by Betty Darden
Reporter

NEWSOMS

A grand night of celebration was held at the newly remodeled Newsoms Ruritan Building on Main Street on Oct, 13, 2015. The occasion was the Newsoms Ruritan members held their 70th birthday celebration.

Decorations consisted of greenery and fall flowers. Gifts for each person were placed on the table as well as one lucky person at each table was presented with the center piece. President Brent Edwards welcomed the 52 guests and members. The group opened with the singing of “My Country tis of Thee’ led by the Rev. Kenneth Williams. The Rev. Darwin Edwards gave the invocation. The dinner was catered by Carol Drake Majors assisted by the 22 other members.

President Edwards gave a brief report on club activities for the year. Roll was called by the secretary Betty Darden, and Bruce Trew handed out his treasurer’s report. John Skeeters gave a brief history of the club and recognized the 30 guests including Holland District Zone 2 Governor Moses Wyche and Mrs. Wyche of Capron. Holland District Lt. Governor and Mrs. Dave Edwards of Prince George were also introduced. He conducted the initiation ceremony for two new members into the club: the Rev. Armand and Naoki Jalbert of Newsoms.

President Edwards gave special recognition to 102-year-old Louise Story, who is the spouse of a charter member, J.C. Story.

The Newsoms Club began in 1945 when Mr. Story joined. Another member was also recognized but was unable to attend: Kitty Lassiter of Boykins is the daughter of the late Dr. J.L. Bland, who was the first Ruritan National president.

The group was entertained with music by Ruritan member John Carter. He included the National Anthem, and he sang an originally composed song about Grayson and Emma’s Garden Spot in Courtland.

The group led by Ruritan member, Wayne Vick, repeated the Pledge of Allegiance to close the special night.