The 2012 Memorial Service was held at St. James Baptist Church on MLK, Bishop George Calloway, pastor on Sunday, July 1, at 3:00 p.m. Celia Mae Jones Richard lit the 2012 Memorial Candle, George Gurst Allen gave a historical slide presentation highlighting various events of his family who were the 2012 honorees: Professor L. J. Grust; Mrs. Georgia Youngblood Gurst and their daughter, Mrs. Ruth Gurst Burks. Athaline Moore presented a memorial plaque to George. He accepted and presented it to Mrs. Linda Reed Williams to be placed in the South Arkansas African American Museum.
Musical selections were provided by the sensational Ruffin brothers (William, Carl, Kenny, Larry, Anthony) and Gordie Holt. Ms. Dianne Williams Embree accompanied them on the piano. Also, Dianne prepared the beautiful program for the event.
Bishop Calloway delivered a much needed message. And, he also rendered a solo. We really had church! Rev. Larry Andrews read the scripture and Rev. Ralph Smith offered the memorial prayer.
J. W. Williams served as the Master of Ceremony, and he recalled memories of growing up in El Dorado by pointing out points of interests such as the Memorial Stadium and Liberty Street.
Members of the audience offered many favorable comments after the service and the accolades of the success of the El Dorado Days’ activities are still coming in. Bravo to another great and successful event!
Athaline Moore