By Larry Burge
SULPHUR SPRINGS -- Cold, ice and snow on the ground outside could not dampen spirits Dec. 7 at Sulphur Springs' 27th annual Christmas party.
Preparation for this across-the-city special event organized by the town's Special Events Committee went on for three days. Consumption of the prepared food and drink occurred within three hours Saturday evening. But food and drink was not the main reason for the more than 50 guests gathered to partake in Sulphur's annual Progressive Dinner Celebration.
The evening started with cider and hot chocolate served inside the Green Building in the city's park, presented by members of the Museum Commission. Commission members Joyce Young, Rhonda Barnett, Petite Parker and June Murray had days prior cleaned and decorated the building with Christmas tree and lights for the event. Although a cozy fit for the 50 men, women and children gathering there inside on the 800 sq. ft. historic 100-year-old wooden floor, the atmosphere felt jolly as Old Saint Nick on Christmas Eve. But the jolly time was not the reason people came.
After about an hour of meeting and greeting in the Green Building, those gathered celebrated by singing Christmas carols before disbanding to come together again 30 minutes later around Harbor House's dinner tables to eat the Progressive Dinner's main course. That's where Mayor Greg Barber, Shirley Barber and Vivian Barber served a delicious entree of potato soups and chili made from a choice of beef or venison. After the meal, the Harbor House Fellowship quartet blessed those in attendance by their melodious voices, with their unaccompanied rendition of "The Carol of the Bells." But that's not why all the people came to eat, to listen and to participate.
The 27th annual Progressive Dinner's final course took place in the Shiloh Church auditorium, upon the hill overlooking the city's park and next to the historic 1909 Kihlberg Hotel. The program entitled, "Unto Him," hosted by Cassie Beauford, featured vocal performances by Mickey Larson, Clara Augustine and Abby Olvera, along with BOC After School Children's drumming of the Little Drummer Boy.
After the merriment in song and Bible reading by various participants of the birth of the one called Christ Jesus, those present gathered in a large circle for a candlelight service. After a benediction hosted by Anna Lee Janisch, a flame was transferred from a single candle to light candles held by those standing in a circle. With the last candle lit, the auditorium filled with light emitted from the 50 or more single lighted candles, signifying unity of heart and mind.
Why did Sulphur's community brave the cold, the snow and the ice to attend the 27th Annual Progressive Dinner? They came to fellowship. They came as willing partners wanting to associate and celebrate with friends and neighbors, from in town as well as outside, the joy of the Christmas season.
General News on 12/18/2013