JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Sulphur Springs Global Methodist Church in Powells Crossroads recently became the epicenter for the fourth ever Treasured Quilts of Sequatchie Valley show.
The event showcased a vast collection of handmade and machine-made quilts designed by quilters across generations of families near and far. Ruthie McEntyre, a member of the Powells Crossroads Ruritan Club, explained how the event was held on three other occasions , with this month’s event to go towards funding the ongoing Heritage Center project in Whitwell.
Up to 178 quilts were on display at the event, varying from one another in size and design. Among one of the quilts on display was a quilt that traces back to 1753, where it was hand woven from scratch using cotton. Another quilt on display was made by the Richards family nearly 100 years ago, where at one point it won a quilt contest at both the Marion County and Tennessee State Fairs. All quilts on displayed were divided and marked into two categories: hand done and machine done. Additionally, quilts were also marked whether or not certain ones are available for purchase or only for display, and entire demonstrations dedicated to the art of quilt making were also hosted during the event.
All proceeds that were earned throughout the event will go towards the construction of The Whitwell Education & Heritage Center. The project has been in the works since 2023, with Linda Hooper of the county’s Board of Education working alongside the community to help establish the new facility. The facility will be beside Whitwell Middle School right off of Valley View Highway. According to Hooper, up to $2 million in funds are needed in order for construction to officially begin.
“Right now we’re writing a grant that we think may get us there. And currently, we got about a tenth of that amount,” said Hooper.
Several vendors including Marilyn Quarles of Scentsy, as well as Pauline Jennings of The Other Side of the Mountain and Jaqueline Bush of Needle “N” Cord were all in attendance to sell their wares to visitors of the quilt show. A silent auction was also held, in addition to various food item being available to visitors of the event, all of which further culminated into another successful event pertaining to an ancient form of artwork.
For donations towards the Education & Heritage Center, contact Linda Hooper at whitwelltraveler@gmail.com. Donations can also be mailed by check at P.O. Box 125, Whitwell, TN, 37397.