the building that was started in 1966. Although attendance is down a little from what it was at the beginning of the year, the spirituality of the Branch is much higher than it has been for some time.
The Relief Society sponsored another successful carnival the year of 1967, consisting of refreshment booths selling hot dogs, soft drinks, baked goods and candy. We had live pony rides, fish pond, and movies. The most successful booth was the "White Elephant Sale." Many merchants in town donated some nice things for us to sell, as well as donations of the members.
The membership of our Branch being so small and too few ladies to hold a successful bazaar, the sisters felt having a carnival would be means for them to earn money to sustain their organization and at the same time cause them to use their imagination and ingenuity in thinking and decorating their own booths. There was a spook house~ which was fun for the children. There were two ladies who made their own costumes, dressed as clowns and passed out bubble gum to the children, along with announcements of the carnival as means of advertising. These ladies were also on TV in their costumes on a local show advertising the carnival. The Relief Society had hoped to earn $100.00 and had set this as their goal. They cleared $137.00 and were very happy over the success and hope to do it the next year. This money will be used in furnishing the Relief Society room~ when the remodeling is completed.
1968~ Since the membership is small and most members are working in two or more organizations, it was decided that all organizations go together and have a large Christmas Party. Some of the members went caroling for an hour in two nursing homes. They were so appreciated , they were asked to come again next year. The people noticed the difference in the songs and the singing and also were impressed at the very young members who went to sing with the young people and adults.
At the party in the Branch Chapel, each organization was in charge of a different part of it. The Relief Society furnished refreshments, the MIA was in charge of games, the Sunday School did the decorating and the Primary presented a nice program that was from the primary books~ a happy (event) for all, ending with singing Christmas Carols. (Copied from historical report, year ending 12-31-1968, Arrie D Watson, Clerk)
November 3, 1968, Laurie E Isgett sustained as fourth Branch President. Arrie D Watson, first Counselor and Ray H Varnedore, Second.
1969~ During this year, our branch has grown very slowly, having had very few Baptisms. We have had several money raising projects. The most successful was the pecan project, much work was done on the yard and inside building.
February 2, 1969~ the Branch was saddened by the death of our first Branch President, Laurie E. Isgett. He was a pillar of strength and inspiration of all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
February 9, 1969~ Arrie D. Watson was sustained as our fifth Branch President with Ray H. Varnadoe as First Counselor and Willie H. Riles as second and James W. Dodd, clerk.
October 1969~ the Relief Society had another very successful Halloween Carnival, was enjoyed by a large crowd.
November 26, 1969~ Branch Conference was held under the direction of District Presidency.
December 19, 1969~ The branch enjoyed another beautiful Christmas party~ Good feelings existing among everyone that was present.
February 15, 1970~ the Presidency was reorganized. Arrie D. Watson, President, with Willie H. Riles as First Counselor and James W. Dodd and second. Ray H. Varnedoe was released. James W. Dodd was released as Clerk and Curtis Herring sustained as Clerk March 28, 1971. Walter W. Owens, Exec Secretary.
From May 21, 1972 to October 15, 1972, The Branch Presidency went through two changes.
May 21, 1972, Arrie D. Watson sustained again as Branch President with Holan W. Smith First Counselor, Barry D. Hill Second Counselor. Oct 15, 1972, Arrie D. Watson was released as Branch President. Same date, Randall H. Smith sustained as Branch President with Barry D. Hill as First Counselor and Holan Smith as Second and William M Clanton, Clerk. Brother Harlan Smith was released when he became a member of the High Council. Brother Hill moved from Thomasville. President Randall H. Smith had 2 sets of counselors during his term. Arrie D. Watson was called as First Counselor and Charles H. King as second counselor. John Atha, Clerk. March 30th, 1975, after a short term, Brother King was released and was succeeded by Phillip Karski as Second Counselor May 15th 1972, under the direction of President Hartman Rector, membership of the Council of Seventy and Alabama and Florida Mission Presidency, Cairo Branch and Thomasville Branch were combined into one Branch. In his remarks before the vote was taken to combine the Branches, President Rector said the combined Branch would be much stronger and he would be able to function more fully.
Much work was done in the yards and building by the youth. Yards cleared and rooms painted.
