The Magnolia Benevolent Association of Freestone County (Burial Club) is presenting its 2010 Memorial program Saturday, August 7, at 7:00 p.m.

The program will be held at Pleasant Hill MBC in the Simsboro Community, six miles north of Teague and two miles east of Simsboro, where Rev. Harry Thompson is pastor.

Speaker for the occasion is Rev. Paul Lawson of Mesquite, and Jason Forge will direct the musical featuring choirs, soloists, and a variety of talent from the surrounding communities.

Community members are invited to attend and consider membership in the association.

This association had its beginning in the early 1900s in the Simsboro community when African Americans faced financial difficulties when burying a family member and were not able to pay the cost of a funeral.

Original name of the organization was Magnolia Burial Club. When it received its official charter in December 1939 it was chartered as the Magnolia Benevolent Association of Freestone County.

Refreshments will be served following the program. Earnest Busby is president, and Yvonne Sloan is program chairperson.