Typed and spelled as written

Barbara (Caddell) Fox

The Marlin Daily Democrat
Marlin, Texas

Tuesday, June 11, 1974
Page Three
(newspaper clipping in Criswell Cemetery Association Minutes)


Criswell Homecoming Held Sunday, June 9

     The twenty-third annual meeting of the Criswell Cemetery Association Homecoming was held Sunday, June 9, at the Criswell Community Center.

     A large crowd was in attendance from all parts of the state, and also, some from out of state.

     Some recognitions were made.  Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Clonts of Knox City, and Mrs. Grace Brightwell and children from Oklahoma City traveled the greatest distance to attend.  Wesley Dewvall of Caldwell was recognized as the oldest man present, and Mrs. Eva Grisham of Waco as the oldest woman.

     The floral arrangements for the auditorium were furnished by Mrs. C. C. Stone, Mrs. Alta Caddell and Mrs. George Stone.  The individual family plots were honored with both fresh and artificial flowers.

     Activities for the day began at 11 a.m. with a program.  Thomas Criswell was master of ceremonies and song leader.  Mrs. Aubrey Stone was pianist and Mrs. George Stone was program chairman.

     The program began with congregational singing “All Hail the Power” and “I Love to Tell the Story.”  A prayer was given by Louie Hicks.  The president of the Association, Billy Criswell, welcomed the congregation.  The welcome address was presented by Tom Criswell.  Special song “Grace Greater Than Our Sins” was sung by Mrs. Jane Ann Baron of Caldwell.  “Pearly White City” was sung by Louie Hicks of Waco.  “When I See My Lord” was sung by June Williams of Lott.

     The mortuary list, read by Mrs. Jewel Rucker of Dallas, included the names of twelve people that had deceased since the last reunion, that had connections with the association.  They are: Donald Denton, Woody Patterson, Edd Tatum, Elmo Moore, Mrs. Nancy Patterson, Susannah Lee Stone, William O. Denton, Edgar Ethridge, Mrs. Mary Ann (Caddell) Childress Driver, Mrs. Gena (Cantwell) Curry, Olden Brightwell and Joseph Walts.

     “He Touched Me” was sung by Cara Sue Caddell, accompanied by Mrs. J. I. Payte of Mart on the piano.  A reading, “I Shall Not Live In Vain” was given by Mrs. Ora Breed of Reagan.  The Memorial Address was given by the Rev. A. A. Bratcher of Marlin.  The benediction was given by Louie Wolf of Eddy.

     At noon, a basket lunch was served on tables under the shade trees.

     At 1:30 p.m. a sing song was held, followed by a business meeting presided over by Billy Criswell.  Leldon Grisham, of Waco, reported on the trust fund.  The reading of the minutes were given by the secretary, Mrs. Billy Kyle Stone, and the treasurer’s report was given by Mrs. C. C. Stone.  Two new directors were elected for a three year term.  They are Louie Wolf and Robert Grisham.

     Donations were made for the upkeep of the Cemetery, Community Center building, the grounds, and the trust fund.