January 2012 Insight

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For this article I sat down with some people who knew them best. They shared stories of being in the old church together, sharing good times. They talked about fun times at church socials, and teaching Sunday School. But the one thing that kept coming up was how much they gave, of themselves.

Hank Johnson recalls how he first got to know the Cheathams.

“We met at the church. Clara Mae was teaching a womens class in the old education building, and I was the church school superintendent for years. I was familiar with Bob from the Men’s Bible class, which Judge Williams taught.”

Later on Hank and Bob were both in the choir, that is where Hank first appreciated the great talent Bob had for singing, and leading.

“Bob sang bass in the choir, and at that time Gwen Yokum was the Organist and Choir Director. Bob would help her show the other members of the choir how their parts went. He was amazing and he was very knowledgeable in music.”

Oneco Johnson remembered the little things that Clara Mae did that made a big impact.

“Any time we had a luncheon or bridge, she always wanted to have everything just right, maybe a center piece or something to make it very special.”

“One time when she was a hostess for my birthday she had a shirt with hearts and love on it, and had all the girls sign their name on the back of it,” Oneco held up her hands a little apart and said, “It was about this sized, but I still have it.”

“She was a very gracious person, she was very generous, an excellent bridge player, and I think of her as having alot of strength and faith. She was loving, giving… like The Giving Tree”, said Oneco

It is obvious that the Cheathams had a huge impact, by doing small things all the time.

“I’m sure there are a lot of things they contributed to that no body ever knew about.” said Faye Hicks.

She then went on and recalled one of her favorite memories.

“We had one of our dinner theaters, to raise money for the youth, and we were at the old church on Reading Avenue. Clara Mae and Bob did that song, ‘Do You Remember.’ She was dressed in an old timey dress and a bonnett. Everyone loved it.”

Clara Mae was active in Sunday School and taught the Martha Women’s Class. She was also church Sunday School Secretary around 1979 and was active in two church circles in both day and evening meetings.

Bob attended the Men’s Bible Class and also sang in the church choir contributing a beautiful bass voice. Additionally, Bob was a member of William’s Sanctuary Building Committee in 1966.

You may have never met Clara Mae or Bob Cheatham, but the effect they had on Williams Memorial United Methodist Church is visible every day.

The Cheathams also gave many tangible gifts to the church. A set of festival trumpets for the organ, were given in honor of Bob who passed away in 1983. A keyboard was also given to be used in the Chapel.

As a final gift Clara Mae gave $500,000 to Williams Memorial United Methodist Church. Part of this donation has already been used for some of our building upgrades to enhance the church property.

The Trustees and Finance Committee are working hard to determine how the remaining money can be best used to honor the life and legacy of Clara Mae and Bob Cheatham.

Here are a few ways that you can show our guests Radical Hospitality on Sunday Mornings in the Xperience Service.

1. Fill in blank seats

It is much easier for a guest to find a seat on one end of the row or another, rather than climb over you for a seat. Sit together with those around you and leave the empty seats at the end for our guests.

2. Switch Sides

Typically the first place to fill up is the side of Wesley Hall closest to the doors. This makes sense because it is the first set of seats you come to. Consider switching sides, and sit on the front of the window side. This will leave the back and door side open for guests arriving late, looking for seats.

3. Park Away

There are no designated guest parking spaces in the back parking lot. If you can walk a little further, consider not taking the closest parking space. This will leave those spaces for our guests, and those who may have more difficulty getting around.

4. Welcome to Williams

Do not be afraid to welcome someone to our church. It does not matter if they are a member, a visitor or if you are not sure. Shake a hand, smile and simply say, “Welcome to Williams, I’m glad you are here!”

5. Become a Greeter/Usher

Of course we want everyone to be friendly and greet those around you. We are always looking for special individuals who will stand at the doors, pass out our Williams Weekly News, and welcome people to the service. These ushers and greeters are often the first people that our guests will see, and we need you.

If you would be interested in being an usher or greeter, talk to one of our ushers or email rgmmusic@gmail.com.

These are some ways you can show Radical Hospitality, there are many more. Join us this month as we express our Radical Hospitality.