Out of the past 1/31/04

10 years ago: Jan. 31, 1994

Black History Month was kicked off yesterday at St. James A.M.E. Church with special program; pastors and choirs from host church, New Horizon Baptist Church, Blissett Temple COGIC, Second Baptist Church, Futrell COGIC and House of Prayer sang inspirational songs and delivered sermons.

Federal Express will move this spring into new, 13,500-square-foot facility along Highway 74 in Six-Thirty Industrial Park.

25 years ago: Jan. 31, 1979

With protective waters of Capaha Park lagoon turned to ice, ducks who call lagoon and its small islands home have been left defenseless against neighborhood dogs; three ducks were killed and two more injured yesterday.

Both loaded and unloaded barges are allowed to move upstream and downstream between St. Louis and Cairo, Ill.; tows are still limited to 12 jumbo barges per trip.

50 years ago: Jan. 31, 1954

Trinity Lutheran Church is celebrating its centennial and will have monthly observances on last Sunday of each month, beginning today.

The Rev. J.W. Hertel, pastor of St. John's Evangelical Church north of Jackson, has accepted call to church in northern Illinois; he has been pastor at St. John's for past five years.

75 years ago: Jan. 31, 1929

Fire of mysterious origin destroys vacant frame dwelling at 520 S. Lewis belonging to James Joyce; within two hours of answering call, firefighters are called to two other fires.

Following inspection by federal and state officers, loss to Service Company of National Guard from fire which Tuesday swept Good Hope Street building, in which armory was located, is estimated at $15,000; all of Guard's equipment was lost in fire.

-- Sharon K. Sanders