Dr. Carl Marsall (L) and Dr. Leon Hays Bush History came alive in Colquitt on Sunday! In 2007, First Baptist Church purchased the former residence of Annie Belle (Harrell) and Roy Bush, which had not been lived in for about 15 years. During the last three years, the home was renovated and named Sowing Seeds of Hope Retreat Center.

Dr. Leon Hays Bush, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bush, came for the dedication and open house. He spoke during Sunday worship services and was available during the open house to answer any questions guests may have had.

Gloria and Gerald Jenkins led the dedicatory service by explaining how the temple was dedicated by Solomon. Shofars were blown by the Jenkins’ grandchildren, and food was offered for the enjoyment of each guest. These two things, trumpets and food, symbolize the dedication of this property to God and the consummation of the covenant between man and God. Dr. Carl Marshall, pastor of First Baptist Church, gave comments as to how this property will combine with future building projects of the church. Prayers were offered up; then the home was opened to guests.

Dr. Lyn Hays and Mrs. Gloria Jenkins help dedicate the new center. Guests sipped wassail as they walked through the log home admiring the workmanship of the Harrell family in 1932. Logs for this home were cut from the Bush farm in the Griggs community of western Miller County. John Henry “Dad” Harrell, father of Annie Belle, put mortar and small stones in between the logs. John Carpenter, stone mason, built the large fireplace out of stone that came from heating larger stones until they burst. You can see evidence of sea shells in these small stones. “Dad” also built the doors of the home. Ma Harrell, mother of Annie Belle, lived upstairs on occasion.

This property now has a modern kitchen with old pine cabinets, a Bible study room, a parlor for meetings, living room, dining room, and a wrap-around porch. Upstairs houses a library and prayer room. As a retreat center, it will be used for pastoral conferences, marriage seminars, and regional associational meetings. It will also function as a space for small weddings and receptions, wedding showers, baby showers, luncheons, and, of course, Bible Study.

This project was directed by Jo Bush, Charles Bush, Frances Bodrey, Charles Bodrey, Gloria Jenkins, Gerald Jenkins, and Kay Fleet.