Dear Thompson and Allied Family Cousins,
First of all, I hope you had a glorious Easter and will carry the Joy of the day throughout the year. We are all very blessed.
Next, here is an update on the status of our Green Leaf Ebenezer Church and Cemetery. As a reminder, our family association is now the owner of both the church as well as the old and new cemeteries. (and the nearby Reubin Thompson Cemetery). As I wrote to you last fall, Hurricane Helene took a direct path through Emanuel County and did a great deal of devastation. Many of the tall slash pines on our land were damaged or uprooted, taking a toll on our various buildings, fencing and utilities. According to our hard-working president, Andy Thompson, the following tasks have been accomplished:
- downed trees have been removed
- grounds were raked to removed roots, etc.
- Power and water have been restored to the church and to the outdoor restrooms
Still needed are repairs to the picnic shelter roof and restroom building roof. Also, significant portions of the cemetery fencing need to be replaced and some tombstone repair work is needed. About $50,000 has been spent and another $20,000 may be needed. Thankfully, our insurance paid for a portion of these repairs and we have savings, but donations of any amount would be most appreciated. In addition, your prayers are requested as we move forward and remain a strong family association.
As usual, our board members will be meeting this summer to plan our next reunion at Ebenezer Church which will be on Sunday, October 5th. We welcome your suggestions, especially as far as involving more of our young family members. Also, the deadline to apply for the $1000 Roots & Wings Scholarship is fast approaching on June 1st. Please contact Chairperson Susan Middleton at 478-955-4377 or symiddleton@bellsouth.net for an application. We hope to see many of you in October!!!
Marilyn Lear, Family Historian
Reubin Thompson Memorial Foundation
backriver@comcast.net
912-217-0984