November 24th 1972~ Branch Conference was held under the direction of the District Presidency.
The annual Branch Christmas party was held.
On November 16th, 1975~ the Thomasville Branch was included in the Florida, Tallahassee Stake or Council. The Thomasville members joined a District meeting attended by 2500 members from North Florida and South Georgia. Until now, we had to go to Douglas for our Stake Conference.
Sunday, August 22, 1976, ground breaking ceremony was held for our new church building. Those taking part in this ceremony were Stake President Jay Lambert, Stake Mission President Stanley Kimball, Jack Hall~ High Council member, Tom Faircloth~ Thomasville Vice Mayor, Branch President Randall Smith and his 2 Counselors Arrie D. Watson and Phillip Karski. Everyone's heart was full of thanks, graditide and love for we all knew this was an answer to prayer.
Branch Presidency was reorganized Oct 17th, 1976. President Smith was released and succeeded by Brother Charles King. His Counselors were Arrie D. Watson, First, and Larry NeSmith as Second Counselor.
We watched out new church being built and anxiously waited for the day we could move in . On Feb 20th 1977, we moved into our new building. It was a happy occasion for all of us to have such a pretty new Chapel to worship in. We still loved the first old home for it was our first meeting house in Thomasville. We were cramped for space, but it was like one happy, large family. We had close fellowship.
President King moved to Baldwin Ga and was released July 10th 1977, was succeeded by Randall Smith. When he was sustained as President the second time, he said "I must not have done a good job on my first calling so I am being given a second chance." He did a super job both times. His Counselors were Arrie D. Watson and First and Melton Covington as Second.
September 3, 1978, Thomasville Branch was made a Ward. The Florida Tallahassee Stake Presidency were visiting that day, with President Chapple presiding. Charles King was sustained as our first Ward Bishop, he had recently returned to Thomasville. Serving as his Counselors were Arrie D. Watson as First and Dudley Dixon as Second.
The later part of February 1978, Cairo members left the Thomasville Ward and went back and organized a Branch in Cairo. It made a big hole in our congregation, but it was to their advantage to have a Church there and not have to travel so far. We missed their love and support.
The Church was growing, having many Baptisms, everyone doing his part and working in harmony. On July 10, 1980 Bishop King was released and succeeded by Doyle Alley as our Second Bishop/ His counselors were Arrie D. Watson, First, and Martin Poulson as Second. Bishop Alley served almost two years and was released as he and his family moved to Colarado. Stanley A McWhorter was sustained as our third Bishop June 13, 1982. Serving as his Counselors were Randall Smith as First and Dennis Maxey as Second. Shortly after this reorganized Bishopric, Brother Maxey and family moved to Tallahassee.
For a while, we had a great exodus of strong members moving away from Thomasville for job related reasons. Brother Maxey was succeeded by Fred Barnes.
July 18, 1982 our new church building was dedicated with President Richard Chapple presiding. He offered the dedicatory prayer. A beautiful and impressive ceremony.
Very soon the hallway and rooms seemed to be getting smaller, as our membership was on a steady incline, around 200 plus now.
Groundbreaking ceremony was held for out next phase to our present building. Those taking part in this program on Sunday afternoon, November 1982, were Bishop McWhorter, who handled the shovel, President Chapple and President Madsen, President Barlow and a large number of members attended this ceremony. Work was delayed in getting started and about a year passed before construction began in 1983.
Bishop McWhorter's work called him to Albany Georgia, our loss and Albany's gain. He was released and was succeeded by Dallas M. Watson on February 19, 1984. The stake Presidency were visiting this day with President Chapple presiding. The two counselors were Randall Smith as 1st and Arrie D. Watson as 2nd.
When Bishop Watson was sustained for the Bishop of Thomasville Ward, many were surprised- being only 27 years old and a *home grown product*. If anyone had any doubt in their mind whether he was the right one for the Bishop's position before President Madsen spoke, they no longer had that feeling after hearing his speech. President Madsen made a strong and very forceful speech. After much prayer and fasting they knew that Dallas Watson the man the Lord wanted to lead his work here in Thomasville. Was a day of rejoicing and a season for sadness. Many had tearful eyes when saying goodbye to Bishop McWhorter, then on the other hand, there was pride and joy when our new *home grown* Bishop was welcomed and pledged our love and support in this importing calling.
