Pine Flat will celebrate 159 years

Pine Flat Methodist Church will hold their annual Homecoming and Memorial Day celebration at the small white frame church on Highway 10 West. Descendants of the original founders and their friends will come together to celebrate as they worship and fellowship together.

The worship service will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1st. Guest speaker will be Reverend Edward Barge (Buddy) Hood, Jr.

Reverend Hood was born in 1945 and raised in the Sardis Community, south of Selma. He graduated from Troy University in1967 and then from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1971.

He was pastored 44 years, serving three churches: First Baptist Church of Rutledge Goshen Baptist Church of Goshen; and Pilgrim Home Baptist Church of Wicksburg, near Dothan.

He retired from active pastorate in 2013, but since then has served as interim or supply preacher in other churches. He presently service as interim pastor of Fleetwood Baptist Church in Pike County.

He has been married to Anne Wise Hood for 48 years. They have on daughter, Julie Hood Glover, son-in-law Marlen Glover, and two grandchildren, Mason and Madison Glover.

He has connection to Pine Flat Church and Cemetery through several ancestors and relatives. Dr. John Roberson Barge, Sr. (1970-1846) and his wife, Elizabeth Webb Hill Barge (1902-1862), were charter members of the church, but they are buried Monterey Cemetery.

Dr. Barge’s grandson, Edward Bowen Barge (1855-1910) and his wife Mary Mamie George Barge (1861-1891), who are buried in Pine Flat Cemetery, were the great grandparents of Reverend Edward Barge Hood. John Austin “Aut” Hood (1866-1927) and Mary Addie Barge Hood (1866-1974), also buried in Pine Flat Cemetery, were his grandparents. Other relatives are buried there, as well, including uncles Henry, Austin, and Valentine Hood.

Following the service guest will enjoy “dinner on the ground” on the church grounds.

Mrs. Myralyn Trawick Watson will lead the order of worship and memorial service. Mrs. McDuffie Stallworth, Mrs. Larry Smith, Mrs. Wayne Wall, and Mrs. Billy Dees will serve as registrars. Miss Mary Helen Terry will serve as the acolyte. Special music will be provided.

The Trustees cordially welcome all members, friends, and descendants to the service. Attendees are asked to please bring a basket lunch, folding chairs, and folding tables.