This last weekend was a special one, it was the 100th Anniversary of the Ashmore Presbyterian Church building.
It was my ancestors church of my Maternal Grandmother. The church itself is 176 years old but the building was built in 1917.
I realized a couple of years ago when I was scanning their records that the anniversary was coming up. Of course, you know me I had to ask if anyone was doing something to commemorate the date?
I have so much documentation I decided to write a book to mark the occasion
just loved doing this, using my family records and pictures to put this together.
The church is small and several people did a great job putting together a 2 day event.
Funny thing is, if I go back far enough the members of the church are related to me, and their ancestors were the ones that founded the church in 1841.
the church was beautifully decorated
they came up with the wonderful idea to decorate the altar with flowers to honor your ancestors.
Our Reunion purchased 2 arrangements, and I purchased a small one for my Grandmother, her parents and siblings.
My 3rd Great Grandparents, both who were original members.
My other 3rd Great Grandparents. Phebe was alive but William was deceased when the church was formed, he is a Revolutionary War Veteran
My surprise when I got there and saw one bouquet on the top of the altar, it was the one for my Grandmother and her family.........lump in my throat.
the first day they had children events, food and as part of the Genealogy Society we had the church records open for people to find their ancestors.
The lady on the left is my cousin through my 4th Great Grandfather, and the 2 on the right we share the same 2nd Great Grandfather.
I did a couple of bulletin boards to show the 2 churches that were merged to make the current church.
cousin Fred came both days, wearing his Galbreath tartan plaid shirt!
We were listening to a wonderful band that was performing, that was so fun.
Day 2, was met with my anticipation as the members were hoping for a good turn out.
They even replicated the program that was presented on the same day 100 yrs ago.
Sitting in the pew singing the same songs my Grandmother sang on that date in 1917 was a special feeling. I was so happy the church is still standing, that people still love and attend the church.
I could feel my ancestors spirits.
the church was nearly full, and I could see the happiness on the faces of the members. I was so glad for them, that their hard work to honor their church was a success.
rare...picture of me with my Mitchell ancestors flowers.
Then for a potluck in the church basement.
It looked so pretty, white tablecloths and they used the church china.
Look what I spotted!!
yep! PYREX!! Butterprint Cinderella bowl.........who brought that!
Afterwards Fred and I took the flowers out to our family cemetery.
Laid roses on all our families graves.
Fred placing some on his Grandparents, my Great Grandparents grave.
Love you Mama and Papa
My 3rd Great Grandparents. He lived through the Battle of Guildford Courthouse in 1781 in which his home was destroyed and his father taken captive.
My 3rd Great Grandmother, born in Philadelphia,met her husband at a party given by her Uncle for his friend General Washington.
Somehow they all ended up in a small town in Central Illinois.
Together they formed a church based on their Presbyterian beliefs.
The church stands tall to this day in that small town of 700 people.
If you would like to read about the day in 1917 here is a newspaper article
