December 16 Edition

"Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born tonight in Berhlehem!" - Luke 2:10-11

Birthdays this week include: Jamie Thompson and Daymon Parker - Dec. 16, Betty Green and Raymond Brown - Dec. 20, Willie Rainey and Steven Rawls - Dec. 21, Lou Green - Dec. 22.

Happy anniversary to: Rita and Phillip Lasiter and Gene and Joyce Briant - Dec. 17, Suzi and Zeb Beard - Dec. 18, Cecil and Geraldine Sanders - Dec. 20.

Here we are zeroing in on another Christmas.  Santa Claus will drop in on the West Saline Community center this Saturday afternoon from 2-4pm.  That's in the old school building, so bring your kids by to meet that jolly old elf.

Jerry Langford resigned as president and from the board of the West Saline Community Center last week. New elections were held last Sunday with Nikki Warner elected as President, Willie Rainey re-installed as Vice-President, and LaVetrice Gill as Secretary. Congratulations to all.

New Edinburg Community Center's potluck last Saturday, though light in numbers, had an excellent spread and good conversation and fellowship.  Melody Spears announced that the winner of NECC's 2013 Community Volunteer of the Year was Bob Chambers, and she awarded a memorial plaque to the family of the late Joe Bryant.

Everyone have a great Christmas and we'll see you then. Go Eagles.

Dec. 9 Edition

"Let not your heart be troubled. You are trusting God, now trust me."--- John 14:1 Living Bible

Birthdays this week include: Donnie Knight - Dec. 9, Marilyn Rawls - Dec. 12, Sara Huddleston Hannah - Dec. 14, and Danny Nelson - Dec. 15.

Well, we all survived the first ice storm of this season with no loss of power or life.

Last week I forgot to announce the birth of Ry'Lee Morgan Davis, the daughter of Termekia Smith.  Welcome to New Edinburg, Ry'Lee. I look forward to seeing you grow up.

Marvin and Betty King, along with Lorene (King) Baswell donated a picture of the NEHS class of 1952 to the West Saline Community Center this past weekend and I put it in place in the cafeteria.  That's one more down toward making the collection complete again.

One passing thought about the late Larry Clements, and it touches into town history: in the 1970s, some of the high school students would indulge in the fine art of wrapping the town on Halloween night.  Now for you younger folk reading this, that means the next morning, downtown New Edinburg looked like a toilet paper cathedral.  It was really sort of pretty.

Larry was one of the main cats in that game, and I know this because my Dad told me once he met Larry at Ray Estes' station the following morning, and Larry still had the cardboard box from which the paper rolls came in the back of his truck.  My Dad told him "Son, you better get rid of that box real fast before Lee Linzy sees it." Of course, Larry couldn't have cared less.

Another thing I remember about Larry: he was one of the senior high school boys who would harass the elementary school boys.  Now, none of them did anything mean or hurtful, but Larry loved to catch us in the boys room and hold us in so that we would be late getting back to class... and you remember those days... it was no excuses. A few other high school boys indulged in that game too, but since some of them are now pillars of the community, I'll refrain from naming names...

Larry was an unmitigated clown, prankster, joker, and all-around good guy.  I'm glad I knew him. Go Eagles.

Dec. 3 Edition

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." - Isaiah 54:17

Birthdays this week include: Henry Jones - December 2, Jim Hearnsberger - December 3, Logan Sanders and Theresa Huddleston - December 6, Freda Green and Jean Warner - December 8.

Happy anniversary to Ronnie and Joanna McClellan - December 6.

Here we are into December and the end of 2013.  The year went fast. The weatherman is predicting some freezing rain for the end of this week, so everyone please be careful.

We Eagles are saddened at the death last week of Larry Clements.  He will be missed.

Mrs. Norma McCoy reports: "It has been said "can we have too many get-togethers"?  Our answer is no, so once again the class of '57 along with family/friends met on November 21, '13 at the camp/cabin of John L. McClellan.  Realizing not everyone would find it possible to attend but for those who could (and did) had such a wonderful time.  Stories of days gone by shared over some tasty food and a game of Dominos will long be remembered!  Those in attendance were: Simone St.John Black and son Mark Black, Mongolia Erwin Beck of Sheridan; Ollie Faye Rice Harris of Cabot; Joe and Kay Mosley Simmons, James and Jean Atkins of Little Rock; Marnelle Norton Clement of Pine Bluff; Bertia Mae McClellan Lassiter of Warren; Sarah Lisemby Rowland and Martha Hamaker Cook of Kingsland; John L. McClellan, Tully and Norma Faye Reaves McCoy, William "Bill" Watts, Henry and Rachel McClellan Jones of New Edinburg.  Until we meet again may we continue to hold those we love close to heart and cherish our many memories.  We have truly been blessed!"

The Christmas open house tour has two homes signed up so far, but needs more. Contact Melody Spears if you're interested.  The proceeds of the tour go to replace bulbs in the Christmas lights. If you want to make a straight donation, send your donations to NECC at PO Box 23, New Edinburg, Ar. 71660 and please designate it for Christmas lights. 

The White Mustang Band will be performing for a fund raiser for Paul and Doris Jankowski at the New Edinburg Community Center on December 6, 2013 from 8:00 pm till 11:00 pm. Admission is $6.00. No Alcohol Allowed. Paul is in Baptist Hospital now. He suffered a stroke a few days ago, after having 4 surgeries recently.  Come out and enjoy the great music of the White Mustang Band.

If you have items of interest for this column, feel free to get them to me before Monday.    Go Eagles.

Turkey Day Edition

"²⁸ Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: ²⁹ For our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28-29

Prayer list this week includes the family of Charles Bowden.

Birthdays this week include: Jim Thompson - Nov. 25, Kenny Thompson - Nov. 27,, Evelyn Norris - Nov. 29,  Jason McClellan, Beth McLain, Francis Parker, and Keith Grice - Nov. 30.

Happy anniversary to Tony and Martha Atkins - Nov. 23.

We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and enjoys the colder weather.  It's finally here.

The Christmas open house tour has two homes signed up so far, but needs more. Contact Melody Spears if you're interested.  The proceeds of the tour go to replace bulbs in the Christmas lights. If you want to make a straight donation, send your donations to NECC at PO Box 23, New Edinburg, Ar. 71660 and please designate it for Christmas lights. 

The White Mustang Band will be performing for a fund raiser for Paul and Doris Jankowski at the New Edinburg Community Center on December 6, 2013 from 8:00 pm till 11:00 pm. Admission is $6.00. No Alcohol Allowed. Paul is in Baptist Hospital now. He suffered a stroke a few days ago, after having 4 surgeries recently.  Come out and enjoy the great music of the White Mustang Band.

A couple of excerpts from the school scrapbook of Mary Langford... first a news article she cut out and saved: 

"Agri Students Set Out 6,000 Cuttings: Have New Site . The New Edinburg F. F. A. chapter members have recently plowed their nursery and set out 6,000 cuttings. They have also selected another site for their nursery this years. The nursery occupies about an acre. They have several varieties of cuttings, including grapes. Approximately 1,000 shrubs were left from last year's nursery. The boys plan to sell the shrubs and use them in landscaping the campus. Last week the F. F. A. members put in all their agriculture time setting out shrubs around the school

building. Members of the Future Home Makers chapter are bringing in shrubs to be set out. A trailer will be used to haul shrubs to the school which are too large to bring on the school buses. The boys are instructed in how to dig up and care for the shrubs. The appearance of the school campus is expected to be improved greatly due to the efforts being put forth in planting shrubs. The F. F. A members have recently completed a furniture project in which people of the community brought in their old furniture and the students remodeled it. The F. H. M. members assisted with the upholstering."

