Storytelling concert to commemorate anniversary of St. Mary in Fulton

Though it technically wasn't built in Fulton, the Church of St. Mary might be the most historic church in Callaway County.

The 11th century British church saw two of London's most devastating events, first burning in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and later being partially destroyed once again by the Blitz. The remaining stones of the church were eventually brought to Fulton in the 1960s, where it was rebuilt in honor of Sir Winston Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech.

Now, 44 years after the dedication ceremony was held in May 1969, the National Churchill Memorial is commemorating the occasion 6 p.m. May 9 at the church with "Walking Alone: Songs of World War II," a concert and storytelling event highlighting patriotic anthems of the period and struggles of the men, women and families affected by the war.

National Churchill Museum Education and Public Programs Coordinator Mandy Plybon said the idea to host the concert here began when lecturer and writer Michael Lasser spoke at the museum last year to promote his book "America's Songs."

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.