Community Patriotic Service, 2007

Wednesday Night, June 27th, the Music Ministry of the Ripley First Baptist Church hosted our annual Patriotic Service and Block Party. This has become a much anticipated event for our church and the community. The weather was hot, but a large crowd turned out to enjoy all the activities.

Norene Douglas and Carolyn Pilcher did their usual exceptional job in decorating for the event.

Even the Concession Stand looked ready to celebrate. (Look closely and you can see Darren cooling off inside the concession stand from the hot summer sun! "Hey, Darren! How's the ice cream taste?")

The Adult Choir and the Handbell Choir presented the musical, "One Nation Under God," beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. A special part of the musical was the recognition of all veterans that were present. During the sounding of taps, there wasn't a dry eye anywhere to be found. Both choirs did an exceptional job in presenting the music, and setting the atmosphere for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

The Handbell Choir began the program with an excellent ringing of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

The Adult Choir did an outstanding job presenting the music.


The Ripley High School Junior R.O.T.C. presented the colors for the program.

Veterans from the various branches of the service are recognized. (Not a very good picture, but you get the idea.)

Following the musical presentation, the activities moved to the outdoors for the Community Block Party. This is the 4th year to present the Block Party. Those present enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, popcorn, snow cones and ice cream treats. Rob Reviere provided cold water meleons for everyone to enjoy. On the outdoor stage, George Pruitt (Ben's brother); provided several gospel music songs for the crowd to enjoy. We knew George could do a great job playing the bass guitar, but he showed us that he had an excellent singing voice. Enjoy the following pictures taken at the Block Party. Our thanks to the Ripley Police Department for allowing us to close Lafayette Street for the entire day.

The weather was perfect for the evening activities as there was a pleasant breeze that set in right before sunsight. It was a wonderful time of celebration and fellowship for the church and community.

Waiting in line at the concession stand. (Notice Mark Harrison)


Dressing up the Hamburgers and Hotdogs.


Wayne and Gail Douglas enjoy a "lite" supper.


Children waiting in line to climb the Obstacle Coarse.


Coach Stephen Byrd has to decide between cherry or grape.


Amanda and Nan have the popcorn ready to go.


Novella enjoys a cool treat on a hot summer night!

The Children's Parade, although a late addition to the program, was a big hit.

A headless Gloria Hawks and her grandchildren.

Easy Rider, Part II!


Be Careful Not to Exceed the Speed Limit!

Jenny Hendren prepares to lead the motorized division of the parade.

But mostly the evening was about friends visiting and enjoying each other's company.

Marion Meibaum enjoying the evening.


Kaye, Polly, and Bonita are never at a loss for words.

Elizabeth Edwards can always find a friend.

We can only imagine what Phyllis and Pam are up to.

No way Drew Dedmon is sharing his hotdog.


Vaden Mills and Benjamin Elkins hop on for the ride.


Norman Hendren visits with the Mike Hutchison Family.

Diana and Lucy take a break in the concession stand to visit.

Brantley Morris and Judge Reviere enjoy the evening activities.

Finally, Mark can enjoy his hamburger.

Madison Parker proves that ice cream sandwiches really are good.

Grant Hawks wishes everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July!