Dedicated to the Ones We Love

One of the glories of First Presbyterian Church's sanctuary in downtown Memphis is its array of windows. Bright in color and rich in Christian symbolism, they were installed beginning in 1884, when the current sanctuary was erected. Through the years, all the windows, save one, were dedicated in honor or in memory of different church members. On Dec. 17, 2006, that last "one" was dedicated in honor of Dorothy and Dabney Wellford.

Members of the Wellford family — front row, left to right: Evelyn Walker, Mac Walker, Charissa Wellford, Anne Wellford, Robert Wellford. Second row: Jon Walker, Dabney Wellford, Dorothy Wellford, Brandon Wellford. Not Pictured: Nicole, Diana, (twin nieces) Carolyn and Dabney Wellford Jr. (oldest brother)

On that Sunday, the Rev. C.V. "Bo" Scarborough said during morning worship:

"He has been a member of this church longer than any other living soul; perhaps you could even include the non-living in that number. That means she could be a close second. He was just a boy when he came here. They met here, were married here, and all of their children were baptized here.

"On any weekday morning you might find her playing the piano and gently leading the day care children in singing. She has always been a pillar of our Presbyterian Women. Almost every Sunday she is the one who arranges and places flowers about the church for worship.

"When I first came here she had heard that I did not like artificial flowers in the sanctuary. I didn't say it; someone else did. I still remember her telling me that that would not always be possible. But, in her kindness and to the best of my knowledge, there has not been an artificial flower on this table since that day.

"They deliver the bread to our Soup Kitchen on Sundays. To the Soup Kitchen folk he is known as 'The Bread Man.'

"He has served on the Session of the church for as many years as anyone possibly could. He has done so with infinite patience, graciousness and generosity. His wisdom and understanding have been a great gift to this congregation and its pastors.

"They have shared themselves with us to the glory of God.

"Not so long ago a member of the church noticed that only one window in this sanctuary lacked some dedication. It immediately seemed obvious to all that one couple most deserved that recognition.

"Therefore on this 17th day of December 2006, we dedicate this window to the glory of God and in honor of Dorothy and Dabney Wellford."