Surprise Party (1907)
The kind members and friends of Salem A.M.E. Church gave to Rev. I. J. Edwards and wife a delightful surprise party last Friday night at 9:15. The party, led by Mr. W. H. Shelby, assembled around the table of the front room, where Mr. Shelby presented the many good things brought by the party to Rev. Edwards, who responded to the delight of all. The pastor concluded by saying that he felt sure that he could not get hungry soon in the midst of such a plenty. A few minutes were spent in social chat. The party was composed of Mr. W. H. Jones, Mrs. Georgia Scott, Mrs. Anna Robs, Mrs. Queeny Jones, Mrs. Lucy Shelby, Mrs. Emma Smith, Mrs. Georgia Newsom, Mrs. Susie Newsom, Miss Mary Hooper, Mrs. Sallie Goodall, Mrs. E. Stratton, Miss Martha Stratton, Master Scott and Miss Anna Bell Goodall. Before leaving Bro. Shelby addressed the throne of grace after which they sweetly sang, “God be with you till we meet again.” Benediction by the pastor, Rev. Edwards.
Source: Nashville Globe. 18 January 1907. Available online at Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers