MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 years ago — 1998

KEARNEY, Neb. – In the first case to challenge United Methodist policy on same-sex marriage, a pastor was found innocent Friday of disobeying church rules for performing a lesbian unity ceremony. Had he been found guilty by the jury of fellow ministers, Rev. Jimmy Creech could have lost his position as senior pastor of Omaha's largest United Methodist Church and have been stripped of his ministerial credentials. 50 years ago — 1973

The Rev. Norman Vincent Peale, New York minister and inspirational book author, spoke recently at the White House, with mixed response. In the audience was Representative Barbara Jordan (Dtexas). She said that Peale's message with citations for Ralph Waldo Emerson was "fine" — but that she was reminded of "all the people in the country who cannot simply think positively . . . they could think good thoughts and positive thoughts for years and their basic human condition would not change. They need help."

75 years ago — 1948

City Commissioner Boyle yesterday announced the hiring of 17 new police officers. They are the first of some 20 officers the commissioner announced would be added to the Memphis Police Department — eight of them to be assigned to the Traffic Division.

100 years ago — 1923

WASHINGTON – "Millions of motor car owners throughout America will demand action of the next Congress to break the monopolistic control by the Standard Oil Company over the industry and prevent gasoline from going to $1 a gallon." This is Senator Lafollette's answer to criticism by Standard Oil officers of the report filed by him in the Senate recently. Senator Lafollette quoted one of the Standard Oil officials to show that the first suggestion made to the Senate committee that gasoline might soar to the $1 price was by J.E. O'neill, president of the Prairie Oil and Gas Company, a Standard subsidiary.

125 years ago — 1898

ST. LOUIS – From a fire, the origin of which is unknown, the well-known Mississippi River excursion steamer Grand Republic burned to the water's edge today at the mouth of the river Des Peres, near South St. Louis. Nothing was saved and Capt. W.H. Thorwegen, his wife and two children and the watchman had a narrow and thrilling escape from death. The loss amounts to $50,000.

THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL FILES March 14, 1951: The Marcus Dow Safety Trophy for 1950 was awarded to Dixie Greyhound Lines, and drivers and officials were excited about a third win and permanent possession of the big trophy. Holding the award for 1946 is Harold L. Seelig, left, while J.E. Ballard, right, holds the 1950 plaque. Officials around the trophy are William F. Grant, second from left, of Chicago, safety director for the Greyhound Corp; Earl W. Smith, center, president of Dixie Greyhound; and Joseph A. Dalstrom, second from right, safety director for Dixie Greyhound.