MSSA Opens 142nd Program Season June 9
The Monteagle Sunday School Assembly in Monteagle opens its 142nd consecutive summer season of enrichment with an interdenominational worship service at 11 a.m. in the Assembly’s Warren Chapel. The eight-week season will continue through Sunday, Aug. 4, featuring numerous visiting lecturers who will present morning and evening programs that are open free of charge to the public; unless otherwise noted, morning lectures begin at 10:45 a.m. and evening lectures at 7:45 pm. Anyone interested in a full schedule of the Monteagle Assembly’s 2024 program is welcome to pick one up at the Assembly Office (tel. 931-924-2286), or to peruse the schedule on the Assembly’s website at <www.mssa1882.org>.
Beloved performer Joe Wiegand will bring the 26th president of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt, to the Auditorium Thursday evening for “A Night with Teddy Roosevelt.” Wiegand is no stranger to the Assembly, having performed in several previous seasons. As a member of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, Wiegand currently works for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, where he regularly performs as part of the organization’s musical production. Among his many accolades, Wiegand has been named a Wilkins Scholar, a Harry S. Truman Scholar, and a Thomas J. Watson Fellow. Performing as Teddy Roosevelt has taken him to all 50 states and abroad, including performances at the White House. Wiegand is a Sewanee alum (C’87).
Costume and textile historian Newbold “Newbie” Richardson will present two programs this week. On Tuesday morning, Richardson will share her lecture titled, “The History of Women’s Education (1750-1850): As Seen Through Needlework Samplers.” Then on Wednesday afternoon, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Richardson will discuss Quilts in the Decorative Arts in Warren Chapel, to which attendees are invited to bring their favorite quilt or sampler to share and discuss after the lecture. Richardson has been in private practice as a textile conservator and museum consultant for more than 40 years. She also works as an appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers, where she specializes in clothing, textiles, and related materials.
Local farmer Matthew Sparacio of Cove Creek Farms will lead this week’s Plateau Talk and Walk on Wednesday. In his morning lecture, Sparacio will share how Cove Creek Farms engages in sustainable farming practices, such as rotating animals around the pastures to ensure they have fresh forage. Those who wish to tour Cove Creek Farms can register with the MSSA Office (max of 24 participants; no fee to join) and meet at 1 p.m. in front of the Auditorium.
Additional events the first week of the Monteagle Assembly’s 2024 season include the following:
Monday, June 10, 6 p.m., Chapel Porch — Dinner on the Chapel Grounds, followed by Twilight Prayers and music by the W. Crimm Singers performing “Black Hymondy.” Bring a side dish to share and get to know others at the Assembly.
Tuesday, June 11, 2:30 p.m., Pulliam Center — Adult Make-and-Take Workshop: Yarn Wall Art, taught by Virginia Curry. Advance registration required; $5 fee.
Thursday, June 13, 10:45 a.m., Warren Chapel — Gail Pitt lectures on “Finding the God in All Things.”
Thursday, June 13, 2 p.m., Pulliam Center — Deborah Denson offers “The Power of Putting Pen to Paper: An introduction to journaling” workshop. Advance registration required; no fee.
Friday, June 14, 10:45 am, Warren Chapel — Tina Adams lectures on “What is Quiet Luxury 2.0?”
Friday, June 14, 2:30 p.m., Writers’ Grove — Mary Liza Hartong reads from her book, “Love and Hot Chicken”; book signing will follow reading, with hot chicken slider tasting.