March 21, 2016 - On Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16, the 140 year old First United Methodist Church of Joaquin will host the first Rio De Sabinas Heritage Days, celebrating the Faith,Fortitude, and Courage of the men and women who pioneered the settlement of the lands along the Sabine River in the perilous times when this was literally a no-man’s land.
The organizing committee of the Rio De Sabinas Heritage Days is seeking local authors, artists, artisans, and storytellers interested in participating in the two-day event. On these days, the Garden, Grounds and Fellowship Hall of the 140 year-old First United Methodist Church of Joaquin, TX, will feature an art exhibit, literary rally, demonstrations and storytelling events. Those interested should contact Rev. Robert Oritgo at (903) 407-3570 or Frances Freeman at (318) 347-9318.
A dramatic feature of the two-day event will be a traditional “Brush Arbor” constructed so that our youth and children can see how their ancestors worshiped in the days when Protestant services were forbidden in Texas and later when settlers from scattered farms gathered to worship together at “camp grounds.”
The William Carroll Crawford Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas are among the heritage and historical groups supporting Heritage Days. Members will be conducting demonstrations with exhibits and activities for children. These include special presentations related to frontier medicine, making and dying cloth, sewing, and quilt making.
Special guest, and keynote lecturer for the event will be the State Historian of Texas, Dr. Bill O’Neal, (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_O%27Neal) author of over 40 books on Texas History. Dr. O’Neal will open the Heritage Days with a lecture on a topic of local interest, the War Between the Moderators and Regulators. The lecture will be based on his book, War in East Texas: Regulators Vs. Moderators.
While the outdoor areas will feature a fair-like set up of exhibits and demonstrations frompast times, the Fellowship Hall of the Church will house an exhibit of local artists and authors. A number of local authors will be present to autograph their books and talk with visitors, while the walls of the hall will feature works by local artists. Sponsors of the event are continuing to seek local artists and authors willing to display their creations.
An exhibit and demonstration of historical musical instruments will be of special interest to many. Performances will take place every hour. On Saturday afternoon a concert of old-time gospel music will be featured on the program. Five groups from will be performing.
On Friday, school children from local schools will be special guests at the Heritage Days.While the public is invited on both days, we look forward to hosting Church Groups and families on Saturday. On Sunday, a special anniversary service will be held in the Sanctuary of the Church, commemorating 140 years of Methodist Christian ministry in Joaquin.
