March 1998

Memorandum:

In the time period of the late 195O’s, it was deemed advisable for the First United Methodist Church, Lexington, to supplement the furniture in the parsonage in order to complete appropriate furnishings for the minister assigned to serve the church. Pieces needed were for the dining room to meet the needs of the family and their guests.

After due consideration, it was determined that cherry items made available by a member of the congregation through Standard Furniture Company via Ratliff Furniture Company, Winchester,; were the best selection. As of March 5, 1998, it was not known exactly the number of pieces in the original purchase; however there remains a drop -leaf dining table (with an extra panel and custom-made protective pads), five side chairs (recently reupholstered), and a sideboard. The source of these pieces can be identified by a Ratliff Furniture Company sticker affixed to the back of the sideboard.

The furniture in question was purchased by the church for the parsonage dining room, but when the building was no longer used as a parsonage, the pieces were either left in place, moved to the second floor or stored in Room 111 on the first floor of the church. In the fall of 1996, the seven cherry items were moved to the Ladies Parlor to ensure their unity where it would receive better care under the supervision of the Parlor Committee -- a service group of local United Methodist Women.

At the request of the First United Methodist Church Decorating Committee, the drop-leaf table and protective pads were moved to the library on the first floor. The sideboard and five chairs remain the Ladies Parlor.

The concern of the Parlor Committee is that these seven pieces of cherry furniture remain intact, the property of First United Methodist Church , and that it receive proper care.