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PUTNAM NEWS
Bill Ellis: Good things from the last century continuing today
Martha Miller, concert pianist and vocal soloist, will perform on Friday, September 12, 7:00 p.m., at the Teays Valley Church of the Nazarene for the general public. She also appears on September 13, 10.00 a.m., at the church for a ladies meeting and "High Tea".
Purchase this photoMore than once, I have heard some uninformed person say something like this: "These church revival meetings don't last."
Billy Sunday, the famed revival preacher of the early 1900s, was approached one day with that same silly statement, to which he replied, "Neither does a bath, but it helps to take one" -- at least occasionally.
In 1993, there was a Putnam County evangelistic meeting, sponsored by the Teays Valley Ministerial Association, which involved the entire county and neighboring counties as well. Dr. Clyde Dupin, internationally known evangelist whose offices are in North Carolina, was called to be the guest speaker. Life was changed for scores of people in that meeting and the good results continue to this very day.
The gracious and talented wife of the evangelist initiated one of the finest results of that meeting, perhaps the first of its kind in the history of our county. Her name is Grace Dupin, known for her winsome ways and inspirational speaking. At 10 each morning, Grace would meet with the ladies in what was known as a "Ladies Tea" at the Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Coffee (No tea?), donuts and cookies were served. Maybe tea, at least once.
After refreshments, there was time for songs, prayer and an inspiring message by Grace Dupin. Many ladies attended those daily meetings. And they continued after that historic week in August, 1993.
In September 1993, the first "Ladies Tea" was held at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, with 40 ladies in attendance. Freda Hudson was appointed director and continues to serve in that role. These meetings, which have attracted hundreds of women in the past 15 years, are held on the second Saturday of every month, in a different church, at 10 a.m. The meetings are now known as "Ladies of Faith," but they still have their tea and coffee.
They will celebrate their 15th Anniversary on Friday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m. at the Teays Valley Church of the Nazarene, by presenting a concert of music featuring the widely known Martha Miller, concert pianist and soloist from Cincinnati, Ohio, who studied music at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Bob Jones University, Cincinnati Christian University and God's Bible College.
Men, women, children and youth are invited to join together for this special event. Mandy Davison, an outstanding vocalist from Cincinnati, will also sing. Host pastor, The Rev. Charles V. Williams, his staff and congregation will welcome us all to this special evening.
One of the highlights of Saturday's meeting at 10 a.m. will be the concluding "High Tea" which will be an unforgettable experience for all the ladies, including young ladies and girls who will attend. For further information and to make your reservations, be sure to call Freda Hudson immediately at: 304-757-6147 or 304-757-8192.
Whoever said, "Revivals Don't Last"? If it is a revival, it never quits lasting. Dr. Dupin and his wife, Grace, were back at the Hurricane High School Football Stadium, August 23-27, 1998, 10 years ago for another highly successful meeting. It may be time to invite him back. Our county may need another spiritual bath.
Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist who can be reached at P.O. Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560; phone 304-757-6089.
