Knobs being destroyed

Another historic event for the old residents of the Crayne community is the centuries old local landmark of the entire area is being destroyed in the name of progress.  It may be progress to some, to others it is not, it's just the destruction of something that should be left alone. 

Monday of this week, Dec. 19, 2011 the new US 641 corridor in Crittenden County between Marion and Fredonia was started.  Above is a picture that was made that same day.  The road is to go between the historic twin knobs, taking much of the rocks and boulders with it.  You can see the heavy machinery in the lower part of the picture as it clears away the trees for the other equipment to come through.

Historical Change - United Presbyterian Church

When the Crayne United Presbyterian Church was organized in 1892 it was a Cumberland Presbyterian Church, started from members of the Piney Fork CP Church.  These people lived in the Crayneville area and found it difficult to travel the distance to Piney Fork to attend services.

In 1907 the church denomination changed and became a United Presbyterian Church U.S.A. congregation.  In 1983 the United Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and the Presbyterian Church in the United States reunited to form the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.  The church remained a United Presbyterian Church for 104 years.

This past fall history has once again changed the future of the church.  Article written Nov. 17, 2011 by pastor, Tommy Hodge.  It reads: Crayne Church Changes Name.  Crayne Presbyterian Church USA, a longtime member of the Western Kentucky Presbytery and the National Presbyterian Church, has severed ties to the national church and changed its name.  The church will further be known as Crayne Community Church.  The change stems from a controversial change in policy by the parent organization.

Earlier this year, the nation Presbyterian Church USA voted into effect potential practices that completely contradict the teaching of the Bible, which the Crayne Church holds as their standard of living.  The Presbyterian national assembly last year endorsed removing a rule that banned openly gay men and lesbians to serve as pastors in the church.  

The Crayne Church felt led by God to take a stand against this moral decline and didn't want to be associated with the national assembly that approved this decision.

The church hasn't changed and worshiping the Lord will continue as it has in the years past. The only change will be the changing of the name, which is now the Crayne Community Church.

Crayne Community Church located on the Crayne Cemetery Road.

Dorroh Home Sold

Saturday, October 15, 2011, was an end to an era in our community of Crayne.  The James Robert Dorroh home sold at auction. 

The house, I think ,is the oldest home in the community of Crayne, except for the Cruce house on top of Crayne Hill.

James Robert, in some of his history articles about his beloved community of Crayne, told that the house was over a hundred years old in the year 2000. 

The old house was heavily damaged in the tornado that hit Crayne on Jan. 3, 2000, but he saw to it the damage was repaired and it was fixed to its original beauty. As shown in the picture above.

I hope the new owners will care and respect the old home as James Robert did.

Crayne Moms

This wonderful old picture of these wonderful Crayne Moms was made about June 1940.
 I wish I knew what they had been doing on this day to all be together. 
Pictured sitting down on left is my Mom, Evah Lee Brantley Travis, with my brother Billie Ewell on her lap, he looks to be about 3 months old; next is Thelma Brown Cruce and second son, Donald "Donnie", next is Mildred Highfil, we think she may be holding Doris Binkley;
Standing up in back left is Juanita Brown Cruce with Richard Cruce (who is Thelma's 1st son) and on the right is Velda Ordway with Barbara Cruce, who is Juanita's daughter.

February Snow 2011

To document this wintry February 2011, this is a picture of my home in Crayne, made on Feb. 9, 2011 by an old friend, Gwen, as she was driving through Crayne on her way to Marion.  

Old memories of years gone by, as we spent many an hour playing in the snow, prompted her to make this snowy picture. 

Children's Day - 1895

Crayneville Sunday school met in Ordway Grove Sunday, June 23, and carried out the following programme:
(I wonder where Ordway Grove was located)

• Words of Welcome - B. F. Jacobs.
• Introductory Scripture Lesson - Rev.James F. Price
• Recitation - Lucy Ordway
• Recitation - Florence Tabor
• Music, by Rays of Light.
• Recitation by Myrtle Jacobs.
• Recitation by Maudie Davis
• Recitations and Music by primary Class with Rays of Light singing an echo.  Talk by  Amanda Jacobs.
• Recitation by Lee McCaslin.
• A greeting from our general Supt. of Sunday School work, - H. P. Jacobs.
• Intermission of about two hours which was highly enjoyed by all as they gathered around the bountiful supply of food spread before them.
• After recess the importance of Sunday School work was discussed by J. M. McCaslin, B. F. Jacobs and others.
• Children's Day, its object and aim by J. P. Jacobs, James F. Price , B. F. McMican, J. R. Cole. 
• Importance of primary teaching, P. H. Woods and others.

Crayne Cemetery Fish Fry June 4th 2010

The Crayne Annual Fish Fry was held June 4th, 2010.  We had a very successful afternoon and appreciate everyone that came and supported this annual event.  The proceeds all go towards the upkeep of our Crayne Cemetery.  It's always a pleasure to see old familiar Crayne citizens at this event.  Although many have passed away since the Fish Fry first started in June of 1999.

Some of the familiar faces to this years fish fry, and who do not live here now, but still call Crayne home are:  Helen Cruce and sister Mary Jean Cruce Fear, daughters of George and Christine Cruce. 

The gentleman on the left is Bob Fear, Mary Jean's husband, and Mary Jean is the one on the far right.
Helen is sitting at the end of the table.  I'm not sure who the young lady is beside Mary Jean.

Familiar local and old friends in this picture are:
Left: Harold Cannon and wife Carolyn Gilland Cannon and Carloyn's sister, Elaine Gilland Shinall.

Harold and Carolyn are childhood friends for the old Crayne days.  They are always ready with a big smile for everyone.

Some of the volunteer workers, that if not for them, we couldn't have the fish fry.  Here are some of the as they are getting the food prepared.

From left: Jim Estes, Emmett and Bernice (Sutton) Jennings and Bonnie Gass.

Emmett, Bernice and helper Bonnie Gass, are preparing their delicious hush puppies.  Emmett and Bernice have been regulars at this event since it first started.

This is new board member, Billy Joe Rushing, and the regular fish fryer of the event.

Everyone says it's the best fish ever and there is always plenty to eat.

We hope to continue the annual event in 2011 and hope to see everyone there.