Second, and most touching, is her dedication page in the book: "I was presented with this beautiful book on the day October 12, 1939, as a gift from Mr. Smith, an invitation salesman. He gave it to the class and we drew numbers for it, and imagine me as the lucky girl! I never dreamed of being the owner of such a beautiful book!

Hereby, I make a resolution to fill it out during the Senior year and to keep it always to remember with pleasure my last year in “good old New Edinburg High School,” which, I hope will be a happy one."

If you have items of interest for this column, feel free to get them to me before Monday.    Go Eagles.

November 11 Edition

Romans 6:23 " For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Birthdays this week include: Nov. 11 - Joyce Briant, Nov. 12 - Peg Cole, Harvey Splawn, Janice Rainey, Nov. 14 - LaTonya Jackson, Nov. 15 - Jim Snyder, Nov. 16 - Gloria Llanes, Kim Briant and Frank Martin, Nov. 17 - Toby Johnson.  Happy anniversary to Christopher and LaTonya Jackson last Nov. 4, Will and Rachel Reaves on Nov. 7, and Ted and Catherine Langford on Nov. 12.

The Christmas open house tour has two homes signed up so far, but needs more. Contact Melody Spears if you're interested.  The proceeds of the tour go to replace bulbs in the Christmas lights which will be up before you know it. If you want to make a straight donation, send your donations to NECC at PO Box 23, New Edinburg, Ar. 71660 and please designate it for Christmas lights. 

Huey Lodge #78 will have its annual Chili Supper Saturday November 16 from 4pm until the last person is served.  The price is $7 per person and includes chili or soup and a dessert and drink.

If you have items of interest for this column, feel free to get them to me before Monday.    Go Eagles.

November 4th Edition

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." --- Romans 12:2

Birthdays this week include: Kennedy Huddleston - Nov. 4, Madison Grider, Randy Linzy and Logan Shaw - Nov. 5, Lonnie Brown and Christi Stewart-Russell - Nov. 6, David Pipes - Nov. 7, Midge (Huddleston) Naquin - Nov. 9. Happy belated birthday to Calvin Warner - Oct. 26.

Happy Anniversary to Mark & Kim Emerson and Tonya & Jim Snyder - both Nov. 6.

Calvin Warner celebrated his birthday at the West Saline Community Center last Saturday with family and friends.

Larry Michael Cathey (of Grants Pass, OR), passed away. He was the son of Larry and Amy Cathey of New Boston, MI (outside Detroit). Larry Michael was the oldest grandson of Horace and Jean Cathey.

Melody Spears reports that there will be a chili luncheon & supper to benefit Jackie Huddleston. The proceeds will go to help with cancer treatments. The benefit will take place at the New Edinburg Community Center on Sat. Nov. 9th starting at 1pm until 6:30pm. Chili, drink & dessert for 8.00. Eat in or carryout. They will deliver to deer camps for a 5.00 delivery charge. Anyone else no charge. Need 24hr. notice for delivery. You can contact Sandra Pulley at 870-308-2067 or Theresa Veorster at 870-884-0680, Everyone please come out & support this family.

The Christmas open house tour has two homes signed up so far, but needs more. Contact Melody Spears if you're interested.  The proceeds of the tour go to replace bulbs in the Christmas lights which will be up before you know it. If you want to make a straight donation, send your donations to NECC at PO Box 23, New Edinburg, Ar. 71660 and please designate it for Christmas lights. 

There's a rash of dog thefts in the area over the past few weeks.  Additionally, someone made off with two of the metal picnic tables at the Marks' Mills State Park.  If you have any info on either of these two crimes, please contact the Sheriff's office.

If you have items of interest for this column, feel free to get them to me before Monday.   Go Eagles.

October 28th Edition

"Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me." --- Psalm 119:133




Birthdays this week include: Jamie Weeks - Oct. 27, Don Langford - Oct. 29, Alice Watkins - Oct. 31, Amy Pilkington - Nov. 1.
Here we are coming in on November! Deer hunters are afoot, so please be careful.
The Spook House at the West Saline Community Center drew a large crowd of over 100 tourists last Saturday. Thanks to everyone who came and thanks to those who helped make it a hit. I got recruited as a tour guide and wound up with a big bad football player climbing up my back in mortal terror.

Mrs. Bobbie Moseley lost her sister Marion Harris last Wednesday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Miss Bobbie.
If you have items of interest, please feel free to share them with me. Go Eagles.

October 21st Edition

2 Thessalonians 3:13 "As for you, brothers, do not weary in doing good."

Birthdays this week: Barbie Trammell - Oct. 24, Ken Simmons and Betty Warner - Oct. 26, Jamie Weeks - Oct. 27.

The New Edinburg Spook House will be in the old school building on Oct. 26, Saturday, from 7pm to midnight.  Admission will be $2 per head.

Renee Smith threw a baby shower for her daughter Tameika at the West Saline Community Center last Saturday afternoon with over 70 attending. Tameika is due to deliver her first child in late November.

The NEHS Class of 1957 met at the home of John L. McClellan last Saturday with the following people in attendance: Rex Trammell, Marvin King, Aubrey Huddleston, James Lewis Atkins, Gene White, Betty King, Martha Jean Erwin Atkins, Louise Wolfe Commack, Norma Jean Thompson Hensley, Simone St. John Black, Olen Commack, Joe Simmons, John L. McClellan, Ouida Trammell Proske, Sarah Lisemby Rowland, Bertia McClellan Lassiter, Mongolia Erwin Beck, Faye Harris, Robbie Crutchfield White, Marnell Norton Clement, Kay Moseley Simmons, Martha Hamaker Cook, Tully McCoy, and Norma Reaves McCoy.

If you have items of interest for this column, please get them to me by Monday for inclusion in that week's column.   Go Eagles.

October 14 Edition

"Wherefore thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears." --- Samuel 7:22 KJV

Prayer list this week includes Lauri Beckner, who is recovering from spinal surgery.

Birthdays this week include: Regina Huddleston & Bill Perry - Oct. 15, Sandie Lynn - Oct. 16, Marshall Parker - Oct. 17, Oct. 18, Delaina Ashcraft Splawn - Frankie Hall, Nell Reaves and Kay Langford Garlington - Oct. 20. Happy Anniversary to Ollie & Herbert Moring - Oct. 18, and Debbie & Randy Sanders - Oct. 19.

The New Edinburg Spook House will be in the old school building on Oct. 26, Saturday, from 7pm to midnight.  Admission will be $2 per head. Bring your kids... bring yourself.  It's gonna be great.

The New Edinburg Eagles was an in-school newspaper published at NEHS off and on for several years in the 1940s.  I have several examples of them on display in the New Edinburg Museum.  Here's a couple of excerpts from the first issue, dated March 5, 1943:

"Dissolution of the Hebron School District in Redland township and division of the area between Kingsland and New Edinburg school districts gave the desks and equipment to New Edinburg and provided that funds on hand be equally divided between the districts."

