THE UNVEILING OF THE MARKER included members of the Colonial Dames and of CFUMC. Pictured, l-r, Marilyn Joyner, Mary Margaret Quiggle, Jinanne B. Parrish, Linda Drew Johnson and Sonya Porter.
Following Sunday services, Cairo First United Methodist Church members joined with a local chapter of Colonial Dames to commemorate the unveiling of a special historical marker.
Placement of the marker grew out of the church’s 150th anniversary, which was celebrated in 2017, according to current pastor, the Rev. Christy Bandy.
Sunday’s commemoration included music by Dr. Ed Lyon and Ed Self, and the reading of the church’s history by Claire Chason. Chason stepped in for her mother, Carolyn Chason, who is church historian. Mrs. Chason was unable to attend the ceremony, according to Pastor Bandy.
Carol Lehman, Linda Drew Johnson and Sonya Porter, all members of the 150th celebration committee, had conceived of the marker idea during the anniversary year, and Johnson had contacted the Colonial Dames, according to Bandy.
The church’s Women’s group, WINGS, plus Methodist Men and individual church members donated to pay for the marker, which was placed on the exterior wall to the side of the front door.
The marker reads: “Methodist Church, Established 1867, First Methodist Church In Cairo, Georgia, Marked by John Lee of Nansemond Chapter National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, 2020.”
Participating from Colonial Dames were Jinanne B. Parrish, president, Mary Margaret Quiggle, and Marilyn Joyner.
The church’s sanctuary is in the process of major renovation including the refinishing of the original heart pine floors and refurbishing of the historic pews as well as new painting and lighting improvements.
Church members are hopeful to be back in the sanctuary by Christmas.
