Smoke Signals
October 2007

Photo by Ray Duncan

September 22 and 23 were big days of celebration for Big Canoe Chapel. Over 600 enjoyed a moving and inspirational program, under the Big Top on the Play Field.

There was musical entertainment by 3 generations of Dr. Jim Mallory’s family (including Dr. Jim!); the Ringers Handbell Choir, led by Ann Montgomery, performed beautifully, as did the Big Canoe Chapel children, under the leadership of Lynne Searfoss. Speakers included Sam Rothermel and Charlene Terrell, who reflected on the Chapel’s history, and Dr. Jimmy Allen, Chaplain Emeritus, who spoke on “Continuing the Heartbeat throughout the World.”

The weather was perfect, the flower arrangements were original and beautiful, the fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings by Salem Suber of Jasper was delicious, the homemade desserts were scrumptious and the enthusiastic crowd was in a joyful mood of celebration. Many who had moved away — including several charter members ― came back for a time of homecoming and celebration.

Charlotte McCloskey gave the welcome and Lamar Helms served as

Photo by Bennett Whipple

He led the congregation in singing “Church in the Wildwood” and “Amazing Grace.”  Long-time office manager Kathleen Ingram was recognized for her years of help to others and her many achievements and was given a spontaneous standing ovation. Several photographers captured the events of the day on camera, including a dramatic photo opportunity when Lamar Helms beseeched everyone to go out onto the Play Field for a group picture taken from the Lake Sconti Dam.

Charlotte McCloskey and her committee did a marvelous job and special thanks went to committee members Larry and Susan Brogdon who orchestrated the arrangement of the huge tent, the food and the tables and chairs for the record crowd and, once again, David Jacobs managed the sound system perfectly.

The celebration didn’t end under the Big Top.  It continued during both capacity-filled services on Sunday morning, September 23, with marvelous preaching by Dr. McCormick, wonderful singing by the Chapel choir and a special anniversary cake arranged by Barb Weagly for the coffee/Stand-Around time.

Smoke Signals congratulates Big Canoe Chapel on this, their anniversary year!

Smoke Signals
October 2007

Dick Hammill, in charge of design, production and distribution of the Chapel's special anniversary commemorative pin, is a person of many talents. He also produced the DVD highlighting the Chapel's history that was shown during Chapel services on September 23. Dick also did a magnificent job with the layout of the anniversary edition of the 30th Anniversary Pictorial Directory. A copy of the DVD of Chapel history is available at the Chapel Office for $5.

Photo by Bennett Whipple

Sunday Bulletin
September 30, 2007

 Our Chapel’s tradition of members volunteering and assisting in any and every way possible to make every special event an amazing success continues. Last weekend you turned out in record number to assist with food, decorations, set up, sound, traffic flow and parking.  The attendance was phenomenal – 600 for the Saturday program and almost a full Chapel for the two services on Sunday.  We truly appreciate the great turnout as we remembered and celebrated the marvelous history of our Chapel.  Now we look forward to the next thirty years of worship and service.

Smoke Signals
September 2007

Chapel’s 30th Anniversary Celebration is September 22-23

Charlotte McCloskey, chair of the planning committee for Big Canoe Chapel’s 30th Anniversary Celebration, reports that exciting plans are being finalized for a big day under the Big Top on the Play Field on Saturday, September 22, and for the special Sunday services at the Chapel on Sunday, September 23. Everyone will be seated and the festivities will begin at 4:00 p.m. on September 22. Some of the planned events include special music, the return of many former members, including charter members, and a wonderful catered meal (Southern-style food) served under the tent following the program. Some long-time Chapel members will briefly share a few memorable moments in the life of the Chapel.

There will be special Chapel pins for sale for $5.00 with the proceeds going to one of the Chapel’s outreach ministries. Note: Reservations are closed for September 22. Please call the Chapel Office at 706-268-3203 to be placed on a waiting list. Due to an overwhelming response, everyone is encouraged to carpool on the 22nd! 

Dr. Jim McCormick has compiled a book of 25 of the sermons he has preached at Big Canoe Chapel over the past four and one-half years. The title is Does it Look and Sound Like Jesus: Sermons Preached at Big Canoe Chapel. The foreword is by Dr. Maxie D. Dunnam, Chancellor of Asbury Theological Seminary.

Sam Rothermel is in charge of a special display of Chapel photos and other items of historical significance.

As for this writer’s history of the Chapel, I hope the book will be available for purchase on September 22–23; however, if it’s not back from the printer by then, we’ll take orders. The book will be available during this anniversary year.

Sign-ups for the 30th anniversary pictorial directory are well above average and we expect the best directory ever, thanks to the work of Peggy Lehmberg and Dick Hammill and his committee. (We’ve seen a preview of the directory and it is fabulous.)

On Sunday morning there will be special music and a short DVD prepared by Dick Hammill. Dick says, “This inspirational DVD will describe in pictures and words the highlights of our 30-year history and we believe it will serve as an inspirational piece describing the rich legacy we are to pass on to others in the future.”