It was a beautiful, autumn day of sunshine on Sunday as the congregation of Hurricane Baptist observed the founding of the church as a history was presented by Bro. Philip Brock as we observed the 138th anniversary of the congregation's establishment in October 1886. Looking back to that era in time, which was called the late Victorian period due to an English queen's influence on society's norms world-wide, the photos from our neighborhood's founding families show well-dressed parents and children as similar backgrounds and seating arrangements suggest that a traveling photographer made the rounds in this farming community. Always the center of each small hamlet like old Esperanza as the community was called then was the local church. Written histories of our area include that of an open-air pavilion called "The Tabernacle" sufficed as that congregation's meeting place much-like a brush arbor that was used to shield attendees from the sun during the worship services. In the winter these gathering places were often held as "cottage services" within area homes as travel was often inhibited due to muddy roads during that season. Today, we have a modern brick church, a large fellowship hall, a brick pastorium and a prophet's chamber for guests. Also the evangelist for the preaching at the services was Bro. Adam Boren of Conyers, Georgia, who presented the special music and accompanied himself on guitar as well. His home church is Wahoo Baptist there. It was a "good day in the neighborhood" to borrow a phrase from an old children's tv program of days gone by. Amen! So be it. Verily and truly.

Anniversary wishes are to the following for October: Dock and Reba Graham, 70; Dick and Celia Caron, 56; Bro. Lee and Bonnie Graham, 54; Gary and Betty Grisham, 36; Bro. Troy and Melissa Montgomery, 21; Dr. Eric and Jill Frohn, 20; James and April Wray, 19; Larry and Olivia Mink, 14; Jason and Emily Stribling, 14; Brent and Tara Montgomery, 11; Cru and Carrie Williams, 10; Cody and Hayden Lorick, 9; Anthony and Lisa Shettles, 8; Walter and Jeanette Cook, 8; Caleb and Merri Claire Todd, 3; John Ross and Anna Grace Turner, 2; Mark and Jan Mayo, 2; and Bradley and Sammi Grace Dillard, 1.

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