Out of the past 10/15/08

25 years ago: Oct. 15, 1983

A new full gospel church has opened at the corner of Park and William streets in Cape Girardeau; Lyle Schmidt, pastor of The Potter's House Christian Center, conducts the first worship service there in the morning.

The Cape Girardeau Zone of the Lutheran Laymen's League meets for the 24th annual Fall Rally in the afternoon at Hanover Lutheran Church, with Mark Eischer, League field man, speaking.

50 years ago: Oct. 15, 1958

A gift of 120 acres of scenic Ozark hill land on the Castor River, east of Fredericktown, Mo., to the Missouri Association of Christian Churches is announced by the church's Southeast Missouri Board; the land is a gift from Mrs. Lydia M. Sandmeier, who will continue to live on the farm acreage for the remainder of her life; the site will be used for youth and family camping among church members.

Night trains on the Frisco Railroad through Cape Girardeau will operate for the last time on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 26, it is learned.

75 years ago: Oct. 15, 1933

Old McKendree Chapel, said to be the oldest church house standing west of the Mississippi River, is rededicated during morning services; Bishop W.F. McMurry preaches the sermon after a special service of old-time hymns; a crowd of around 2,500 attends.

With the pastor, the Rev. W.E. Hicks, confined to his bed with a severe cold, T.J. McGinty, superintendent of Southeast Missouri Hospital, fills the pulpit of Red Star Baptist Church in the morning; the evening speaker is Ray Rhyne.

100 years ago: Oct. 15, 1908

Unless it rains soon, some of Cape Girardeau's downtown business streets will be in serious condition; since the sewer people have played havoc with the streets, the sprinkling wagon has been working overtime to keep dust down; but, because it was prevented from making its regular trips for several days, many merchants are refusing to pay for the service.

Meetings are held in the four precincts of Cape Girardeau in the evening, and Taft-Hartley clubs are organized in each; club members will be called upon to look after the details of the Joe Cannon meeting next Wednesday.

-- Sharon K. Sanders