Patriotism and creativity will be on display at the Lauderdale County Government Center after the Board of Supervisors on Monday accepted a handmade quilt from the Bethany Church Quilting Club.
Supervisor Kyle Rutledge said the club started in 2011 and has since made hundreds of quilts and other items for special events, organizations and those in need. Among those receiving quilts have been Hope Village for Children, Baptist hospitals, the Boys and Girls Club, Samaritan Purse, Christmas shoe boxes and more.
“They have made hats and shawls, about 2,345, and 268 handmade quilts,” he said.
Cathy Webb, a retired educator and member of the quilting club, said the group gives quilts for a variety of reasons from a baby dedication to someone struggling with illness.
“Anyone we feel needs one, we take a quilt,” she said.
Each quilt comes with its own embroidered label made by another club member, Webb said, and each person contributes their experience and skill into the quilting process. The quilt presented to supervisors is special, she said, as it is made specifically to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
“This is such a special, special Fourth of July coming up, 250 years of our country, and we wanted to make this quilt,” she said.
From dying the center portion of the quilt with tea to intricate patterns known as the “Baptist Fan”, the quilt is a celebration of America’s founding and freedom.