East Caney Baptist Church Pastor, Rev. M. LaVelle Hendricks, welcomes those who
attended the church sponsored Elijah Fire Award presentations, on Saturday night,
and outlined the plans for a Rev. Marion H. Wheeler Christian Education Center.



East Caney Baptist Church
Sponsors Elijah Fire Awards and
Honors Rev. Wheeler

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Friends and neighbors of Rev. Marion H. Wheeler, who passed away in 2005, gathered in his honor at the Cypress Center, on Como Street, Saturday night to present "Elijah Fire" Awards to those who uphold Rev. Wheeler's vision in this community. Pastor M. LaVelle Hendricks, of the East Caney Baptist Church, outlined the many, many contributions Rev. Wheeler made throughout his life and to the greater Hopkins County Community. "This is a series of awards that we plan to offer annually on the third Saturday night of June, each year," advised Hendricks, as he introduced the keynote speaker.

Keynote speaker was Marion H. Wheeler, Jr., son of Rev. Marion H. Wheeler, Sr.

Keynote speaker for the evening was Marion H. Wheeler, Jr., son of Rev. Wheeler, who addressed the crowd with many memories of his father's life and told of the poignancy of the event, as he outlined the upcoming Father's Day holiday, his first without his esteemed father. "This occassion brings a mixture of emotions to me," expressed Wheeler. "First, tomorrow will be the first Father's Day that I will not have my earthly father with me, and at the same time, we will be celebrating Juneteenth, that stands for freedom in the African-American Community. That was the cornerstone of my father's vision!"

 

The East Caney Baptist Church Choir and Praise Team was lead by Bro. Williams, as they provided
a moving musical tribute, at Saturday night's awards presentation.

"My father always taught us to 'look-out' for the 'little' people, those who were oppressed in society," continued Wheeler. "He didn't want us to accept their moral and spiritual deficiencies, but taught us to love them without judgement and give them the help they needed!"

In ending his poignant address, Wheeler stated, "If I had one wish 'I'd Love To Dance With My Father Again,' as I read the words from that song, I know you will see the parallel of the words to my feelings!"

Roy King, back row right, joined Pastor Hendricks and Nora Wheeler and family members, following
the awards ceremony. King accepted the award for City National Bank.

On hand to witness the presentation of awards was Rev. Wheeler's widow, Mrs. Nora Wheeler, who told the audience that the loss of her husband is still very acute, but offers hope of meeting him in the hereafter, in a special reunion!

Hendricks outline the hope of creating a Christian Learning Center in honor of Rev. Marion H. Wheeler, who was a devout student of the Bible and touched the spiritual lives of so many.

Recipients of the Rev. Marion H. Wheeler Memorial Elijah Fire Awards included: Yolanda Williams, Former Sheriff Bill Dirks, Aubrey Washington, Dorothy Jo Thomas, Hulen Photography, Mayor Freddie Taylor, J.D. Franklin, Carolyn Thomas, Piney Baptist Church, the Preston Epting Family, City National Bank, the H.W. Ridge Family, Valanderous Bell, Billie J. Cleveland, the Rosa Rutherford Family, the Archie Jean Davis Family, Wilbert Roland, and the Nora Wheeler Family.

 

Sulphur Springs Mayor Freddie Taylor, and his wife, enjoy the uplifting spiritual music offered as
a part of Saturday night's Elijah Fire Award Ceremonies at Cypress Center in Sulphur Springs.

 

Congratulations to those cited
as upholding Rev. Wheeler's spirit!


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