From Hyde County Historical & Genealogical Society

The Hyde County Historical & Genealogical Society met Oct. 16 for its fall meeting at the Old Richmond Missionary Baptist Church, Swan Quarter. About 125 church and society members attended the meeting.

Archie L. Green, deacon, along with the Rev. Reginald Saunders, the Rev. Selma Hunter, the Rev. Lionel Keel, the Rev. James Stanley and Marva Blount presented an informative program focusing the history of Old Richmond, which had its beginnings in 1868 when the church was founded by the Rev. Fred Long of Fairfield.

The Hyde County Eastern Missionary Baptist Mass Choir, with its drummer and Chris Baum, pianist, sang several musical selections during the program. Following, all enjoyed delicious fried chicken, beans, potato salad and dessert in the church’s spacious fellowship hall.

At a point during the program, the society’s outgoing president, Isabelle Homes, noted the society’s appreciation to Old Richmond church for hosting the fall meeting, and conducted the election of the officers and directors.

Linda Mayo (president), Marco Gibbs (vice president), Sophia Jarvis (secretary) and Clare Baum (treasurer), along with directors Isabelle Homes (past president), Lenora Bright, Denise Gibbs, Al Schmitt, Roy Clarke, R.S. Spencer Jr., Betty Mann and Norma Jean Mello were all elected by acclamation to serve two-year terms.

The fall issue of “High Tides,” which concentrates on the history of Old Richmond Missionary Baptist Church, the Hyde County Eastern Missionary Baptist Association and the Fred Green family is now available and can be purchased from R.S. Spencer Inc. in Engelhard. For information, call 252-542-0000.

The Hyde County Historical & Genealogical Society’s mission is to preserve and record the history of Hyde County and its people. To that end, the society holds spring and fall meetings in different parts of the county and publishes an edition of its historical and genealogical journal, “High Tides,” twice a year. New members are always welcome.

For information, contact the society at P.O. Box 517, Engelhard, N.C. 27824, or online at www.genweb.us/hyde/HYDE.HTM.