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This photo is a real gem.
Here is the Bluffton Methodist Episcopal choir. Fortunately someone took the time to write the names of the members, so today, although most of the names are unfamiliar to us, we, at least know who they are. Beyond that there are several other things in the photo worth pointing out.
First the members: Standing from left, Oren (Soapy), Florence Bogart, (woman unidentified), Alice Lambert Lugibill and Effa Grindell.
Back row from left, Rev. W. Culp, David E. Bogart, Arnold Bessire, Lou Grindell, Elfa Augsburger Moran, W. J. Statter, Erma Bessire at the organ, and P.O. Eckles.
On the back of the photo are several notes in pencil. The first states "Choir of old M.E. Church." The second is Choppy Main's signature, who identified those in the photo.
The meaning of the "old" M.E. church is this: The old church stood from 1874 to 1915. As membership grew, the building was no longer large enough. The present United Methodist Church stands on the site of the old building, but is much larger. The old building was razed and the new one built and dedicated in 1915. The only item remaining from the old church is the cornerstone, which may be found on the outside of the present building.
The photo reveals several other points of interest. An oil lamp hangs on the wall above the organist. However, what appears to be an electric bulb hangs apparently from the ceiling on the far left corner of the photo. In addition, it appears that another electric bulb is above the woman on the far right standing in the back row. So, the church was in transition from oil to electricity. The organ is a pump organ, requiring no electricity.
The style of the women's hats and the men's collars indicate the photo was taken in closer to 1910.
Photo from the collection of Richard Boehr.
