On Sunday, the Scott Memorial United Methodist Church (SMUMC) of Cadiz, dedicated their traditional Sunday morning worship services to honoring two of their most devout, hardworking, and longtime members. The day’s program became a day of celebration and comradery that was enjoyed and welcomed by a healthy crowd of former and current church members. Several family members, former members, and other attendees traveled a great distance to view and participate in the ceremonies.
Centerstage as recipients to the day’s program were Bill and Carole Spiker. The Spiker’s work in the Cadiz ministry spanned several decades and was performed in three different church buildings. They ministered in the Dickerson and Drummond Churches, prior to the move into the newly constructed SMUMC.
The Spikers were married in the school chapel on the day they graduated from college. Bill was later drafted into the Navy, and following his discharge went to law school. His initial law assignment was with the Petty and Mosser Law Firm.
The couple moved to Cadiz in 1960 and were residents on both Jamison Avenue and Oakwood Drive. The couple raised three sons, Ed, Bill, and Doug. Eventually, Mr. Spiker became the owner and president of the R&F Coal Company. The family would move to Oak Park where they spent much of their time in city farm life. The Spikers always balanced the responsibilities of their land with the potential for fun experiences, and always included church groups in their activities.
Mr. Spiker was involved with the Cadiz Volunteer Fire Department and the Lions Club for many years and Mrs. Spiker participated in the Junior Women’s Club and the Civics Club. The couple still enjoys the friendships developed at the Cadiz Country Club, and still enjoy the occasional golf game.
In service to the SMUMC, Mr. Spiker has served as Chairman of Trustees, the Board of the Scott Trust, and provided legal counsel. The most challenging role that Bill has undertaken is that of the Chairperson of the Building Committee. It is hard to imagine how difficult the numerous meetings, travel, and consultations that participated in the building’s structure. Bill’s foresight, along with the committee members input, succeeded in providing a forward-looking movable sanctuary for worship. The building’s accessibility makes it easy for people to come to enjoy community and private functions.
Many kind words were shared over the couple’s dedicated and faithful service. Some of the words shared included: “When you hear the names Bill and Carole Spiker you immediately recall their kind and friendly voices. You can picture smiles, hugs, laughter, honesty, and encouragement. They have been recognized in the community for their active support to numerous organizations and fundraisers.”
Gary and Kathy Barker presented the Spikers with a plaque from the SMUMC. The plaque was completed with photo memories of the Spikers and held an inscription that read in all capital letters: “IN HONOR OF BILL AND CAROLE SPIKER IN RECOGNITION OF AND APPRECIATION FOR THEIR MANY YEARS OF DEDICATION AND DEVOTION TO GOD. FOR THEIR SELFLESS SERVICE, WISE COUNSEL, AND CRUCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE EFFORTS OF DICKERSON CHURCH, DRUMMOND, AND SCOTT MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURSCHES.”
From grateful congregations: past, present, and future.
“Gary and I want to thank all of those who were able to join in the celebration of Bill and Carole’s Recognition Sunday,” said Kathy Barker. “Many families and friends came from near and far to make this day a memorable one. I am very sure that we are all better people just for having the opportunity to say…Yes, I know the Spikers and have had the privilege of worshiping and working alongside of them!”
“When I first thought of what would be appropriate as a gift to give to the Spikers for all that they do, I immediately thought of naming the church after them, but we have already done that,” said program leader Gary Barker light-heartedly. I then turned my thought to naming the city after them, but I’m sure that we would not be able to do that either.
It is such a delight to be able stand here and recognize these wonderful people (Spikers).
They have done so much and have meant so much for so many people. When you think of the work that Bill did with the Cadiz Fire Department, and Carole being involved with many organizations, you wonder how they did it all. I’m just glad that we had them here and all of the many things that helped our church achieve,” Barker added.
A very special and added extra treat for the program was having the group the “New Beginnings” sing two songs. The choir’s appearance has been dubbed as a reunion as most of the original members were in attendance. The group began somewhere around 1974. They have performed in places like Washington D.C. and Orlando, Florida. The group was led by Pastor Dr. James Heidinger from Kentucky. Bill Spiker, Jr. also sang two songs during the program.
Dr. Heidinger provided the morning’s message. The message was centered from Corinthians and was titled “The faithfulness of Our God who is Faithful.” He also took time to speak of the Spikers.
“Bill and Carole helped so much in many ways, it’s hard to just name a few,” Heidinger said. “I know that Bill served on so many committees. When he was a member of a committee, he had to be the chairperson. When I think back to the early days, I think of Matthew Simpson and his involvement with this church’s ministry. One particular time is when he met early before services with the youth. It was the early time that gave birth to our Sunday School classes.
Today’s event is a special recognition to the Methodism out of Cadiz. There is a long list of several other people that I can remember that were also faithful servants. Those are precious memories, and we thank everyone who enriched their lives and other lives here in Cadiz. We pray that on the day of the Lord’s returning that all will be found blameless, on that day of the Lord Jesus Christ!”
Along with its many functions, the SMUMC has filled the role of a food bank, housed the Promiseland Preschool, provided a home for community wellness activities, and a meeting place for many other organizations.
Bill and Carole have worked in the forefront and behind the scenes to support the purpose of this church, which is to bring the word of God. On this, we thank you for your outstanding commitment, devotion, and time given to the church and its membership!