"Miss Anita Knowles, sponsor of the Junior class, entertained her third year English class with a Christmas part on Thursday evening, December 17. A number of games were enjoyed by the group and refreshments were served to the following: Marie Davis, Bethel Thompson, Juanita Trawick, Betty Jean Waldrop, Luneale Wheeler, Mary Evelyn Tipton, Thelma Deane Mosley, Nell Rose Attwood, Ercelle Knowles, Clyde Cooper, Hugh Cooper, J. B. Bryant, Irwin Dyer, Clifton Grice, Asa Harrelson, Wardelle Langford, Robert King, Doyle Milsap, Chas. Fred Moseley, Johnny Poteet, R. E. Roebuck, Charles Sparks, and Clyde St. John."

If you have items of interest for this column, please get them to me by Monday for inclusion in that week's column.    Go Eagles.

October 7 Edition

" Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."  --- James 5:16 KJV

Birthdays this week: Barbara Word Milburn - Oct. 7, Sue Gibson Oct. 9, Wilma Rawls - Oct. 12.

With geese flying overhead this morning, we're seeing much cooler temps and everyone is enjoying it.

The New Edinburg Spook House will be in the old school building on Oct. 26, Saturday, from 7pm to midnight.  Admission will be $2 per head.

Donations to the New Edinburg Museum: a 1940 NEHS scrapbook put together by Mary Sue Langford of Kingsland filled with newspaper articles about school life in that period.  I'm currently scanning the stuff from it and will share some in this paper in the near future.  This was given by Jerry Langford.  Also, Mary Jane Attwood gave a copy of Dr. Carl Moneyhon's standard work Arkansas and The New South which gives an indepth look at rural life in the latter part of the 19th Century.  Both are available to read at the New Edinburg Museum any Saturday afternoon (or whenever you can catch me) from noon to 4pm.

If you have items of interest for this column, please get them to me by Monday for inclusion in that week's column.  Go Eagles.

September 30 Edition

^"25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe."  - Proverbs 29:25 KJV

Prayer list includes: the family of Jody Trammell.

Birthdays this week include: Debbie Sanders - Sept. 29, Teresa Thompson-Brown - Oct. 2, Gail Crater - Oct. 4, Allan Rippy - Oct. 4, Larry Briant - Oct. 5, Kathy (Norris) Spence - Oct. 5. Happy belated birthday to Otis Clary - Sept. 26.

From The Centennial History of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 1803 - 1903. Prepared and Published by order of the Synod. Charleston, S. C. Presses of Walker, Evans & Cogswell Co., 1905, Pages 576, 577: 

"Shady Grove, in Cleveland Co., Ark., was organized by Rev. J. P. Marion August, 1872, in a small log church about half a mile from where their church now stands.  Twelve names were enrolled.  W. T. Carmichael (Carmical), lately from White Oak, Ga., and W. H. Ware, were elected elders. 

They soon began work on a commodious frame house of worship, which was completed ten years later.  Mr. Marion supplied them half time until the close of 1875.  In doing so he submitted to great hardships.  This church was small, and he received no supplement from Synod.  He supported his family chiefly by cultivating the soil.  They were supplied by Rev. J. L. Young in 1876, Rev. H. M. Henry in 1877, Rev. J. S. A. Hunter in 1878 for half his time.   Twenty names were signed to it.  He was installed Nov. 28, 1879.  The faithful pastor met many and formidable difficulties-vexatious cases of discipline and bitter opposition from without.  But the church increased in members and influence.   His pastorate terminated with Dec., 1887, when he went to Mexico as a foreign missionary.  

Rev. T. G. Boyce came to them in July 1888, and was installed pastor in Dec.   There were 42 names on the church roll at that time.  This was a happy pastorate and prosperous period in the history of the church.  In Feb., 1893, when the relation was dissolved the church had 64 members.  That year Rev. W. A. M. Plaxco supplied them.  Rev. T. B. Stewart was pastor from May, 1894, till Oct., 1899.   

The church was suffering losses from removals, and its forces weakened by death.   They were supplied half time by Rev. A. H. Griffith in 1900 and 2, and half time by Rev. E. B. Anderson in 1903.  They began holding regular services in 1901 at New Edinburg, a railroad station five miles northwest from the church.  Shady Grove has a S. S. and L. B. Society."

 If you have items you want to see in this column, get them to me before Monday for inclusion in that week's edition.  Go Eagles.

September 23 Edition

"3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." --- Romans 5:3-5

Birthdays this week: Linda Warner (Sept. 22), Barbara Chance (Sept. 23), Melvin Jackson and Judy Simmons (Sept. 26). Happy belated birthday to Avery Skelton (Sept. 17) and Ashlyn Skelton (Sept. 19).

Fall is here.  Despite rising temperatures, we got a cool spell and 4.5 inches of hard rain last Friday.

New Edinburg's Spook House is gearing up for this October at the West Saline Community Center.  More details as they arise.  The attentive reader may remember from last year that it was rated higher by tourists than any others in the surrounding area, and the organizers are planning bigger and better things.

Another blast from the past courtesy of Goodspeed's History of Arkansas: "Alex L. Ross, merchant of New Edinburg, Ark., is an example of the success attending hard work and honest dealing. He was born in Henry County, Tenn., September 23, 1827, and is a son of William and Sarah (Frazier) Ross, natives of Kentucky and North Carolina, respectively, the former's birth occurring in 1801, and his death in Yell County, Ark., at the age of seventy-four years. His wife's birth occurred in 1805, and she also died in Yell County at about the same age as her husband. They were married in Henry County, Tenn., and made that State their home until about 1829 or 1830, when they moved to Gibson County, Tenn., and in 1856 settled in Yell County, Ark. They were successful farmers, and the father was an Old Line Whig in his political views. Their family consisted of thirteen children, of whom Alex L. was the third, but only five of this large family are now living. Alex L. Ross spent his early school days in Gibson County, Tenn., and at the age of twenty years began farming for himself, and on coming to Arkansas located in Red Land Township,

Cleveland County, where he was successfully engaged in tilling the soil until 1888. He then formed a partnership in the mercantile business with A. A. Ross, and  this enterprise, like his farming operations, has been attended with excellent results. He has always been of an enterprising and energetic disposition, and is a very popular and highly esteemed man in the community in which he resides. He has always been a Democrat in his political views, and in 1880 was elected magistrate of Red Land Township, and at the end of two years was elected for two more years. January 18, 1818, witnessed the celebration of his nuptials with Miss Mary W. Stone, a daughter of Nicholas C. and Celia Stone. She was born in Robertson County, Tenn., October 10, 1833, and their union has resulted in the birth of the following children: Mary L. (wife of John T. Harris, a farmer residing near New Edinburg), Paralee W., Albert A. (who is associated with his father in business), William T. (who is with Lockridge & Buster, of Kingsland), Anna (wife of Llewellyn Jeffries, a farmer of Cleveland County), Louis C. and James U. Zilpha J. died when eleven months old. Mr. and Mrs. Ross are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he is a member of the Masonic order. "

If you have stuff you want in this column, please get it to me before Monday for inclusion in that week's column.  This column will appear on the internet at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com.  Go Eagles.

September 16th Edition

"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; ² And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." Ephesians 5:1-2 KJV

 

Birthdays this week include: Linda Knight and Tony Atkins - Sept. 20, Paula Splawn - Sept. 21.  Happy belated birthday to Nita Beth Hall - Sept. 12 and Austin Grice - Sept. 13.

Chapel Hill Baptist Church will have revival services Sept. 22-24. Sunday morning services will begin at 11am and the evening services will begin at 6pm. The Monday and Tuesday services will be at 7pm and Brother Rocky Goodwin will be the evangelist.

Mr. Jerry Warner and Mrs. Linda Warner honored their daughter Princess Warner and son-in-law Melvin Jackson with a wedding reception held Saturday evening at the West Saline Community Center with about 200 family and friends in attendance.

The New Edinburg Cemetery Association asks that anyone with family or friends in the NE Cemetery please help with the cost of upkeep through donations.  Donations made be made to Rick St. John, who is the treasurer.

If you have stuff you want in this column, please get it to me before Monday for inclusion in that week's column.  This column will appear on the internet at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com.  Go Eagles.

September 9 Edition

^"4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you."  --- Isaiah 46:4

Birthdays this week include: Vester Thompson - Sept. 9, Charlene King - Sept. 10, Nita Beth Hall - Sept. 12, Austin Grice and Sharon Davis - Sept.13, Beth Rippy and Sierra Paul - Sept 14.

Short column this week as it's too hot for anyone to be up to much.

The New Edinburg Cemetery Association asks that anyone with family or friends in the NE Cemetery please help with the cost of upkeep through donations.  Donations made be made to Rick St. John, who is the treasurer.

Congratulations to Tim Jones and Barbie Trammell who were married last Wednesday and honeymooned in Hot Springs. Congratulations also to Melvin Jackson and Princess Warner as they were married last Saturday.

If you have stuff you want in this column, please get it to me before Monday for inclusion in that week's column.  This column will appear on the internet at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com.  Go Eagles.

September 9th Edition

"1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." -  Romans 8:1-2

Birthdays this week include: Marshall Wilson and Jackson Perry - August 29. Buddy Parker and Don Pennington - Sept. 2, Mark Emerson Sept. 5, Floyd Brown and Jennifer Herring - Sept. 6, Rachel Beard and Donna Martindale - Sept. 7.
I hope everyone had an excellent Labor Day weekend.

New Edinburg Fire Department responded to a fire on the Farm to Market Road last Friday, and County Line Fire Department fought a fire on Hollis Special Loop early Labor Day morning.
The family of Lottie Hardaway met at the West Saline Community Center last Sunday for their annual reunion.
Someone asked me a few days ago about the legend of Union soldiers from the Battle of Marks' Mills being dumped in a well... specifically as to the location of the well.  I'm not necessarily a Civil War expert; there a couple of guys around here who are way ahead of me on that... my area of history is what's referred to as "modern American history" which is 1890-1950... but I do know a few things about Marks' Mills. Local legends build up and become "fact" but there are some false stories floating around.
First, the Union dead were not dumped in a well.  They were buried in a mass grave in the apple orchard behind the Marks houseplace.  After the war, the Union army came back through several battle sites such as this one and retrieved the bodies.  The Union dead were re-interred in what's now the National Cemetery in Little Rock.
Second, many people have claimed over the years to have found the buried gold that was on that wagon train. I can say they definitely did not find the Yankee gold because there was no gold on that train.  Even Yankees aren't dumb enough to drag gold through Rebel held territory.  The Union army paid its soldiers with greenbacks.


Thirdly, the granite marker at the battlesite, while beautiful, gets only two details right: who won and when.  Everything else is completely wrong.

Once upon a time, historians were revered elders in the villages because they held the history and lore of their people.  These days, we have to shout to be heard.
If you have stuff you want in this column, please get it to me before Monday for inclusion in that week's column.  Go Eagles.

August 26 Edition

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV

Prayer list this week: Sheila McLeod

Birthdays this week include: Marshall Wilson and Jackson Perry - August 29, Mark Shienle - August 30, Becky Morgan Cheney and Lynette McCallister - September 1.

Despite hot weather, two events at Reaves Cemetery this past weekend went off well.  The Thompson reunion Saturday drew roughly 100 family and friends where we enjoyed conversation, good food, and perusing our family tree as constructed by Floyd Brown.  Sunday saw Reaves Cemetery Homecoming with standing room only as Brother Tully McCoy and Brother Billy Wilson brought us the message.  Thanks to those who make these popular events happen every year.

If you have stuff you want in this column, please get it to me before Monday for inclusion in that week's column.  This column will appear on the internet at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com.  Go Eagles.

August 20 Edition

"“I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”" --- Psalm 16:8 KJV

Prayer list this week includes the family of Joe Bryant.

Birthdays this week include: Carrigan Hopson - August 20, Jayson Briant - August 21, Keri Cargile - August 22, Danny Huddleston - August 23.  Happy Anniversary to Laura and Chad Sanders - August 24.

We Eagles mourn the passing of Joe Michael Bryant who went to be with his Lord Saturday.

Don Triplett reports the the Benefit for Amy Pilkington raised about $9200.

The Thompson Reunion will be August 24 at Reaves Cemetery and the Reaves Cemetery Homecoming will be the following day; this is a combination service for Macedonia and Chapel Hill and starts at 10:30.

If you have stuff you want in this column, please get it to me before Monday for inclusion in that week's column.  This column will appear on the internet at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com.  Go Eagles.

August 12 Edition

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 KJV

Birthdays this week include: Ollie Morning - August 13, Judy Moring - August 14, Sammy Pipes - August 15,  Kimberly Brown and Judy Perry - August 16, Zeb Beard - August 17, Easton Sinclair - August 18.  Happy belated birthday to Faye Leaks - August 7.

The Thompson Family Reunion will be August 24th at the Reaves Cemetery, and the Reaves Cemetery Homecoming will be the following day.

The Prayers For Amy Benefit this past Saturday was great.  I haven't heard yet how much was raised, but judging by the amounts spent during the auction, it must be a lot.  Congratulations go out to everyone who made it a success... especially J.P. Don Triplett who coordinated everything.

Tyler Attwood and Erin Keddo were married this past Saturday in Ottawa, Canada.  Congratulations to the newlywed couple.

A blast from the past from the Arkansas Baptist Newspaper, 17 Feb 1897, page 15, col 1 : "Dr. E.H. Moses, of New Edinburg died February 5, 1897. Dr. Moses was born in Georgia, March 10, 1827; educated in the medical school of Philadelphia; married in the spring of 1849. He was a charter member of this church, and for more than forty-six years has walked circumspectly in this community. He was baptized at the age of 20. His funeral was attended by a host of loved ones, who grieve at his departure. This dear brother has been in sympathy with all our church work. The community has lost a good citizen, the church a true light, and the wife a loving husband.
We mourn not as those who have no hope. God has taken his loyal child home. We shall meet him by and by. May God be with his dear companion, comfort and keep her until that blessed day."

If you have items you want in this column, please get it to me before Monday for inclusion in that week's column.   Go Eagles.

August 6th Edition

Psalm 119:160 “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”

Birthdays this week include: Jacob Brown (August 6), Justin Lash (August 7), Jimmy Pennington (August 7), Termekia Smith (August 8), and Becca Cowan  (August 8).  Happy belated birthday to Reggie Wofford (July 31).

Here's August... and it's hot.  Right on schedule.  Everyone take care in this heat.

The Thompson Family Reunion will be August 24th at the Reaves Cemetery, and the Reaves Cemetery Homecoming will be the following day.

