Chocowinity church, academy have much to celebrate

Published 8:34 pm Monday, October 6, 2014

KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER | DAILY NEWS AWARD WINNING: Tanner Carawan, 4, of Washington shows off a trophy awarded to his dad, Trent Carawan, during Saturday's Road Warriors automobile show, hosted by Haw Branch Church of Christ and Unity Christian Academy. The elder Carawan's 1968 Camaro was a top 50 choice in the show.

KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER | DAILY NEWS
AWARD WINNING: Tanner Carawan, 4, of Washington shows off a trophy awarded to his dad, Trent Carawan, during Saturday’s Road Warriors automobile show, hosted by Haw Branch Church of Christ and Unity Christian Academy. The elder Carawan’s 1968 Camaro was a top 50 choice in the show.

CHOCOWINITY — Haw Branch Church of Christ and Unity Christian Academy have much to celebrate, with festivities that began Saturday and continue through Wednesday evening.

Saturday’s family fun day kicked off the celebration with a Road Warrior 5K race, car show and games, according to Jason Kirkman, preacher at HBCC.

“The Lord couldn’t have blessed us with better weather,” Kirkman said. “I just want to thank the parents of the kids who attend Unity Christian Academy, and the volunteers as well. People are stepping up and doing what part they can to show and share the light of Jesus.”

More than 500 chicken plates were prepared and sold Saturday, with proceeds benefiting the school and church. A highlight of the day was the automobile show, which showcased several decades of cars and trucks.

“I also want to thank Jeff Hardy and the church’s evangelism team for their time and effort in planning the car show,” Kirkman added.

Although the celebration has been held for several years at the church, this was only the second time the event included a car show. Various awards were presented, including a trophy to members of the Coastal Carolina Ford Club for club participation and a Warriors’ Choice prize presented to Richie Alligood. Alligood also won the trophy for best car, while the best truck award went to Frank McLawhorn.

A complete list of car show awards will be posted at

www.hawbranchchurch.com and www.ucawarriors.com.

Saturday’s events set the tone for several days of festivities, which continued Sunday with worship services marking the church’s homecoming celebration. A dinner was held and Haw Branch’s new family life center was officially dedicated. Special music was provided by the Carlson Trio.

“The growth of the church and school made the family life center a necessity,” Kirkman said. “We’ll hold special events there, including athletic events. We look in the future to host youth rec basketball and volleyball leagues here.”

Haw Branch’s celebration continues through Wednesday evening with a series of revival services that began Monday, according to Kirkman. Guest evangelist is Nick Vipperman. Revival services begin at 7 p.m. nightly.