HOMECOMING HISTORY

How it all started...

Maud relates the history of our LPT homecoming.

"Having been to numerous homecomings at other churches in the area during my childhood and later returning to attend them when I no longer lived in Lower Peach Tree, I began to wonder, 'why don’t we have a homecoming right here in Lower Peach Tree?'

"I clearly recall that fifth Sunday in March 1980 when we were walking down the church steps following the worship service and with my niece Jan’s support, I approached the pastor, Reverend Morris O. Ingram, with the question, 'Why don’t we ever have a homecoming in LPT?' He was such a delightful, ever-helpful friend. Without saying a word, he reached in his coat pocket and getting out his little black book simply asked, 'When do you want to have it?' Right then and there, June 14 was set for our FIRST Annual Homecoming.

"Where did we go for names and addresses of those to be notified of this special event? First list used was that of those faithful people who had through the years contributed to the upkeep of the LPT Cemetery. Next was a listing my mother (Mattie Estelle Davis Garrick) had used for staying in contact with many who had once lived in our area. The news spread about this upcoming event to the extent that on June 14, 1981, the attendance at our first Annual Homecoming numbered well over 200.

"This was the first Sunday the newly assigned pastor, Reverend Bruce Richerson, was to be in this pulpit. Perhaps he thought church attendance would be around thirty. What a surprise to see cars everywhere and the church with standing room only!"

Our "Stars"

These people can tell us a lot about homecoming over the years. Not only were they present at both the first and the most recent events, but many of them have been loyal participants at many intervening homecoming activities.

Jeff Walker
Pam Walker
Ashley Davis Scruggs
LaMargaret Davis Green
Pearl Smith Capel
Ronald Capel
Maud K. Garrick
Jackie Roberts
Matthew Roberts
Jan Garrick
Karen Pruitt
Betty Jo Hendricks Swindel
Marguerite Overton
Helen Outlaw Megginson
Betty Overton King
Mrs. Donald E. Walker
Jean Sheffield Garrick
Hilton Carter
Edward B. “Ted” Davis


Additions to the Church Building

Donations from individuals and another church have made possible: a restroom, furnished kitchen/fellowship hall, cushioned pews, oak pulpit chairs, air conditioning and heating. Hard work by the church members, local interested citizens, and friends from miles away assures the upkeep of this beloved place of worship.