Farewell to an Old Country Church

I may have been only five or so, but I still remember the big jar of pennies in the vestibule, and the guest register that my grandparents would let me "sign" when I came to church with them. On those Sundays, grandma Bettie stocked her pocketbook with different things to look at, which were always left a surprise until we were quietly seated. I would open it to find pens and pencils, tiny toys and games, or notepads to draw on, and, oh yes, a little baggie of cereal or some other treat!

We sat in the same place always, 4th pew back on the left of the sanctuary. I assume that's where the Clapp family sat for generations (see photo!) That's not the case these days; my family sits wherever we can find three spots, since the 10:30 service is often "standing room only." Which is the reason for the new church being constructed down the street. What a fantastic need for a church to have....the need for more space...growing room!

Kevin and I were awed on the first Sunday that PCC held Sunday school, as dozens of kids.....almost 100, filed past us to head off to classes (which we soon found out had overflowed to the parsonage next door for lack of classroom space!) We turned around, pleasantly surprised to see that, indeed, there were still plenty of adults left in the sanctuary to hear Pastor Wendell's sermon.

And so, it is the people that are the church not the building. Nonetheless, it will be hard for me to say goodbye to this place. The quintessential church; this building is rich with history, personal and public. Two congregations joined in the aftermath of a tragic fire, trials and triumphs in the pulpit, steeped with traditions like chicken barbeques and the (hello, 27th!) annual chicken and biscuit dinner being held here next month. And, my family is among countless that have celebrated weddings and anniversaries here, as well as mourned our loved ones.

It strengthens my faith to see this congregation hard at work together, toward a massive goal of building a new (also massive) church, and realizing the fruits of their labor. I am full of joy that God has showered them with His love and grace. That being said, I feel a deep, deep, humilty in my heart when I worship in this old church building, a place where my ancestors and their fellow Christians also prayed and praised God. Thanks to those believers, PCC has had a special place to grow. They planted seeds that most would not see harvested, seeds that are blooming in our congregation today.

When we left our first home, community, and church to move here this summer, Kevin, Paige, and I couldn’t have asked for an easier transition. What a blessing it's been to witness the energy and love for the Lord that flows from the newest members of our family in Christ. In addition though, there is an undercurrent of faith and commitment that seems to be infused in the woodwork, in the pews, in the very walls of this church. I close my eyes and I can feel it.

Soon enough, it will be time to say goodbye. And when we move with our new friends into a new place of worship, I’ll close my eyes in anticipation that God will again grant me that humility, that deep feeling that floods my heart at PCC today. And, I will always try to honor our heritage, taking a cue from my predecessors, planting seeds of faith that I hope will grow there for the children of our children…and their children too.