Submitted photo Dr. Rodney L Taylor will speak at the 14th Annual Putnam County Thanksgiving Luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Wellingtons of Scarlet Oaks in Poca.

By BILL ELLIS
The Herald-Dispatch
November 14, 2008

The time-honored tradition of giving thanks for a bountiful harvest was started under the inspiration of Gov. William Bradford, the leader of the Pilgrims and governor of the Plymouth Colony. It continues all across America and certainly in our own Putnam County. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in this land 387 years ago in 1621.

The Putnam County Thanksgiving Luncheon had its start on Nov. 21, 1995, and will be celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Wellingtons in Poca at the site of the Scarlett Oaks Golf Club. It will be a buffet luncheon with lots of delicious food for this special occasion.

It is always a countywide time for coming together of all the citizens of this area. Anyone from Putnam and adjacent counties will be royally welcomed. It is necessary to make reservations with the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce by calling 304-757-6510. Tickets may be paid for at the door. The cost is just $13 for a superb meal with all the Thanksgiving expectations.

The dinner meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. and continue to 1 p.m. The slow eaters as well as the big eaters will try to arrive a little early so they have plenty of time.

The Rev. Dr. Rodney L. Taylor, senior pastor of the Scott Depot Christ Fellowship, will be the guest speaker. He is also the founder of the Teays Valley Christian School, which is celebrating its 30th year with the largest enrollment in the school's history with more than 330 students. Dr. Taylor, who received his doctorate from West Virginia University, is widely recognized for his leadership in education and as one of the outstanding preachers in West Virginia.

Mandy Mobley Bohm, a nationally known music leader and vocalist, will be the soloist for this service. The two songs she has chosen to sing, "Holy, Holy, Holy" and "You'll Never Walk Alone" are well known for the beauty of both their words and music. Mandy is the minister of music and worship at the Teays Valley Church of God.

Other Putnam County leaders from the business, professional, political and educational community will also be active participants in this event. This service was started in Putnam County by the Rotary Club and was immediately joined by the Lions clubs, Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce and the Putnam County Commission. All clubs, churches, organizations and individuals of the county are invited to bring a friend and enjoy this event. This year will mark the 14th time this annual Thanksgiving Luncheon has convened. Dr. J. Thomas Bickerton, pastor of Forrest Burdette United Methodist Church, Hurricane, was the speaker for the first meeting of this kind in our area.

One of the joys of Thanksgiving is coming together as community and friends to recount our blessings of living in this county. Steve Andes, president of the Putnam County Commission, will lead us as we remember the traditional blessing titled, "For This We Give Thanks."

Leaders this year want it known that everybody in Putnam County is invited to attend. It is necessary, however, to make reservations and pay at the door.

Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist who can be reached at P.O. Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560; phone 304-757-6089.