LOIS DUNCAN and Gavin Hawthorne display their artwork, which will be featured as part of a special program Sunday afternoon at Whigham United Methodist Church. “Celebration of Our History in Art” is the first of a series of community events to be held in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Whigham church. Mrs. Duncan, who is involved in the music ministry of the church, painted this work titled “Choir Scene.” Gavin Hawthorne is a ninth grader at Cairo High School and he is shown with his painting titled “The Early Church.” In the center is a piece of art titled “Grief” that was painted by Cathy Shepherd, who is not pictured.
The congregation of the Whigham United Methodist Church is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the local church in 2019 and the first of a series of four community events to be held as part of the celebration takes place this Sunday, March 24 beginning at 3 p.m.
The “Celebration of Our History in Art” event will feature 10 original paintings by local artists in the congregation depicting church life in the tradition of Whigham United Methodist Church.
Anniversary Chairman Emily Maxwell says Sunday’s event will be similar to the opening of an art show.
Mrs. Maxwell said she approached nine talented individuals within the church and requested they participate. Not one turned her down, she reports.
The eight acrylics, one oil and one water color will be on display Sunday and will become a permanent addition to the church’s fellowship hall.
The featured artists include: Lois Duncan, Helen Cox, Cathy Shepherd, Dana Cook, Stephanie Hibberts, Zoe Prater, Gavin Hawthorne, Noe Dickson, and Raynell Cox.
Celebrations of The Early Church, Music and Praise, Love and Marriage, Joining the Family of God, Infant Baptism, Missions, and Holy Communion, the Comfort of God in Times of Grief, as well as Christmas and Easter traditions are all the subjects of the 10 paintings, according to Mrs. Maxwell.
“We are a congregation blessed with many talented people, all willing to share their time and talents in outreach and ministry,” said the Whigham UMC minister, the Rev. David Hibberts. “The longevity of 150 years is about more than just location or architecture, it’s about the love of people for God, one another, and their community….both inside and outside the church building. We hope the community will come out to celebrate with us the history and the love of the Whigham United Methodist Church.”
Each artist will be present with their artwork and available to offer comments and answer questions. Light refreshments will also be served.
The congregation has extended an invitation to the Grady County community to join them in celebrating the church’s 150th anniversary this weekend.
