| In Honor Of Mrs. Myrtle Hughes |
| Mrs.Mytrle Hughes began her contributions
to Ebenezer Church by succeeding her mother-in-law as communion steward and church
custodian. The building was small in those early years, there were no vacuum cleaners,
electric brooms, or central heat and air, only space heaters using wood and later gas. The
sanctuary and classrooms were always ready for worship on Sunday. During those years she
also taught a class of intermediates and worked in vacation bible school. As the mother of
three boys, she was always present for church services including midweek prayer services.
Her priority has not changed. Her knowledge and appreciation for scripture reveals a life
time of Bible study and has prepared her to lead small groups in studying the old and new
testament. She is frequently called upon without any notice and she accepts the leadership
role with grace and good humor. She remains concerned for the church facilities too
usually checking thermostats before prayer meeting to insure the comfort of members
and she makes sure the cross behind the pulpit is illuminated. In 1987 she accepted a new challenge. With her usual faith and courage she flew to Arizona to work for a year with the southwest Indian school. Her versatile talents and winsome witness must have influenced students and staff, even though she didn't come to terms with those huge desert cactus plants. The church was pleased to have a first and only representative to the mission field, but she was missed and warmly welcomed home by the church and to her regular pew in the sanctuary, as well as by the community. Unfortunately her teaching of the older adult class was limited by a voice problem. So she initiated a ministry to shut-ins. Each week a copy of the Sunday bulletin and the Sunday school leaflet are mailed to those unable to attend church. Members who live too far are also remembered upon request. Upper rooms are hands delivered or mailed to those members also. A generous supply of these devotional books are placed in the vestibule for the congregation who are reminded by this conscientious worker that they are available including large print copies as desired. She could also be called a "prayer warrior" by those people in the church and surrounding area who request her prayers on their behalf. She is well informed about state and community issues and her training as a patient-care nurse enables her to understand and discuss health problems as well as other needs. For all of the more than fifty years that she has been a member of Ebenezer Church, her very presence and her ability and willingness to serve on committees, as a teacher, in leadership roles, official board and U.M.W in earlier years. In fact she was a member of the first Bernice Stone circle organized in 1943. She has been a blessing to all those who have worshiped, prayed, and served with her. Now in addition to her ministry to shut-ins, she is an honorary voting member of the administrative board where she joins with other dedicated leaders in making decisions especially designed to promote the welfare of the Church.
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