Forty women, men, and children met on Wednesday evening, June 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Grace United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Washington Court House for a carry-in dinner hosted by Deborah Circle.

After the meal, the group moved to the front of the fellowship hall for an evening honoring the 200th anniversary of the church with a WALK THROUGH HISTORY—GRACE WEDDING STYLE.

The evening’s program was narrated by president Karen Bernard and Allison Beekman Fedon. On display were nine wedding dresses that had been worn by brides who were married in the Grace UMC. They ranged in age from 1910-2007.

All were wonderfully preserved and displayed on dress forms so that the beauty of the dresses could be enjoyed. The highlight of the evening was the dress modeled by Maria Pickerill from 1958. That bride was in the audience (Mary Grover) as well as her daughter (Cindi Grover), who was also married in the same dress in 1981.

Many thanks to Pat Parsons for helping with the program by bringing her grandmother’s handmade dress as well as some items from the Fayette County Museum. There were also many wedding pictures of Grace Brides/Grooms displayed. Allison Fedon made the evening special by wearing her wedding shoes and jewelry as well as showing her engagement pictures that had taken place on a Sunday morning in front of the congregation. What a surprise that was for the congregation that morning as well as Allison!

Gina Andrews gave devotions from Ist Corinthians 4 concerning love and marriage. The secretary’s and treasurer’s reports were presented and approved. President Karen asked that the UMW be thinking about who would be willing to be 2018 officers and take leadership roles.

The next UMW meeting is Sept. 6 at 11:30 a.m. for lunch at the Elm Street Commission on Aging with a meeting to follow. The World Thank devotion and offering & UMW reading program is planned.