Sunday September 23, 1984, our first Sacrament services were held today in our beautiful new Chapel. We were proud to have such a beautiful and spacious building to worship in. We should be humble and have thankful hearts for the many blessings Heavenly Father bestows upon us.
As we entered the Sanctuary, with soft organ music, the carpeted floors and upholstered pews, everything was so quiet, not a whisper, you could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit, and knowing that is what Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ wants in His house of worship. This new building represents many answered prayers, many hours of hard labor, sacrifice, love and the blessings of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, our Lord. Bishop Watson was presiding at this special meeting and stressed points on the care of the Chapel, no eating, no crayons, no chewing allowed by the children. He also spoke on the importance of reverence inside the Chapel at all times and that we should visit and talk in the foyer. At the close of the meeting, Bishop Watson called on Sister Edith Rehberg and Brother Ian Lahtimer to bear their testimonies.
The brethren put in many hours of labor landscaping and beautifying the grounds.
On October 13, 1984, the Ward sponsored a fund raising Fish Fry Supper. It was a great success. A lot of work, splendid cooperation and love among the members made this the best Fish Fry ever, a great success. An anonymous giver furnished the fish, of which the Ward was grateful. A beautiful setting for this Fish Fry, outdoors under the large oak tree, tables and chairs were set up for the use of those who wished to eat there.
Many non-member friends helped also in making the event a great success. They were impressed with the beauty of our new building, the grounds, and especially the food. Besides the ones who sold tickets for this fish fry, our thanks goes to C.D. and Patsy Bently, Carolyn Clanton, Marilyn Cranford, Anna Nesmith, Kathy Smith and Sister Converse (our new Lady Missionary), Reba Smith and Elizabeth Harden for the delicious hot fried apple pies.
Among the other projects, we had the Pizza Project. This was one of the best. We did that on a monthly basis for several months.
On Friday and Saturday evening, January 11 and 12, 1985, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints opened the doors to the public, inviting friends and relatives, non-members and members to come and fellowship in our new Church, and tour all the departments on the many organizations of the Church. This event was under the direction of Bishop Watson and Alan Lahtimer, mission leader.
The Primary Department had attractive displays arranged on tables in each room. Each teacher was responsible for the display and many craft pieces that were here. The Primary President had a display also.
The Relief Society room displayed many different courses of study, Homemaking room displayed a beautiful quilt and many craft pieces that were made here.
Missionary table with many leaflets on the many different subjects of The Church and its belief, principles and doctrines, were available to all interested people. Table displaying the genealogical material to help those who are interested in this great work.
The Seminary and MIA room was very attractive with displays of the many things t5hat are taught in the group of young women and young men and the Boy Scouts Program.
The *Bumble Bee* room or nursery was very attractive with the many items that are both educational as well as interesting to this age group of 18 months to 3 years.
The ones who came as visitors, we were grateful to them. The many who did not come missed a great blessing and knowledge of what the Church and all the fundamental truths taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
March 24, 1985 the dedication ceremony was held for our new building. That day marked another milestone in the growth of the church here in Thomasville. That day was a day for rejoicing and heart filled with thanks and was a day to rededicate our lives, time and talents to the up-building of the True Church pf Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Thomasville. The stake Presidency were present with President Chapple presiding and offering the dedicatory prayer.
Our membership roll is on the decline due to so many families leaving for other work locations. Some of the families are the Aleys, Masseys, Barnes, McWhorters, Paulsons, Roberts, Lahtimers, Wolvertons, Clantons and Cos's all with children which brought the Primary enrollment down.
March 23, 1986 the Thomasville Ward reorganized the Bishopric, Randall Smith released as 1st Counselor, succeeded by Charles H King. Arrie D Watson released as 2nd Counselor and succeeded by Don Paul Cowling, Charles W King, executive secretary and Gary Cranford, Ward Clerk.
Book One Completed this day July 24th, 2011
Brenda, I have really enjoyed reading about the Thomasville Ward. Hope you can soon post some more with pictures with it.
ReplyDeleteLove ,
Barbara