One more time: There will be a benefit for Amy Pilkington Murphy (daughter of Annette Miller Luff) at the New Edinburg Community Center on August 10th. Amy is suffering from cancer at the age of 28.  It starts with a washer tournament at 2pm, $20 per person with a cash prize to the winning team. Deadline for entry is July 31st. Contact Jennifer Hendrix. At 3pm, there will be a Gospel Explosion with Faint Yet Pursuing (Beech Grove Church's youth praise band) and New Reason. At 5pm, there will be a BBQ at $10 per plate. At 6pm there will be a live auction, and at 8pm there will be a live band the Pennington Brothers.  Please everyone come to this worthy cause.

Additionally, the Pilkington Cancer Benefit is raffling off chances for a $100 Wal-Mart gift card that will be drawn on August 10th.  See Kristen Skelton in the store; chances are $1 each and go to a good cause.

If you have stuff you want in this column, please get it to me before Monday for inclusion in that week's column. Go Eagles.

July 30 Edition

^"14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."  Matthew 5:14-16

Birthdays this week include: Adam Young (July 31).

First Baptist Church reports its Vacation Bible School went over well with lots of children attending.  Plans are afoot for next year's VBS.  As a child, I always looked forward to VBS and it was considered a big summer event.  Here's praying it takes on that status once again.

There will be a benefit for Amy Pilkington Murphy (daughter of Annette Miller Luff) at the New Edinburg Community Center on August 10th. Amy is suffering from cancer at the age of 28.  It starts with a washer tournament at 2pm, $20 per person with a cash prize to the winning team. Deadline for entry is July 31st. Contact Jennifer Hendrix. At 3pm, there will be a Gospel Explosion with Faint Yet Pursuing (Beech Grove Church's youth praise band) and New Reason. At 5pm, there will be a BBQ at $10 per plate. At 6pm there will be a live auction, and at 8pm there will be a live band the Pennington Brothers.  Please everyone come to this worthy cause.

If you have stuff you want in this column, please get it to me before Monday for inclusion in that week's column.  Go Eagles.

July 22 Edition

Matthew 19:14 "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Birthdays this week include: Ethel Dyer (July 22), Jean Parrott (July 22), Daniel Thompson (July 23), and Aubrey Huddleston (July 25).  Happy anniversary to Jeremy and Shelly Grider (July 24) and Billy and Mickie Bryant (July 27).
Mrs. Patricia Huddleston is back after spending a month with her daughter in Indianapolis, IN. Patricia was joined by her granddaughter Alexis for two weeks.  They shopped, went out to eat and saw many places of interest, but she reports she's glad to be back home.

First Baptist Church will have its Vacation Bible School for one day, July 27, from 9am until noon.  All children are welcome.

Homecoming Services will be held at Mt Elba Missionary Baptist Church located on Mt. Elba Rd in New Edinburg, beginning at 10:30Am Sunday July 28th with a potluck lunch. Revival services will begin at 7:00PM Sunday July 28th- Wednesday July 31, 2013 . Michael Taylor, former New Edinburg Eagle will be the speaker for Homecoming and Revival . John Greenwood is the Pastor. Everyone is welcome.

There will be a benefit for Amy Pilkington Murphy (daughter of Annette Miller Luff) at the New Edinburg Community Center on August 10th. Amy is suffering from cancer at the age of 28.  It starts with a washer tournament at 2pm, $20 per person with a cash prize to the winning team. Deadline for entry is July 31st. Contact Jennifer Hendrix. At 3pm, there will be a Gospel Explosion with Faint Yet Pursuing (Beech Grove Church's youth praise band) and New Reason. At 5pm, there will be a BBQ at $10 per plate. At 6pm there will be a live auction, and at 8pm there will be a live band the Pennington Brothers.  Please everyone come to this worthy cause.

If you have items of note for this column, please get them to me before Monday for inclusion in that week's column.  Go Eagles.

July 15th Edition

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  Romans 6:23
Prayer list this week includes: Gerald Brown and the family of Bobby Clements.

Birthdays this week include: Barry Huddleston (July 15), Cassidy Trucks (July 15), Randy Sanders (July 16), James Shepherd (July 18), Teresa Hibbert (July 18), Karen Thompson (July 18), Leona Thompson (July 18), Belinda Langford and LaVetrice Gill (July 19), Dylan Dunlap (July 20), Mary Morgan (July 21), Jared Davis and Tully McCoy (July 20), Maggie Sanders (July 21).  Happy Anniversary to: Marshall and Marnell Parker(July 21). Happy belated birthday to Kristin Skelton (July 11).

Bobby Joe Clements passed away Saturday night.  He sounded more like Johnny Cash than Johnny Cash did.

Homecoming Services will be held at Mt Elba Missionary Baptist Church located on Mt. Elba Rd in New Edinburg, beginning at 10:30Am Sunday July 28th with a potluck lunch. Revival services will begin at 7:00PM Sunday July 28th- Wednesday July 31, 2013 . Michael Taylor, former New Edinburg Eagle will be the speaker for Homecoming and Revival . John Greenwood is the Pastor. Everyone is welcome.

The Wagnon family held their family reunion at the West Saline Community Center last Sunday.

There will be a benefit for Amy Pilkington Murphy (daughter of Annette Miller Luff) at the New Edinburg Community Center on August 10th. Amy is suffering from cancer at the age of 28.  It starts with a washer tournament at 2pm, $20 per person with a cash prize to the winning team. Deadline for entry is July 31st. Contact Jennifer Hendrix. At 3pm, there will be a Gospel Explosion with Faint Yet Pursuing (Beech Grove Church's youth praise band) and New Reason. At 5pm, there will be a BBQ at $10 per plate. At 6pm there will be a live auction, and at 8pm there will be a live band the Pennington Brothers.  Please everyone come to this worthy cause.

Welcome to the world Ms. Keely Grace Jackson who was born on July 7. She is the healthy daughter of Chris and LaTonya Jackson.

If you have items of note for this column, please get them to me before Monday for inclusion in that week's column.  Go Eagles.

July 8 Edition

"We love him, because he first loved us."1 John 4:19

Prayer list this week includes: Gerald Brown

Birthdays this week include: Becky Briant - July 8, Wanda Sanders - July 12, Russell Sanders - July 12, Chloe Sanders - July 14.

First Baptist Church will have its Vacation Bible School for one day, July 27, from 9am until noon.  All children are welcome.

The concealed weapons carry class is July 15-16 at the WSCC.  Contact Jerry Langford at 352-2907 if you are interested.

Revival services will be held at the Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church, Hwy. 189 beginning at 11:00 on Sunday, July 14. A potluck meal will be served at 12:00 noon. Sunday evening services will be held at 6.p.m. July 15-17 services will be held at 7 p.m. Reverend Anthony Williams will be the Evangelist, Reverend Billy Wilson is the Pastor. Everyone is welcome.

