Out of the past 9/25/02

10 years ago: Sept. 25, 1992

Wife of Democratic vice presidential candidate Albert Gore says Clinton-Gore ticket offers Americans fresh approach to problems facing country; Tipper Gore speaks to crowd of 350 people at afternoon rally in Common Pleas Courthouse Park.

More than 20 applications have been received by Cape Girardeau Public Library for director's position, which became open when Terry Risko Resigned in June after 18 months as director; Patricia Stahly, member of Library Board of Trustees, is chairman of screening committee for process of selecting new librarian.

25 years ago: Sept. 25, 1977

First General Baptist Church of Cape Girardeau celebrates its 50th anniversary with the Rev. Dale Porter as guest speaker; organized Jan. 16, 1927, in Common Pleas Courthouse with 15 charter members, church has two original members still in congregation: Mrs. Rhoda Poston and Mrs. Pearl Masters; congregation purchased First Baptist Church building, 200 Broadway, in February 1927, then moved into present edifice at 1812 Cape LaCroix Road in November 1973.

The Rev. Stephen Heap of Brazil speaks in morning and evening services at First Church of the Nazarene; Heap and his wife, Brenda, spent three and one-half years doing missionary work in Brazil.

50 years ago: Sept. 25, 1952

Corps of Engineers is fighting running battle with falling Mississippi River, trying to keep 9-foot-deep channel open for river navigation; river gauge at Cape Girardeau reads 10.4 feet and falling; water level has been dropping almost continuously since Sept. 6.

Advance - Pfc. Earl H. Bess of Advance was wounded in action in Korea Sept. 13, Department of Defense telegram informs his wife; he was serving with 38th Infantry Regiment, Second Division; details of incident aren't available; Bess is on of Mr. and Mrs. Roswell Bess of Advance; his wife is former Jamie Ramsey.

75 years ago: Sept. 25, 1927

The Rev. W.E. Hicks, who has been called to pastorate of Red Star Baptist Church to succeed the Rev. G.A. Crocker, conducts his initial service at church; new pastor comes highly recommended; it will be recalled he assisted Crocker in revival meeting at Red Star several months ago, and he made fine impression at that time.

The Rev. J. Pendleton Scruggs, pastor of First Baptist Church for three years, tenders his resignation to congregation during morning service; resignation is accepted; Scruggs' decision comes unexpectedly; he had submitted his resignation several days ago, but action was held up pending action by Board of Deacons.

- Sharon K. Sanders