The Pine Bluff-John McAlmont chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met Jan. 20 at the Lakeside United Methodist Church Center.
Regent Susan Over led the members in the DAR ritual assisted by chaplain Merry Tom Dorris. Minutes had been approved by committee.
Over announced that the Arkansas State DAR Conference will be held March 26-27 at the Double Tree Hotel in Little Rock, and that the Spring Luncheon, honoring State Regent Charline Manning, will be on April 21 at Pine Bluff Country Club. Sharon Wyatt, chairman for the luncheon, stated that she will contact members seeking volunteers, according to a news release.
Over also reminded members of the plans to participate in the Liberty Tree Project along with the Bayou Bartholomew chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. The Liberty Tree Project is an initiative to plant historic trees in towns and counties to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.
The project also honors the American Revolution tradition of patriots who used trees as meeting spots. The local DAR and SAR will be working together to plant Liberty Trees in Arkansas counties on public grounds. Each tree will be marked with a 250th commemorative plaque, which will be placed during a dedication ceremony. The project symbolizes American history, liberty and community engagement, which the DAR and SAR are dedicated to promoting, according to the release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The program speakers were Sabrina Theriac and Melissa Scott, who presented “Arkansas History: First Presbyterian Church.” The church was established on May 15, 1858, and its first building was on Fourth Avenue and Chestnut Street. The Rev. John Ivey Boozer was the first minister. After a fire destroyed the church building in 1893, the congregation held services in Temple Anshe Emeth located at Third Avenue and Laurel Street. Later, services were held in the Ingram Building on Pine Street, according to the presentation.
A new building was erected at Fifth Avenue and Walnut Street, and was dedicated on April 14, 1895. Services were held there until 1974 when the members moved into their new building located at 717 W. 32nd Ave. Services are still held there today.
Special guests in attendance were Bambi Wilson and her daughter, Darian, who are prospective members. Sue Smith and Over were the hosts.