The Friends Christian Club recently spent the weekend in Richmond with club members Alice and Fletcher Brown. Leaving Suffolk Saturday, May 14, they arrived at Virginia Union University where they were greeted by the Fifth Street Baptist Church’s Women’s Department and invited to a Women’s luncheon.

The Rev. Braunda Ridley, of Trinity Baptist Church in Chicago, Ill., was the keynote speaker. Club members reported that the food was delicious. Several games were played and Sister Mamie Ross was given flowers for being the oldest representative of the group.

That evening, the Rev. Laverne Flythe conducted the May meeting, with three new members joining the club. They were Justyna McBurney, Rosa Lee Bivins and Thelma Glover. The Browns hosted the meeting, serving fresh strawberries, ham sandwiches and refreshing cold drinks. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Dinner was served at the Olive Garden Restaurant, and after which, everyone returned to the hotel for a good night’s rest.

Sunday morning, everyone gathered for a continental breakfast in the hotel. After breakfast, pictures were taken in the lobby before heading to the Fifth Street Baptist Church for morning service. Upon arrival, Pastor F. Todd Gray and First Lady Diane Gray greeted the club. There was also a warm and friendly welcome from the congregation. The Rev. Dwylene Butler of First African Baptist Church in Richmond was the speaker for the morning. During the service, the Rev. Flythe made a presentation to Pastor and First Lady Gray and the congregation on behalf of the club.

Members who attended included Rosa Bovines, Alice and Fletcher Brown, Princess Coker, Lorraine Davis, Angela Flythe, Laverne Flythe, Thelma L. Glover, Juanita Johnson, Tyna and Bill Courtney, Sheila McLain, Mamie Ross, Gloria Sears, Ann Stallings and Bertha Wigfall.

The Friends Christian Club would like to extend a special thanks to the Browns, the wonderful members of the Fifth Street Baptist Church, and all family members for making this event a tremendous success.

-Submitted by the Friends Christian Club