Memories of St. Michael's
These are three e-mails that Vivienne Williams sent me when I asked her to write down some of her memories about St. Michael's
Leal Walding
March 12, 2005
Gosh, I do not believe that I remember the dates, etc. when we came here in 1957 and resided on Fort Rucker. We attended Epiphany in the building that is now fellowship hall. My husband taught Sunday School under a tree outside the building. In 1959 we bought our home in Ozark, St. Michael's was meeting at the Community Center. Barbara Sneed was pregnant with her first child. We met in each others home for Thursday night Bible Study. I remember the Carr family, Valvolidis, Sneed, Wilhelms. My son Robert, who is still MIA from Vietnam, was senior acolyte and Paul also officiated as such. I do not remember the different priests. I know one bishop at one time asked me if I could write the history. I know at one time there were eleven members of my family who were attending members. I started the first organ fund after my husband passed away as he always wanted an organ as he had the most beautiful voice and carried the entire congregation.
March 13, 2005
I believe the Higham family was one of the first families. The Higham's gave the font in memory of their son-in-law who had a helicopter crash and was burned so badly and died at the old Fort Rucker Hospital. I worked there and saw Ed when he was brought in. Myra Law gave the American flag in memory of her father, Stegall, and I gave the church flag in memory of my husband. All of my grandchildren were baptized at St. Michael's; two daughters-in-law confirmed, my mom and dad recieved into the church. I had funeral services for my mom, dad, my brother, Andrew, at the church. I would like to see the memory garden started as I plan to be cremated and want my ashes there at St. Michael's. and I know there are others as well.
March 18, 2005
Just was thinking about the nice covered dish dinners we used to have before the rest of the church was built. Believe it or not, we used the kitchen that is now the Alter Guild room. All the food was put on the counter where the bulletins, etc. are put now and the men and acolytes dress. I remember Sara Higham one time bringing a whole fish baked with a delicious white sauce on it. Tables were set up in the church and we always had a nice turn out of the parishoners. The Dutch door in the now Altar Guild room was cut that way by my brother, Andrew, and me. One time my dad and I prepared a spaghetti supper and sold tickets for it. Had a great turnout. The women each year made three wreaths and sold tickets for chances to win. One year we made one consisting of all the mixed nuts, another with cranberries, and we always had such a wonderful time. Oh my, there were so many great times. There was never any dessension amongst the St. Michael's family. Everyone seemed always had a smile on their face and so willing to help one another. We had 360 rose bushes around our home in Ozark, and Harold Carr came and dug out 160 of them which we gave the church. No one ever took care of them I guess, and they died.