As we take time to honor Father’s this weekend, one family is launching a new initiative they hope will leave a musical legacy at FBC Eupora for years to come.

Nancy McMullen Covington of Atlanta, Ga. and Ann McMullen Morrison, along with their children and grandchildren, are honoring their father, James William (J.W.) McMullen, with a special donation — a Quantum Q 350 Organ with a 50 stop three-manual console featuring seven distinctive stop lists. The organ is under construction at the manufacturer and will be delivered in time for the 125th Anniversary Celebration set for Sept. 20. The current organ will be used for practice in the new choir room. The new choir room is one of the areas currently under construction at FBC Eupora.

While the new organ will operate without pipes, the new initiative to raise $85,000 for a new pipe system is underway. The new pipe system will complement the updated organ, creating a musical experience not found locally.

   Ann Morrison said her parents have always loved First Baptist Church of Eupora, and over the years, the children and grandchildren would joke about them having “reserved seats.” The McMullens always sat on the same pew and became close friends with those sitting around them.

“But everyone in the church was a member of their ‘church family’,” Morrison said.

Bonnie McMullen passed away in June 2014, at the age of 84.

“These close friends (at FBC Eupora) supported my dad and comforted him,” Morrison said. “He still struggles. He and mom were married for 68 years.”

Morrison said this year has been a time for the renewal of friendships, reflection and grief.

“I am reminded of how blessed I was with two parents of faith who worshiped at First Baptist Church of Eupora,” Morrison said. “To be able to come back after the death of my mother and stay with my father as he adjusts has been a gift. My time with him here in Eupora has been special. The kindness, comfort and love in our time of grief has been overwhelming.”

The gift of the new organ is given in memory of Bonnie McMullen and in honor of J.W. McMullen.

“It is given with love and gratitude to the members of First Baptist Church of Eupora with our sincere hope it blesses this congregation and the people of Webster County in worship for generations to come,” Morrison said. “They will be in the chords, in the songs and the hearts of those who worship here.”

As part of the fundraising initiative, church members are encouraged give a special Father’s Day (or other special occasion throughout the summer) gift to go toward the purchase of the pipes. Donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated. Send donations to the PIPE FUND at FBC Eupora, P.O. Box 268, Eupora, MS 39744

See this story in the June 17, 2015 edition of The Webster Progress Times at http://websterprogresstimes.com/2015/06/17/family-honors-father-with-gift-to-church/