At Worship

The theme for this week's post is "At Worship", and that makes a lot of sense, since it is the week after Easter! I usually don't write about living people, but thought I'd share a bit of my own story, as it relates to Worship.

Not long after I was born, my parents took me to church and enrolled me in the Cradle Roll of the church where they with my two older brothers were members.

Cradle Roll Certificate, 1953. Personal Collection.

My brothers and me about 1955. Personal Collection. Used with Permission.

The church was called St. Paul Methodist Church and it was located in south Fort Worth on Hammond Street.

Cornerstone of the church. Personal Photo 2006.

My grandparents, Minnie and Aubrey Springer, and my aunt Janella and her family were also members.

Aubrey and Minnie Springer, 1957. Personal Collection.

In 1958, after my grandmother, Agnes Clark, passed away, my grandfather, Elmer Clark moved to Ft. Worth and lived in a garage apartment behind my Springer grandparents.  He also went to church with us at St. Paul.  We attended church and Sunday (Church) School regularly and even brought back bulletins from churches we visited when we were on vacation or at family reunions! So, I was able to earn Sunday School Perfect Attendance pins for several years!

Personal Collection

In 1963, my Springer grandparents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary and, of course, the party was held at the church!  

My grandparents and their children and spouses. Personal Collection.

In 1976, the church celebrated it's 50th Anniversary and my parents were on the planning committee!

Program Cover for 50th Anniversary. Personal Collection.

Growing up in the church, I sang in the choir, was active in Youth group and even got to attend Methodist Men meetings with my dad.  Of course, there were several weddings and funerals of family members at this church through the years. 

1967 Wedding of Raymond Clark and Gayle Ware Springer at St Paul.
Used with Permission. Personal Collection.

When I was a junior in high school, I thought that I wanted to be a doctor, so I volunteered during the summer at a local hospital to get a feel for the field of medicine.  The next summer, I worked (paid this time) at that same hospital and continued to work there on weekends during my first year of college.  Working every weekend, I soon realized how much I missed being able to be active in my church.  So, the next year, when college started, I took a job as a choir director and youth director in a Methodist church on the east side of Fort Worth.  I also changed my major in college from pre-med to music.  

For the next 35 years, I worked in churches, United Methodist and Disciples of Christ, part time or full time, as a soloist, choir director, children's choir director, youth director, Associate Pastor, handbell choir director, worship planner, and Minister of Music.  I also was active at the Conference level in worship planning, including coordinating the Central Texas Conference Choir and Conference Deaf Ministry. 

Myself 2006. Private Collection.

So, being "at worship" has been a huge part of my life!

'Til Next Time!

#52Ancestors