The Indian Bayou United Methodist Church was once again the venue for the annual Hoffpauir Family Reunion.
The 52nd reunion was held on Labor Day, Sept. 3.
In the absence of the president, Charlie Hoffpauir, due to illness, board member Cheryl Gott served as moderator and gave a cheerful welcome to those who braved the inclement weather to attend, addressing them as “the cream of the crop.”
Jim Spell, IBUMC music director, and his men’s trio, “Until Then,” opened the program by singing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Gott then turned the program over to Gerald Perry, who carried a hand-held microphone to members of the audience to introduce themselves and share interesting stories of their families with the group, which led to a lively story-telling time.
Perry also introduced the men’s trio, Jim Spell of Crowley, Keith Bieber of Mowata and Roy Baker of Gueydan, and expressed the family’s appreciation for their contribution to the occasion.
A brief business meeting followed, with summary handouts made available, and information on DNA explained and placed on the front table of the church.
Gott announced that the Hoffpauir CD has been updated and that copies are free if the recipient agrees to have a DNA test or donates to the DNA fund. Family members are urged to have the DNA test to find others related to the Hoffpauirs and establish more relationships.
Vice-president Elaine Simon next made the traditional presentations to senior members age 90 and over, eldest member, youngest member and member who had traveled farthest. Glen Laurents of Rayne was recognized as being over 90 and also received a door prize for being the eldest. Glenda Laurents was recognized as the youngest and J.R. Putnam had traveled the farthest, hailing from Corpus Christi, Texas. Putnam is also the great-grandson of Mary (Molly) Hoffpauir Spell, who was the daughter of Rev. Abel Hoffpauir, one of the earliest ministers of Indian Bayou United Methodist Church.
At that point, Jim Spell and the men’s trio entertained the group with two inspirational hymns.
Rev. George Maxwell of Indian Bayou United Methodist Church pronounced the benediction to conclude the program.
Following the meeting, lunch and desserts were available in Shirley Henry Hall, with profits dedicated to maintenance of the church.