-
Enola Gay Mathews
It’s been a long, hot summer — not as 'lazy or hazy' as the old song describes but truly as sizzlingly sweaty and dangerously hot as Texas can get. That might all be behind us now as July winds down. Summer’s in its waning days, and the “fall,' which heralds back-to-school time is crowding in too close, too fast. The truth is, summer isn’t endless, and yes, autumn offers its own irresistible appeals.
On Sunday morning, July 23, as the sun dappled the grounds of the lovely old parsonage of First United Methodist Church, the structure assumed a new role in our community. The gathered crowd gave its blessing to the new home of Pastor Pete McNabb and his family with the song 'Bless This House.' McNabb calls it 'the People’s House.' The graceful mid-century two-story is now upgraded to energy and techno-standards, just steps from the courthouse and Celebration Plaza, at 311 Church St.
Sulphur Springs has a new postmaster. You will probably soon meet the Honorable Tina Young, Postmistress, now serving four post offices within Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. She will be sworn in during mid-August at City Hall. Young is the first female as well as the first black American postmaster assigned to serve this post, and she regards it as a great honor.
The Old Saltillo United Methodist Church will host a special presentation on the first Sunday in August. Reverend Dan Hoke has invited Dr. Sherry O’Neal, professor at Navarro College, to enact a 'Gospel Shoutin’ Time,' a fascinating portrayal of the life of the late Fanny Crosby, writer of over 5,000 poems and lyrics over her lifetime. Her words were set to music for “Blessed Assurance” and scores of other beloved hymns. Your presence is requested at the 11 a.m. presentation on Sunday Aug. 6, 2023, inside the fully restored historic church.
The Great Eclipse will cross Hopkins County on Monday, April 8, 2024, possibly bringing thousands of eclipse-watchers to Sulphur Springs. Much preparation is already in place for the phenomenon’s draw for visitors and there is much more to be done for readiness. Volunteers are being sought. With questions, email our Chamber of Commerce, which is heading up preparations, at info@hopkinschamber. org. or watch the website TotalEclipseSSTX.com.
Our editorial page states that local newspapers are making a difference in communities. I agree! Check out the annual 'Best Of Hopkins County' readers' choice awards in this issue, spotlighting the best local businesses and services. Be sure and congratulate the winners!
Also, plan to send in a favorite recipe to revive the hometown tradition in the newspaper.
Catch more news about our town and county on my podcast, Down Home Today with Enola Gay. It’s free to hear on our website, ssnewstelegram. com, as well as on Youtube. More than 80 episodes are archived there, and new ones are posted for you Wednesdays and Saturdays.