The 2013 NEHS All School Reunion had a large crowd this time around with a large crowd, good food and plenty of fellowship.  I saw people who were there for the first time, and if you didn't make it this time, we certainly missed you!  Attending were: Frankie Hall, James Boney, Sue Noble, Sue Gibson, Bill Watts, Jerry Langford, James Brown, Bobbie Dunlap, Chuck Reynolds, Mary Ann Barron, Carroll Barron, Ollie Faye Harris, Mongolia Beck, Lorene Baswell, Sam Baswell, Carrie Hudson, Martha Cook, Linda Brown, Lorene Dyer, Helen May, Harold Sims, Mary Frances Sims, Norma Hensley, Deborah Morales, Hazel Denton, Ronnie King, Donna King, Sarah Rowland, James Weeks, Bobbie Moseley, Clyde Moseley, Barbara Eddy, Donald Langford, John L. McClellan, Marnell Parker, Peggy Towery, Patsy Lisemby, Betty Grace, Judy Mosley, Rex Langford, Bertia Lassiter, Eddie McClellan, Norma McCoy, Frances Langford, Nell Rose Brown, Roy Chambers, Carolyn Chambers, Floyd Brown, Bob Tidball, Sandy Tidball, LaVerne Thompson, Clyde Thompson, Donnie Wagnon, James Langford, Allyson Love, Tracy Brashears, Mildred Brown, Raymond Brown, Rex Trammell, Brenda Erwin, Bobby Erwin, Marvin King, Betty King, Kay Simmons, Joe Simmons, Marian Apple, Jessie Hogancamp, Amberlee Fletcher, Tully McCoy, Shirley Slaughter, Billy Sisson, Sue Sisson, James Atkins, Jean Atkins, Keith Love, Robin Love, Madison Downs, Linda McDaniel, and Linda Trammell.  If I missed anyone, I apologize beforehand.

Thanks to all who share things of interest; this column is especially popular with Eagles who live outside the state.   Go Eagles

Fourth of July Week Edition

^"5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
Birthdays this week include: Frank McClellan (June 30), Janice Thompson (July 3), Tyler Attwood (July 3).

Anniversary wishes to: Sharon & Mark Davis & Tammy & Tommy Green  (July 1), Agnes & Frank McClellan  (July 4).

I hope everyone enjoyed the cool weather we had this weekend and will through most of the week.

Visitors to Henry and Rachel Jones' home this weekend: Deb Jones, Meredith Armstrong of Arkadelphia, and Holly and Cole Hanry of El Dorado.

Revival services will be held at the Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church, Hwy. 189 beginning at 11:00 on Sunday, July 14. A potluck meal will be served at 12:00 noon. Sunday evening services will be held at 6.p.m. July 15-17 services will be held at 7 p.m. Reverend Anthony Williams will be the Evangelist, Reverend Billy Wilson is the Pastor. Everyone is welcome.

New Edinburg Baptist Church will also be in revival July 8-10 starting at 7pm each night. Tony Rhinehart will be the evangelist, and there will be special music each night.  Everyone is welcome.

The New Edinburg All School Reunion will be July 6 starting at 10am in the cafeteria of the West Saline Community Center.  Former students, teachers and their families are invited. This has always been a great event and here's hoping we'll break an attendance record this time. I reported last week that four new ceiling fans and lights were installed... it's actually eight. Sorry, but in any case it gets a little cold in there.

Brenda Warner and family held a family get together Saturday evening at the WSCC.

The concealed weapons carry class is July 15-16 at the WSCC.  Contact Jerry Langford at 352-2907 if you are interested.

Allison Wagnon wed Kelby Pearah last Sunday at Ceder Grove, LA.  Congratulations to the young couple. Tyler Attwood will be marrying his fiancee Erin Keddo in Ottawa sometime in August. Here's hoping them the best.

hanks to all who share things of interest; this column is especially popular with Eagles who live outside the state.  Go Eagles.

June 24 Edition

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV

Birthdays this week include: Gauge Weaver (June 29), Betty Carol Lane (June 30), and Ailene Erwin (June 30).

Mrs. Rita Parham, wife of Paschal Parham, passed away June 14 in Oregon.

The New Edinburg All School Reunion will be July 6 starting at 10am in the cafeteria of the West Saline Community Center (the same ol' place it's been for years now).  Former students, teachers and their families are invited. This has always been a great event and here's hoping we'll break an attendance record this time. Decorating the cafeteria this year are four new ceiling fans and new lights.

The concealed weapons carry class is July 15-16 at the WSCC.  Contact Jerry Langford at 352-2907 if you are interested.

If you absolutely, positively need a kitten, I'm your man.

Thanks to all who share things of interest; this column is especially popular with Eagles who live outside the state.   Go Eagles.

June 17 Edition

Romans 8:38 – 39 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Birthdays this week include: Donna Thompson - June 17, Betty Brown - June 20, Patricia McClellan Love - June 22, and Katie Briant - June 23.  Happy Anniversary to: Teresa and Gary Hubbard - June 18, and Brad and Rebecca Cowan - June 21.

I hope all fathers had a great Father's Day this week. Winding June down, already one half 2013 is gone.

The New Edinburg All School Reunion will be July 7 starting at 10am in the cafeteria of the West Saline Community Center (the same ol' place it's been for years now).  Former students, teachers and their families are invited.

The concealed carry class at WSCC is on for July 15th and possibly 16th.  I'll give more details on it soon.

The D. L. Broughton family had a Father's Day supper celebrating all the fathers in that family last Sunday in the cafeteria.

Fresh, young, bright, energetic, bouncing kittens are still available at my house... for free.  Take two, they're small.

I was reminded the other day of the persistent rumor concerning gold buried somewhere on the Marks' Mills battlefield or in the area.  Folks, there is no gold up there and never was.  The Federal wagon train jumped there was returning from supply troops in Camden; there was a small amount of Yankee greenbacks on one of the wagons involved, but I'm sorry to say no massive amounts of gold coins waiting to make someone rich.  I remember Harvey St. John told my dad that as a youth he saw the hole open where the gold was buried, and the footprints around it matched his... which I guess was his way of hinting he had discovered it.  Harvey was also known to tell a tall tale now and then too.

If you have items of interest for this column, please get them to me by Monday for inclusion in that week's column.   Go Eagles.

June 10th Edition

Colossians 3:16 " Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

Birthdays this week: Virginia (Brown) Carter - June 9th, Julie Trucks and Bobbie Bell Dunlap - June 11th.  Anniversary wishes to: Greg and Allison (Jones) Dallen - June 10th, Rachel and Henry Jones - June 11th and Regina and Barry Huddleston - June 11th.

It's hot.  Summer is upon us and the temps are rising along with the humidity.

West Saline Community Center upcoming events: the NEHS All-School Reunion is July 6th from 10am-2pm.  Anyone who attended school at New Edinburg or worked there (along with their family) is cordially invited to attend.

The concealed carry class is moved back to July 15 and 16.  I'll give the exact class times as it's given to me. The class will be held in the cafeteria of the WSCC (old school building).

NEFD training/safety officer Allan May is reported home and doing well after being injured last month on scene on the Morgan Rd.

Feel free to share items of interest with this column.  To get it in for a particular week, I need to see it before that Monday.   Go Eagles.

June 4 Edition

"Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all." -- 1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV
Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church will hold its 2013 Revival from June 10-12 at 7pm with evangelist Wade Totty bringing the message.  Feel free to come.

Macedonia Baptist Church has 14 youth and three counselors at Camp Beaverfork near Conway this week.

West Saline Water Users Association will hold its annual meeting Thursday, June 13 at its office on Main Street. The main business is to elect two new board members to serve on the board of directors. Two $50 bill credits will be awarded from a drawing from the ballots cast by members. Be sure to check out their new website at www.westsalinewater.ruralwaterusa.com where you can make online payments.

Fred Gilbert and family celebrated the June birthdays in their family last Saturday at the West Saline Community Center with about 30 people in attendance.

