SPENCER ó Dorsett Chapel United Church of Christ recently honored its “seasoned saints,” the oldest and longest-serving members of the congregation.
The event, held Nov. 1, coincided with the church’s 95th anniversary.
The evening started at 4 p.m. with the honorees driven by chauffeur from the church to the Salisbury Civic Center in a white Hummer. Each one posed as family, friends and fellow congregants greeted them.
During the event, the church elders reflected on the heritage of the Dorsett Town Community and their time in the church. They also watched a slide presentation on the history of Dorsett Chapel United Church of Christ.
The church started with services held in a small schoolhouse. Jim Dorsett donated enough land for a church and school with the stipulation that it would be a Congregational Christian Church.
The original church was built in 1913. It was constructed of white weatherboard and sat on pillars.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Reese served as Deacon and Deaconess in the church during the early 1930s, serving until they passed away. The couple had four children, Robert, Mag, Pete and Leroy. Mag and Robert survive, Robert living in Salisbury and Mag, New Jersey.
On Oct. 2, 1965, Dorsett Chapel Christian Church merged with the United Church of Christ of the Western Association.
After the historical presentation, the members being honored and others at the event enjoyed music by the Together As One Hymn Choir of York County, S.C., and Christian comedy by Willette Johnson, also known as Sister Tell it Like it Is.
The honorees also had complimentary pictures taken as they were served by the youth of the church.
Church members honored at the event were: Lester and Patricia Chapman; Pauline Forney; Thomasina Page; Ella Mae Thompson; Marie Still; Adlonia Henderson; Edna Henderson; Julia Rosebough; Marie Hobson; LaFrances Allen; Christopher Lambert; Clayton and Magaline Sturdivant; Rosetta Williams; Larry Sturdivant; Lonnie Preacher; Jack Gill Jr.; Lorraine Graves; Bishop Joseph and Celestine Roberts; Carrie Stevenson; Doris Rustin; Dot Guest; and Nancy Smith. The church gave honorary mention to Minister Carolyn Blanton and Russell Ledbetter “who also contribute to the rich heritage at Dorsett Chapel.
“We the members of Dorsett Chapel are so blessed and thankful for our Seasoned Saints,” said a letter from the church, “for they give us foundation and legacy of the faithful service.”