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Following is the program for the dedication of the window given by Miss Nellie Humphrey, Sunday, April 27th at 10:45 a.m., at the First Baptist Church in Esther.
Miss Humphrey is affectionately dedicating the window to the children of the Esther community with the admonition to walk in the light.
Program: Hymn, choir; prayer, Rev. W. E. Hicks; welcome address; hymn; announcements; offering; unveiling of window; prayer, song by the children, scripture reading; special music; sermonette, Rev. W. E. Hicks; poem, Walk In The Light, Frances Alexander; the symbolism of the window, by Miss Nellie Humphrey; closing hymn, Have Thine Own Way; benediction.
All-day services were held Sunday at the Esther Baptist Church, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the organization, in connection with the dedication of the new church building.
A profusion of flowers decorated the auditorium and basement. A large basket of cut flowers, a gift from the Flat River Baptist Church; a beautiful display from the Butterfield Greenhouses; a large floral piece from the Esther W.M.U., as a memoriam for departed members; also a floral tribute from the children of the late Mrs. Eliza Fissell, and many others from friends of the church, were prominently displayed. Mrs. George Miller and Miss Nelly Humphrey assisted in decorating the church.
A bountiful basket dinner was enjoyed at noon by about 400 members and visitors. The dedicatory sermon was preached at 2 o'clock by Rev. E. C. Abernathy, Moderator of the Franklin Baptist Association. The dedicatory prayer was by Rev. W. E. Hicks. The Red Star Quartet of Cape Girardeau was present and rendered special songs.
When Rev. Hicks, the present pastor, came on the field there was $600 in the building fund, and the church received $2400 insurance when the old church burned. During his pastorate the members and their friends have contributed over and above the regular church budget $9000 in donated labor besides increasing the pastor's salary twice. Seventy-two additions have been made to the church and the Sunday School averaged 197 pupils last month.
While $395 was lacking Sunday morning it was contributed before the dedication thus making the beautiful $12,000 church free of debt.
The building is of native red granite with a seating capacity of 400 and has a large number of Sunday school and B.Y.P.U. rooms. It was indeed a happy day for the congregation to be able to dedicate its building free of debt. Six of the fourteen charter members of the church were present Sunday.
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