This past Saturday, Silerton Baptist Church sponsored a hayride through the surrounding countryside for approximately 51 children and adults. After the hayride, weenies were roasted and served with chips and drinks. Afterwards, s’mores were served up along with Wanda Fry’s famous orange cake.
Sunday’s service was focused on the thankfulness owed to our veterans, many of which were in attendance. A reminder that on Wednesday, Nov. 12, missionary shoeboxes will be packed at 6 p.m. Happy anniversary was sung to Wanda and Robert Fry for 63 glorious years of wedded bliss and tolerance. At the minimum of one per year, we are looking at no less than 63 orange cakes baked. The true total could be far higher.
On Nov. 8, Graham Perry of the Tennessee Historical Commission hosted a Cemetery Preservation Workshop at Old Friendship Cemetery. Leading the workshop was Mike Alexander, a member of Silerton Baptist Church. Mike presented a very interesting course on monument cleaning, preservation and repair. Under Mike’s guidance, the group was honored to take part in cleaning and repairing several types of monuments in different states of disrepair. Also discussed were the different types of damage and their causes. Mike gave a very comprehensive lecture on the principles, materials, methods and tools involved. Safety was also addressed. Overall, a very conservative approach, giving every monument the respect it deserved. The overall dictum being “do no harm.” Much like what we would all hope from our dentist. Equally important, if not more so, were Mike’s instructions as to what NOT to use or do (e.g., no bleach, construction adhesive, Portland cement, etc., and watch it with those zero turn lawn mowers). As with so many arts, the act of doing less is often more. Mike showed us the ease of using D2 cleaner, the sacrificial nature and utility of lime mortar and the magic of a good two-part epoxy. Overall, a very worthwhile and enlightening workshop. Highly recommended. A shout out to Trish Alexander for being Mike’s roadie/technical assistant.
