150th Anniversary of Bethany Lutheran Church

Yesterday Mr. Wonderful and I went back to his boyhood church to celebrate the church's 150th Anniversary. The little country church building is over 100 years old and is very quaint and beautiful.

Mr. Wonderful's father was a minister in this church for 20 years. We laughed at 9 year old "skinny boy wonderful" in the church picture taken at the 100th celebration.



We were thrilled to be joined by Mr. Wonderful's brother Jim and wife Marilyn from Richmond.

Mr. Wonderful doesn't reminisce often but he was definitely in his element on Sunday riding through the back woods, and twisting roads of his youth. He pointed out all the landmarks, his elementary school and the homes of every church member as well as going by the former parsonage which had been sold years ago and is sadly in disrepair.
We also went through the church cemetery . Mr. Wonderful's first job was mowing the grass in the cemetery. He likes to say he never got any complaints from the people he worked for at his first job. It was a day of sad reflection as so many members had passed away and were buried there, but also a day of reunions with former friends he had not seen in 30 years or more.

It was a gorgeous day and a full day. We shook hands and kissed enough babies to qualify as a political contender. I heard many a "Mr. Wonderful" story about boy wonderful and every twist and turn of the road produced a new story from my very animated husband.

It was a really good day. Mr. Wonderful said a few words to the congregation on behalf of the family. He remarked that a "life well lived" was the example his parents left to him and to the congregation. His father preached the gospel every Sunday and lived what he preached throughout the week. His parents are still held in high regard even to this day.

I know I've been out of touch for a long time. So the next few days will probably have a lot of catch up posts. Missed you.