First Christian Church, Flora, Indiana

This was submitted by Dick Curts.

In 1951, Russell Hensley was called to be Pastor. His wife, Charlotte, became choir director. During the short time she directed, she selected George Baum, Galen Shope, Devere Hoffman and Dick Curts as the quartet for the choir. George sang bass like no other could, Galen sang melody, Devere sang baritone, and Dick sang first tenor.

The quartet traveled several places in Indiana. They sang for conventions, funerals and other occasions. One noted occasion was the time they sang for the Christian Church in Indiana’s annual convention held in the Indiana Hotel at Fort Wayne, Indiana. JoAnn Smith, church pianist and organist, accompanied the quartet during its existence of over 15 years. The quartet was disbanded when Galen Shope passed away, and a replacement could not be located. The wives of the quartet members usually traveled with the quartet.

After the church fire in 1954, Dick and Mildred Curts were selected by Clayton Ayres, Chairman of the Trustees, to be custodians, replacing Harry Sibray. They served the church in this capacity for over 15 years, and then Tom and Terry Helvie took over the position.

Dick Curts served as Chairman of the Evangelism Committee when committees were formed in 1953.

While Russell Hensley was pastor, a softball team was formed to play in the Flora church softball league. They were top winners each year, and won the tournaments at the end of the softball year.