Carter's Grove Baptist Church held its 133rd annual homecoming day Sunday, May 18. There was extra good attendance although a number of faithful ones were unable to attend because of health reasons.

Amber George, young daughter of Pastor Brian George and his wife Tara, gave out the nice programs at the door.

Things came alive as pianist Barbara McAvoy, a visitor from Fishing Creek Baptist Church, played the prelude before song leader for the day, Henry Holsenback, also from Fishing Creek, led the congregation in singing "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms."

Pastor George gave a hardy welcome and reminded the congregation of the barbecue meal to follow the service. He also called everyone's attention to the beautiful flowers given by Bernice Meadows Taylor and children, Bill and Ann Callaway, in memory of Ed and Flora Fanning Meadows, Rollin Taylor, David Taylor, Willie and Nancy Callaway, Willie Rollin Callaway, and Allen Armour.

Bill Callaway prayed the offertory prayer. The song was "Are You Washed In the Blood?" Rev. George's message was entitled "The Eternal Homecoming." Barry McAvoy, husband of Barbara McAvoy, was called on the have the closing prayer and blessing.

Those attending included a former pastor, Dr. Thompson Holloman and his sweet wife Carolyn of Elberton, a team who served 11 years, 1995-2006; Louise Moody, wife of the late Rev. R.B. Moody Jr., of Union Point, who was pastor at Carter's Grove from 1961-1968. Now 40 years later she still cherishes memories and lives in Tifton, still sweet and pretty.

The oldest member present was Grace Mathis Beazley, 92, who still teaches Sunday School and still is able to live at home near the church. Her children, Virginia "Ginny" and Thad Broome, were present. They have both retired and come back to the Beazley-Fluker homeplace to live.

Bernice Meadows Taylor and her children, Bill and Ann; Clarice Combs Tyler; JoAnn Combs; Hazel Colbert (Mrs. Maurice) Callaway, their daughter Caroline and her husband Rick Danner and son Ben; Marion Combs Poss, her daughter Joyce Ann and her husband, Willie Frank Blackburn, and all their family, granddaughter Tara and her three children; Travis Armour and friend Betty Rhodes; James Mines, his wife Josie Ogletree Mines, and James' sister Vickie and her husband; John Edward Poss and his wife and sisters of Thomson. They are the children of the late Leonard and Ethel Poss and faithful to attend. Melvin Durham, Christine Vaughn Smith, Rev. George's wife Tara and all their family plus his parents, Ed and Roberta George.

Others present were Ann and Warren Newsome; John Walker; the children of the late Buster and Frances Taylor Echols who are buried at Carter's Grove; Edna (Mrs. Rudolph) Yearwood; Linda Branyan, Vera and her husband Ronnie Irby; Marvin and Oleta Echols McAvoy; Mickey and Nancy Ray Sisson and son John; Priscilla Johnson (Mrs. Morrison) Maxwell and daughter Mary Jane Scarborough and son Tyler.

I'm sure there were others in attendance, but this is written with a lot of effort, love, and respect for everyone from my heart. Written by Priscilla Maxwell.