MID-SOUTH MEMORIES: DEC. 17

25 years ago — 1998

Dr. Tom Wilson, who stepped down as pastor of First United Methodist Church 31⁄2 years ago, is retiring again, this time as executive director of the church's Final Net homeless ministry. At the end of the year, Wilson will close out more than 40 years as a full-time minister, including 21 years at what he affectionately calls "First Church," the 105-year-old Gothic structure at Poplar and Second.

50 years ago — 1973

A star-spangled salute to American patriotism and Christmas spirit will

get underway tonight at Memphis Memorial Stadium after a day of pre-liberty Bowl activities. The main event, lest it be eclipsed by the crush of dignitaries and accompanying festivities in the spotlight today, is the football game between North Carolina State and Kansas which is scheduled to start at 8:05 p.m. 75 years ago — 1948

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis' supply of gas for heating, cooking and industrial purposes was threatened Thursday night by a strike of 364 production workers of the Laclede Gas Light Co. A company official said available gas might be exhausted

before morning. Police were assigned to guard three strike-bound plants.

100 years ago — 1923

Returning after a triumphant serenade of all America last Monday evening, Professor Gasper Pappalardo and members of his Hotel Gayoso Orchestra will try to break their record with a popular programme in WMC'S studio at 8:30 o'clock tonight. Lawrence Lewis of Wichita, Kan., will contribute four baritone solos, "Road to Mandalay," "Lily of My Heart," "Love and Joy" and "Blow, Blow Thy Winter Wind."

THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL FILES Dec. 17, 1963: More than 150 people jammed into the mayor's office to see Elvis Presley hand out Christmas checks totaling $55,000. The checks helped 58 Memphis and Mid-south charities. In appreciation, the organizations presented Elvis with a six-foot plaque. It was warm in the room and when Commissioner Claude Armour announced Elvis was going to pass out the checks, the singer wiped his brow and said, “Elvis is going to pass out, period.”