There will be a concealed carry weapons class given at the West Saline Community Center sometime on the week of the 17th.  As the class dates are solidified with the instructor, I'll publish the details in next week's edition. The cost of the class will be $80 a person.

Feel free to share items of interest with this column.  To get it in for a particular week, I need to see it before that Monday.   Go Eagles.

May 28th Edition

"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." -- Romans 12:15

Happy birthday to: Janelle Briant (May 31), Bobby Thompson (May 27), Joe Bryant (May 31). Happy anniversary to Bro. Billy and Glenda Wilson (June 2).

Here's hoping everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend.

West Saline Water Users Association will hold its annual meeting Thursday, June 13 at its office on Main Street. The main business is to elect two new board members to serve on the board of directors. Two $50 bill credits will be awarded from a drawing from the ballots cast by members. Be sure to check out their new website at www.westsalinewater.ruralwaterusa.com where you can make online payments.

An extract from Goodspeed's History of Arkansas, Chapter 25, page 619: James Edgar Martin is a stock-dealer and merchant of New Edinburg, Ark., and was born in Bradley County, Ark., on May 27, 1852, being a son of Dr. John W. and Mary E. (Franklin) Martin, who were born in Virginia and Arkansas respectively. Both are residents of Warren, Bradley County, Ark., and Dr. Martin is now seventy-one years of age... a family of twelve children was born to himself and wife, eight of whom are now living, James Edgar Martin being the second child. In his youth he attended the Warren High School, and in 1873 left his home to embark in the mercantile business, first as salesman at Collins Station, in his uncle's employ, then for the firm of Martin and Goodwin of Warren. In 1876 he came to New Edinburg and became an associate of Martin and Goodwin in the firm of T. M. Goodwin & Co., but in 1883 he became sole proprietor and has since been successfully engaged in business alone. In connection with managing his store he also deals extensively in stock, and is the owner of some very fine registered Holstein and Jersey cattle. He has been grading his stock for four years past, and now has one of the finest herds in the county. He is also the owner of 1,500 acres of land in Bradley and Cleveland Counties, a goodly portion of which is under cultivation, and is accounted not only a successful farmer and stockman also. Like his father, he is a Mason and a Democrat, and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Word, and whom he married on March 5, 1884, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a daughter of James Word of New Edinburg. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have two children, Anna May and John Ernest.

Feel free to share with this column.  Go Eagles.

May 21 Edition

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." - 1 Corinthians 1:10

Prayers go out to the families who suffered incredible losses in Oklahoma this past week due to savage tornadoes.

Birthdays this week include: James Norris (May 21), Princess Warner (May 26).  Happy belated birthday to Termedia Jackson (May 15) and Marnell Parker (May 19).

Harold Dean Sims donated a class picture of the NEHS class of 1950 to the West Saline Community Center.  Thanks go to him for this.  Our recollection of class photos is slowly growing.

West Saline Community Center's board will have a work day this Saturday starting at 7:30 or 8:00am to the effect of cleaning off the bushes in front of the building and around the gymnasium plus assorted other jobs.  Please join us if the spirit of the Eagle moves you.

West Saline Water Users Association will hold its annual meeting Thursday, June 13 at its office on Main Street. The main business is to elect two new board members to serve on the board of directors. Two $50 bill credits will be awarded from a drawing from the ballots cast by members. Be sure to check out their new website at www.westsalinewater.ruralwaterusa.com where you can make online payments.

Feel free to share items of interest with this column.  To get it in for a particular week, I need to see it before that Monday.  This column will appear on the internet at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com.  Go Eagles.

May 17th Edition

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30 KJV
Happy birthday this week to: Patsy Spears (May 12), James McClellan (May 18), Ronnie McClellan (May 18), Jerry Don Langford (May 19).
Here's hoping all mothers here and abroad had an excellent Mother's Day last Sunday.
Ruth Broughton was honored by her family with a Mother's Day celebration Sunday at the West Saline Community Center.
Visiting me this weekend: Jessie Noble and John Sanchez of Little Rock.
Emmaus Baptist Church will celebrate its 130th anniversary this May 19.
Another excerpt from Goodspeed's History of Arkansas, Chapter 25: "

George Meriwether Marks has been a resident of Cleveland County, Ark., for fifty-four years, although his birth occurred in Montgomery County, Ala., June 19, 1833, he being a son of Hastings
and Sivility (Powell) Marks, a short history of whom is given is the sketch of James N. Marks, their son.
George M. obtained a fair education in the common schools of Georgia, and in the Masonic Institute at Clarksville, Tenn., but after leaving the latter institution in 1855, he commenced merchandising at Mark's Mill, but at the end of two years he settled on his present farm in Cleveland County, Ark.
In the month of October, 1863, he joined the Second Arkansas Confederate Cavalry, with which he served until the close of the war, taking part in the battles of Poison Springs, Mount Elba and many skirmishes. On leaving the army he still possessed his old war-horse, and he returned home and resumed the cultivation of his farm, which has received his attention ever since. His home plantation consists of 690 acres of valuable land, but he has 810 acres in another tract.
November 22, 1857, was the date of his marriage to Miss Catherine E. Tolefree, a daughter of Dr. Robert Tolefree. The latter was born in New York City, was a graduate of Yale College, and was a physician of prominence, being also a practitioner of law.
He died at Monticello, Ga., February 1, 1850. To Mr. and Mrs. Marks a family of ten children have been born: Fannie D. (wife of Frank McGehee, an attorney of Varner, Ark.), Amelia M., Anna L. (who was born June 20, 1864, and died January 21, 1887, the wife of J. S. Moseley), Mattie H. (wife of E. B. Atwood, a farmer of the county), Deborah C., Robert T., George E., Clara W., Barbara T., and Ruth (who was born March 30, 1883, and died August 23, 1887).
Mrs. Marks is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and in his religious views Mr. Mark is a Unitarian. He is a Mason and is a Democrat."
Feel free to share items you want to see here.  Look for us on the internet at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com. Go Eagles.

May 8 Edition

" Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."  --- James 5:16 KJV

Prayer list this week includes the family of Martha Jean Morgan... especially Larry Morgan who has lost both his mother and daughter in the last two weeks.

Birthdays this week: Tina Sanders (May 7), ME! (May 7), Daniel Bryant (May 9), Kim Emerson (May 10), Kayla Herring (May 10), Michael Rawls (May 11), Devlyn Moring (May 11).
About 70 family and friends attended the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Rex and Pam Trammell held at the New Edinburg Community Center.  I saw some excellent footage taken in 1969 with a Super 8 camera and transferred to DVD... especially a quick trip down main street of New Edinburg.
This is a short column for this week, but please feel free to help me fill it up next week!  Go Eagles.

April 29th Edition

"For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:" --- Job 19:25

Happy birthday this week to: Morgan Searcy and Norma Thompson - April 28, Jackie Shafer-Huddleston - May 1. Happy belated birthday to Daisy Blackmon - April 23.

Lori Morgan Nichols, daughter of Larry Morgan, passed away April 25, so please remember her family in prayer.

Tully and Norma McCoy were visited last week by his niece Ruth McCoy Barnett from Washington State. They took advantage of the decent weather to give Ruth a good tour of the countryside and attractions.

