Folks, I personally want to thank all the people who travelled so far, and on short notices to attend the Memorial Dedication on August 14th, 1999. Not even to mention the forking over of hard earned dollars to make the memorial, and the beautiful Stone happen. Speaking for the MRR Committee, as we all, (like you) knew each other only through corresponding via email. NONE of us had ever met before, excepting one or two that had met before, but for the most part we too were strangers with a common interest. FAMILY HISTORY. It is amazing such a group came together, had such a super time, and now NONE of us are strangers, but we are all family. However close or distant the connection. For me this was immensely gratifying, and I am still astounded at the wonderful response. I have received many email messages from people who attended, and quite a number who shared our experiences from the pictorial article I have posted. So I thought it might be appropriate to post some of your comments.BACK to the newsletter.
Dear Dave,
It is now 4:30 pm California time, August 25th, and I just received your e-mail and have 28 pages of text and pictures that are absolutely fabulous.
How can we thank you? It was a fantastic reunion in every way. All our sons and cousins (the Orvil Methenys from Williamsburg) raved about the entire affair.
I plan to have copies made and send them to my brother, Dave Metheny, and his sons, Mike and Pat.
You did a most commendable reunion and we are all very grateful.
Lorene
A job well done. It was a good production.
Lorene (Rene) Metheny Knight, a cousin, (our fathers were brothers) gave me "the wake up call" less than a week before THE EVENT. We have talked about doing something on the family tree for years. I have not had it high on my priority list. Your event moved it up several notches.
I would like to be a member of the MRR Group. I will try to make a contribution if I can.
Orvil Metheny
Hi everyone,
Talked to my brother Jim this evening and he has gotten some very nice thank you cards in the mail. I want to say thank you for doing that, those of you that did,,,, he was delighted and so happy that so many came to the cookout. He and Linda thoroughly enjoyed giving it.
Diana in Okla
Dave:
Thanks for the many kind words. It was so great to be a part of an awsome celebration and it was great to meet so many wonderful folks. Jim and I can't wait for the next one!
Linda & Jim
Ralph,
Many thanks for sending us a Photo of the 1739 Chalice used at the Aquia Church, I'm so glad to have a photo of this part of our history , and like you said the number, of our forefathers that would have had Holy Communion from this Chalice. I must say, with all the excitement of the day , it didn't dawn on me at the time that this was the Chalice used in the early 1700's ,Ed did tell me that the church was using the 1700 silver for our service.
Many Thanks
God Bless
Keith
Congratulations are definitely in order for the MRR Committee Members; Diana Jones, Delores Gucciardi Johnson, Keith Matheny, Dave Metheny, Rhonda Metheny, Ed Powell and Farrell Stewart for their thoughtful planning and efficient organization of the first ever Matheny-Metheny-Mathena World-Wide reunion. I'm sure there are others that helped in this success also. Their work is greatly appreciated. A special thank you to James and Linda Wentworth Matheny for graciously inviting the attendees to their home for a wonderful cookout. I am also sure that this success will be the beginning of a new tradition for our families. For me, the reunion was a rewarding experience and I look forward to the next one. The benefits and friendships derived from this reunion will last for many years. Congratulations again to the Committee and many thanks for planning a great family reunion.
Jim Mathena, Orlando, Fl.
Thank you Edwin Earl and Susan, Rhonda, Dave and Rita, Keith and Louise, Dolores, Diana, Jim, Farrell, Rev. Ronald and all others who worked together to plan the Daniel and Sarah Mathena Memorial and Dedication. What a joy and privilege it was to be together as members of a great family--to greet and embrace each other with such warmth and love! Everything showed abounding evidence of much detailed and careful planning. Carol, my daughter and I were wonderfully privileged to be part of the Edwin Earl and Susan Powell family. We were treated like royalty! I am really proud to note that Edwin Earl is my second cousin! We both grew up in Florida. His parents still live on Metheny Road, Wauchula, Florida, where I also grew up!
God's holy presence was indeed among us! Thanks be to God and to the Matheny, Metheny, etc family! It was all very special!
Peace, Love and Joy!
Ralph
Hello MRR Group
I am a new member having joined after coming back from the reunion. I want to thank all of people who put that wonderful weekend togather . Dave Metheny told me that they were interviewed by a local reporter and that copies of the paper would be available for purchase, I would also like to purchase a video. I do not know what Metheny line I am in , I hope I can call upon some MRR members to get me started.
Thanks again for that wonderful weekend.
Mike
Welcome home travelers: Thanks so much for bringing the reunion home to all that could not attend. Your photos are awesome. "The Mathenys", any way you spell it, know how to party. Please count me in for a video, I will wait for cost information.
Hi, Dave.
Thoroughly enjoyed the Metheny Reunion and dedication of the memorial at Stafford. We (the three sons and grandson, plus Mary Metheny Putman) went up to Philadelphia from Stafford to see where my ancestors were, and sat in the pew where Peter and Elizabeth Knight attended, back in the late 1770's. Ancestors arrived Phylidelphia in 1660's.
Regards Bill Knight