Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Mt. Moriah Prepares Mother's Day Events

A special Mother's Day celebration is planned at Mount Moriah Church Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13.

For the past fifty-three years, the Stewart family has given a memorial for their mother, Ella Waddle Stewart. This year's activities will begin on Saturday, May 12, at 7:00 p.m. with a special song service featuring The Apostles, Redeemed and soloist Bill David Barham.

The Apostles are a gospel group with a local connection. Ellen Kennedy Marsh is keyboard artist for this group. She grew up in the Mt. Moriah community, conducting singing schools with her father, Horace Kennedy, in Southwest Arkansas. The Apostles have performed in several theaters in Branson.

Mrs. Marsh was the recipient of the 1998 and 1999 award for the Musician of the Year from the Fellowship of Christian Music. She has spent the past 40 years working as stage musician for numerous groups as well as teaching voice and piano.

Redeemed of Magnolia, featuring Penny Talley, Rickey Talley and Mike Goodwin, will also perform. This group performs at gospel concerts and for special occasions and benefits, including the Magnolia Blossom Festival.

Mrs. Talley attended Mt. Moriah Church in her youth and she and her husband, Ricky, always attends on Mother's Day to honor her parents, Maye and Jodie Waddle, with special music.

Bill David Barham of Cale will be performing contemporary gospel selections, as well as traditional gospel hymns.

Mr. Barham has been performing gospel music for several years and currently serves as the leader of the young adult Sunday school class at Mt. Moriah.

Sunday's activities will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the annual Mother's Day program. Master of ceremonies for the Sunday service will be Joey Waddle of Star City. Sherri Niemeyer will conduct the congregational singing, accompanied by Drucilla Reeder.

Following the morning service, a potluck will be served in the new fellowship hall.

Congregational singing and special music will continue after lunch. The highlight of the afternoon service will be the recognition of the oldest mother by the Stewart family.

Everyone is invited to attend this very special weekend of events.