A half- a century ago In the southern part of Warren county six scattered residents of the section grouped together to form a church. Yesterday their children, grandchildren, friends and   associates celebrated with an all day service the fiftieth anniversary   of   the founding of the Yokena Presbyterian church. Over 300 people from the surrounding section were present for the services.

Of the organizing members of the church only one survives. Rev. C. A. Hyland who was present yesterday and at the morning service gave some reminiscences of the early days of the church.

Rev. C: P. Colmery was called as pastor of the church In 1888 and has served the people of the community continuously since that date. Rev. Colmery conducted the anniversary services.

The history of the church prepared from the church records by Rev. Colmery was read by Mrs. Josephine Hyland Inge, a great granddaughter of Rev. Chamberlain, pioneer Presbyterian minister. During the reading of the history early members of the church when mentioned were called  to stand. Among those present were Rev. C. A. Hyland. Mrs. S. B. White, Mrs. Mittie Stephens  and Aubrey Russell. The church, the history showed, was organized In the Bogue-de-shea Baptist church about three miles from the present church site on March 30, 1884. Rev. Thomas Cummins. D. D. and Ruling Elder J. D. Gilland of the Vicksburg church were commissioned by the Presbytery of Central Mississippi to effect the organization.   Five persons entered into the organization namely; Mrs. Cinthis Eunice Wright, Mrs. Martha Gould, Miss Fannie Hullum, Miss Sue Hullum and Mr. Charles Augustus Hynald.  Mr. John B. Wright entered the organization by letter from the Bathesda Presbyterian church.

Tribute was paid to the late Mrs. Martha Isabel Gould who later became the wife of an outstanding Warren county citizen, W. S. Hankinson.

Mrs. Hankinson zealously worked in the church and it was through her efforts mainly that the splendid building which the church now occupies was built.

Mrs. C. P. Colmery sweetly sang one of Mr. Hankinson's favorite hymns: "Some Day the   Silver Cord Will Break."

Reminiscences

Rev. Hyland in giving reminiscences of the founding of  the church stated it was not organized at the very first meeting but at a later meeting. He said he recalled that at a revival meeting at  the old Redbone Methodist Church he and "Mr. John Wright were sitting on a log talking when Mr. Wright suggested it would be a good thing to start a Presbyterian church. Rev. Hyland said a paper was then started which residents of the community signed and ; from this petition the Presbytery, commissioned the organizing of the church.

Rev. Hyland stated that before the church was organized,   Mrs. Hankinson who was Mrs. Gould at that time, taught a Sunday school class in the old frame church. She had no idea, he said of organizing a church of any kind. Two of her early pupils who survive are Sam Russell and Tobe Owens.

The offertory was   beautifully sung by Mrs. Wilhelmina Simrall accompanied at the piano by Miss Marguerite Gathright.

 “The Hidden Power of God" was the topic of Rev. Colmery's sermon at the morning service. The beloved minister stated to the congregation that the day was a great day in his ministry and he was delighted to see so many   people present. The hidden power of God is the genius of Christianity, the minister declared, and works as does leaven in bread. From a small beginning the church through the power of God grew to alter society, to gather all nations into the kingdom of God.  "How wonderful does God bring about His works. The leaven of the Kingdom took root in the hearts of a few people in this community fifty years ago. It spread and expanded, many coming under its Influence. It is a living evidence of the power of God in the hearts of men and women. The Power of the kingdom of God burning in the hearts of a few noble men and women has gone out through the years touching others, bringing many under this influence.   The kingdom is here, the heritage is ours. We see in this the hope of the world through the power of the kingdom of God."   Speaking of his long ministry of the Yokena Presbyterian church, Rev. Colmery stated: "I have never doubted God called me to preach to you forty-six years ago. I have had offers to go to larger fields but have been convinced God placed me here and not wishing to disrupt a harmonious pastorage have remained here and God willing I will preach to you the remainder of my life. I am thankful my lot has been among so congenial and cooperative a people and I have enjoyed my work to my heart. I once more dedicate my young life to God's work here.  This is a red letter day in my ministry. I love every one of you.

Adjutant Leonard Van Egmond of the Salvation Army and Rev. T. B. Grafton, pastor of the Vicksburg  Presbyterian  church were among the visitors present for the occasion and were called on by Rev. Colmery to offer prayers.

Basket dinner was served under the cool of the old shade trees I surrounding the church.  [See Photo's]
 

Thanks to Sonny Rule, Church Historian.

February 11, 2006