Seventy years ago my father organized a group of families to form a new church in Lancaster. These folks had been former members of Mennonite Brethren in Christ Churches in Harrisburg, Lebanon and Mt. Carmel and they were then all living in the Lancaster area.
The new church held its first service in a tent at the corner of Broad and Orange Streets in Lancaster on July 22, 1950. There were 31 charter members and, at the age of 9, I was one of them. This was the beginning of a very exciting era that has lasted for seven decades.
The new congregation met for its regular services in Malta Temple in Lancaster. This was a memorable experience for many reasons, including the fact that the building also housed a bowling alley. It was a common experience to hear the noise of bowling balls and pins during our services.
But on November 1, 1951, the congregation was able to begin meeting in the basement of its newly constructed building at the corner of Prospect and Hager Streets. I have many good memories of members of the congregation working together there to complete their new building by doing such jobs as plumbing, carpentry and painting. Shortly after that we were able to move upstairs to use the new sanctuary.
In 1958 I started and led the first church choir. A neighbor played the old piano for us since none of our regulars was a pianist. In 1968 we finally bought a good piano and an organ was added in 1969. After our marriage, my wife joined the church and became the church pianist/organist, a position she has held and shared for about 57 years.
Over 70 years the original church building underwent three major additions and renovations. Then while a new building was being built at a new location, we underwent two temporary moves until moving into its present location on Donerville Road on June 15, 2003. Since then the new Stables Youth Center, a portable classroom and the Hoarce A. Kauffman softball field have been added to the property.
The church has provided many opportunities for service over these decades. We've had numerous opportunities to teach Sunday School classes and Bible studies. In fact my wife led the first women's Bible study there in 1972. We have been honored to have provided special music and have sung in church choirs for much of these 70 years. I served as Sunday School superintendent for a number of years, elder for 30 years, and church financial secretary for 16 years. We have also directed the church prayer chains for over 50 years. But the most exciting ministry was serving as founder and commander of our Awana ministry for 38 years. These were special highlights of our 70 years.
It is hard to understand where 70 years have come and gone. But, unfortunately it now appears that this part of our life may be passing. Nobody anticipated the Covid19 pandemic. But our family doctors have told us in no uncertain terms that we may no longer attend church. It would be too dangerous with all the physical problems that we have. We are not to let anyone push us into attending again until there is a reliable vaccine available.
Now will there ever be a reliable vaccine in our lifetimes? It is hard to even think about this, but our days of attending, fellowshipping and ministering in church may have come to a sudden end. And that is very hard for us to understand and adjust to. However, as one ages, it becomes a little easier to adjust when you are no longer needed or missed. But it is hard to realize that you are forgotten and no longer part of what has been a vital part of your life for decades.
But God has not left us alone. He will continue to be with us in whatever days we still have here on earth, no matter if we worship Him in church or alone here at home. And He has given us 70 special years with great memories.
1 comment:
We did receive a call from an assistant pastor today. That was very nice and apreciated.
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