Virginia Talbot Markle Fund

By: Denise W. Moore

The Virginia Talbot Markle Fund was established by Melanie Talbot and her husband Tom Booker, in loving memory of Melanie’s daughter. Virginia was an active member of IPC and enjoyed many activities including Sunday School, Wednesday night Logos and Choristers. She looked forward to Bibletimes Marketplace every year and was scheduled to attend on the day that she passed away from a fatal brain aneurysm at the age of eleven. She is remembered as a kind girl who had a concern for those who were suffering or left out. As a result of this concern, the family established this fund to honor her memory and to help people in need by providing financial support to the IPC Foundation Emergency Fund.

On a personal note, I remember June 28, 2004, like it was yesterday because it’s the day that Virginia grew her wings. Anyone who knew Virginia would describe her as an angel, but that didn’t lessen the shock and despair when God called her home. That morning started just like any other morning and Virginia was excited to be going to Bibletimes Marketplace. However, as Virginia was putting on her shoes, the aneurysm ruptured and she was taken from us immediately.

Many of us will always remember Virginia as an 11 year old who truly was angelic in every way, but she was also full of life, kind, sweet, and loved everyone – especially her mother. Upon reflection, Melanie knows that God was preparing her for Virginia’s departure as the week before, they had spent a lot of one-on-one time together doing special things like going to the movies and playing tennis.

Today, Virginia’s legacy lives on. Her fund will help provide emergency relief ranging from those hurting from natural disasters to those simply needing a helping hand to survive.

The Troop 28 Fund

A Century of Scouting at IPC

In 2023, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Scout Troop 28 at IPC, the oldest Troop in the Vulcan district of the Greater Alabama Council. Over these decades, the Troop has contributed to Birmingham’s rich history and aided in the development of countless leaders, including many who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Monday meetings are hosted in our new Scout Hut located on the IPC campus. Made possible with the support of the IPC Foundation, the new hut was purchased in 2022. During these weekly meetings Scouts work on advancement, have fun, and help plan the monthly Troop Outings. Depending on the time of the year, monthly outings range from hikes, including places like the Smokies, canoe, rafting and cycle trips, and camping, to mention a few. Over the years, the Troop has gone as far as Normandy, France, and to both Scout High Adventure bases (Sea Base and the Philmont Ranch) as well as to the summer camp in the northwestern parts of the United States.

Beyond everything else, a unique component of Troop 28 is that our scouts come from several schools across our communities allowing Scouts to meet new friends. Simply put, beyond having fun and learning outdoor skills, the goal of being a Scout and Troop 28 is to develop character as boys transition to young adults. It’s a growing experience.

At IPC, Troop 28 is in a unique position to serve Scouts and their parent or parents from several zip codes. I’ve been involved in our troop since the early ‘90s and can speak to the impact of this program when it comes to building confidence, learning life skills, making friends whose backgrounds might be different than our own, and creating memories to last a lifetime. Troop 28 is actively seeking participants, both Scouts and parent leaders (including Scouter training), and hope you’ll consider joining us on the trail.

~ Merrill Stewart, IPC Member and Former Troop 28 Member

Found At Io N

Board of Directors

Beth Adams

Tom Adams

Win Baird

Margaret Brunstad, Vice President

Susan Dulin

John Johnson

Patricia Harper

Bud Keller, President

Kevin Long, IPC Pastor

Head of Staff

Denise Moore, Executive Director

John Norris, Treasurer

Melissa Patrick, Reverend

Jean Shanks

Jim Shepherd

Donna Smith, Past President

Sumner Starling

Melanie Talbot

Carrie Walthall

Will Wykle

$68.3