Visitors to the New Edinburg Museum last week were: Norma McCoy, Martha Cook, Ruth McCoy Barnett, Ollie Faye (Rice) Harris, Mongolia (Erwin) Beck, Rex Trammell, Pam Trammell, Lyslie Trammell, and Barbie Trammell.  We had a great time and learned a lot from each other.  Pam has saved me an incredible amount of time on my cemetery research project by providing me with a recent list of names and dates from Shady Grove... 871 graves, in case you're curious.  Thanks to her for doing the hard work there.  The New Edinburg Museum is dedicated to preserving and teaching local area history.

There will be a massive yard sale at the home of Jerry Langford on Mt. Elba Road starting May 1st and finishing up May 4.

Rex and Pam Trammell will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, May 5 from 1-3pm at the New Edinburg Community Center.

If you have items of interest for this column... birthdays, anniversaries, events, or whatever... then please send them to me before Monday in order to get them in that week's column.  Go Eagles.

April 22 Edition

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse..." --- Romans 1:20 KJV
Birthday wishes: Kim Allen - April 22,  Erwin Dyer - April 24, Cecil Sanders - April 26, Geraldine Sanders - April 27, Jeanette Thompson and Robert Dyer - April 27, Morgan Searcy and Norma Thompson - April 28.

Happy Anniversary: Bill and Judy Perry - April 24.

Homecoming is this coming Sunday at Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church starting at 10:30am. There will be special singing in the afternoon.
The New Edinburg Museum will be open this Saturday afternoon from noon until 4pm.  It's located in the old school building.  Please feel free to drop by; admission is free.

There will be a business meeting for the St. John Cemetery at Sweet Union COGIC on Broughton Road on April 27 at 10:00 am to elect new officers and discuss old business.  Anyone with business or concerns with St. John Cemetery is invited to attend.

If you have items of interest for this column, please feel free to share with me before Monday in order to get it in that week's paper.  Go Eagles.

April 15 Edition

^"11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. ¹² The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." -- Romans 8:11-12

Birthdays this week include: Johnnie Green & Ella Green April 15.

The Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church's annual homecoming is on April 28th at 10:30 am. They will have potluck lunch & special singing in the afternoon.

New Edinburg Fire Department responded to a log truck fire on the Tower Road Sunday afternoon.

There will be a business meeting for the St. John Cemetery at Sweet Union COGIC on Broughton Road on April 27 at 10:00 am to elect new officers and discuss old business.  Anyone with business or concerns with St. John Cemetery is invited to attend.

If you have items of interest for this column, please feel free to share with me before Monday in order to get it in that week's paper.  Go Eagles.

April 8 Edition

"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." --- Roman 5:10

Birthdays this week: Tommy Green - April 10, Melinda Huddleston & Dustin Briant - April 12, Sheila Currier - April 13, Blake Spears and Bobbie Moseley - April 14.

Weekly rains are keeping the ground soft and the loggers idle.  More heavy rains are expected here later this week.

I heard two... not one, but TWO whippoorwills last night, so Spring is officially here.

Some local history about the First Baptist Church courtesy of The Eagle Democrat,  Wednesday, October 25, 1967:  "The First Baptist Church of New Edinburg has a distinction of having been built and located in three counties without moving more than 100 yards and without ever crossing a county line.
At the time of the erection of the church, the town of New Edinburg was in Bradley County. Some years later, a new county was formed from parts of adjoining counties and New Edinburg and the Baptist Church found themselves in Dorsey County. Still later, the name of the county was changed, honoring President Grover Cleveland.
The church was organized almost 100 years ago in 1868 with Elders Solomon Gardner and John T. Craig consitituting the Presbytery. The church was in the Judson Baptist Association. After 1901, the church agreed that it could no longer see eye to eye on ecclesiastical matters with its present larger connection and joined the General Association, the American Baptist Association, and later the North American Baptist Association.
The first building was completed in September of 1869, after which the church adopted a resolution to the Methodist of the community expressing appreciation for being allowed to use the Methodist house of worship for its services for a season.
In early years, at almost every monthly conference, some-Brother or Sister was excluded from worship for some kind of unbecoming conduct: the men usually for imbibing too freely of alcoholic beverages and the women for "tipping light fantastic toe..." [Note: that's archaic language for dancing...]
In those days, revivals were popular, and one mighty one was conducted under the persuasive preaching of Rev. W. E. Penn in 1890. Results, fifty church additions and 122 professions of faith.
A new church was erected in 1936 and it was dedicated in 1937. The building, at the time of completions, consisted of an auditorium and six Sabbath School rooms. The Sunday School is first mentioned in church records of 1883. The church has had three buildings, the current one replacing one that was put up in 1890. This one replaced the orginal church structure. The middle building had an 84-foot steeple."
If you have items of interest for this column, please get them to me before Monday of each week.  Go Eagles.

April 2 Edition

^"5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.⁶ And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.⁷ He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."  Revelation 21: 5-7
Prayer list this week includes: Nancy Clary

Birthdays this week include: Robert Boney - April 1, Brian Chancellor - April 5.  Happy Anniversary to: Tammy & Don Pennington - April 4, Judy & Delbert Moring - April 5.
Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church started their Easter service at 10:30 this Sunday. They were fortunate to have several special songs. Brother Billy Wilson preached a wonderful service. "The message of Easter is that Jesus has risen!" (Colin Smith). "The entire plan for the future has its key in the resurrection". (Billy Graham).
New Edinburg First Baptist Church held Easter Sunrise services at 7am that day.  Brother Tony Atkins preached the promise of all things being made new through the resurrection of Christ in Revelation 21:5.  Afterwards, we enjoyed breakfast and fellowship.
The Encyclopedia of Arkansas lists three famous residents from our area: "Elisha Lawley McMurtrey was a lieutenant colonel in the Confederate army during the Civil War. He was involved in twenty-two battles and was elected to the Arkansas General Assembly in 1878. Kermit C. Moss served in World War II and received two bronze stars; he was also one of the guards for Madame Chiang Kai-shek. Paul “Bear” Bryant, the legendary University of Alabama football coach, was born and raised a few miles from New Edinburg."
Please feel free to share items of interest for this column before Monday.  My phone is 870-250-9103 and my email is JamesCBoney@gmail.com  This will appear on the internet at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com.  Go Eagles.

March 26 Edition

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." --- Lamentations 3:22-23

Prayers for: Lori Nichols, Raymond Wagnon and the family of Leland Bryant.

Birthdays this week: Major McClellan - March 28.

I hope everyone has a great Easter this weekend.

First Missionary Baptist Church reports it will have sunrise services on March 31 at 7am. After services there will be fellowship with coffee and a light breakfast. All are welcome.


Grom the Eagle Democrat in 1939: "Since State Highway No. 8 between Warren and Fordyce has been constructed those who motor that way are usually impressed with two things at New Edinburg - the old tree which stands in the middle of the road in front of Attwood’s Store, and the number of comfortable homes which are covered with corrugated tin roofing.

We have a tendency to “cuss” the presence of the tree when the traffic is heavy, but when we think of those ten roofs topping those comfortable homes, there arises that boyish feeling, “Gee, wouldn’t it be great to go to sleep on an old fashioned feather bed while hearing the musical rain drops on that roof.”

For our purpose here, the tree and the tin-tops explain the character and sturdiness of the present New Edinburg.  While modern highways have led other rural villages to fold up and pass away, this unusually progressive community has kept pace with the present, and continually moves forward.  The tree
represents a sentimental connection with a great ancestry, the tin-roofs, the permanency with which the place was built."

Please feel free to share with this column what you would like to see. Go Eagles.