Sunday, March 12, was a special worship for the congregants at Fountain City Presbyterian as they welcomed back a long-time pillar of their congregation and founding director of their choir to direct it once again.
Dr. Bill Phifer returned to the chancel to direct the choir in Amazing Grace and brought the congregation to a standing ovation at the conclusion in a tribute to his 42 years of prior service which ended in 1969.
Dr. J.W. Phifer from the 1965 Halls High School annual – his first year as principal there.
His sense of humor, never ceasing, rose to the occasion as he took the microphone to recall a time in the early ’50s when several of inches of snow fell in Fountain City.
He said there were no protocols for inclement weather at the time, so he borrowed a sled from his children and sled the hills from his home nearby to ensure the music was provided to the congregation that made it in to the service.
His quip to those of us present, “I hope you have things in place today for such weather!” Dr. Phifer was presented with a plaque of remembrance from the church as the choir room was dedicated to him when he retired. Dr. Phifer also presented the current director of music, Bob Eubanks, with some of his own past music pieces as a remembrance.
It was an indeed a special morning.
Coffee and a Book to Relax
My friend, Erin, sent me a picture of a newly opened business in Fountain City, Fable Hollow Coffee and Bookshoppe, located at 2910 Tazewell Pike. Erin and friends highly recommend this as a new meeting spot for their book club, which regularly meets the last Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. They invite others to join them. If interested, contact Erin at erinnorman7@gmail.com.
Feeling Creative?
The Fountain City Art Center provides a variety of classes for students of all ages. Beginning Saturday, March 25- April 1 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., participants will be able to create their own pendant using clay. Artists will learn how to prep, shape and layer pendants as well as glaze pieces with different techniques. Supplies are provided and there is no experience necessary. Cost $50/$65 Email fcacinfo@gmail.com to register.
NOTES
The Kiwanis Club of Northside Knoxville will hold its annual Pancake Day Saturday, March 25, from 7:30 a.m. until noon at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 544 N. Broadway. Tickets are $5 (12 and under free) and will be available at the door. Proceeds go to support the club’s community service activities.
Savage Garden: Bill Dohm and Patty Cooper open their Savage Garden at 3237 Garden Drive in Fountain City to visitors on Friday- Sunday, March 17-19 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. except Sunday hours are 12-4 p.m. After many years of extensive restoration, including rebuilding stone walls and borders, constructing faithful copies of the original arbors and gates, and planting thousands of trees, shrubs, and perennials, Savage Garden is once again the kind of magical place envisioned by Arthur Savage.
The Artists’ Garage Sale will happen through March 29 on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. where the patrons of the Fountain City Art Center can share their love and creativity by sharing their extra art supplies through a simple donation. Come to the Art Center at 213 Hotel Avenue and prepare to find your treasure!
The Lantern at Morning Pointe is hosting a Dementia support group for caregivers on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. This is for families of those caring for someone with dementia to share concerns, experiences or simply gain a better understanding of what is happening with their loved one. Please RSVP three days prior to meeting at 865-343-0089.
Fountain City Presbyterian Church provides Caregiver support group on the third Monday of every month from noon-1:30 p.m. with a light lunch provided. This is for families of those caring for someone with dementia to share concerns, experiences or simply gain a better understanding of what is happening with their loved one. For information, contact susanespiritu86@gmail.com
Send notices to Susan@KnoxTNToday.com/ No charge.