A Day to Treasure Always
There are times in our lives that are forever etched in our brain.
For example, I remember when our son, Justin, played football in the Houston Astrodome. The La Grange Leopard’s football team beat the Giddings Buffalos football team in a highly anticipated game. I remember when our son, married his sweetheart, Brenda. The weather was perfect, the ceremony and reception were beautiful and the newly married couple looked so happy. I can also remember when our first grandchild was born. She was so tiny and so beautiful. Then, our second grandchild, a boy, came along and we were thrilled. These special days are not only extremely special but memorable in every way. I recently lived one day that I will never forget.
The day was absolutely perfect. Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda celebrated their one hundred fiftieth anniversary. I walked into the church and was greeted by smiling ushers and elders and was then handed a beautiful program of the services. I immediately noticed that the church was full.
I could feel the excitement in the air. Everyone was smiling and greeting one another. The morning service was so meaningful with lovely scripture verses and beautiful music.
The three pastors, Rev. Duane Bamsch, Rev. Dennis Tegtmeier, and Rev. Dustin Beck conducted the service with such enthusiasm, the organist, Mrs. Carol Schramm played such lovely music.
The service was over at 10 a.m., but we didn’t get ushered out until 10:30 a.m. Each pew was ushered out individually and everyone shook hands or hugged the pastors who were greeting one another. We joked that it took so long to usher everyone out, we might as well stay in the pew until the 3 p.m. service, but no one complained. It was a celebration, an exciting time for the people of the church.
A short program was held after the first service consisting of greetings from Fayette County Judge Dan Mueller, who read a proclamation in recognition of Holy Cross’ 150 years of ministry; greetings from former pastors; greetings from civic and church leaders; and reflections on the joyful occasion of this event.
After that, lunch was served, a meal of fried steak, mashed potatoes and green beans.
And oh my, there were many desserts to choose from. So many people were in attendance that the gym was set up with additional tables for people to have lunch. It was amazing to see the work that had gone into preparations to accommodate a large crowd. It was great to see people I haven’t seen in quite a while. Numerous hugs were given, and many pictures were taken.
Next, it was time for the afternoon service. It began with guest organist, Dr. Jason Hobratschk, beautifully playing the organ and directing a small brass ensemble. At both services, we sang a hymn that was written for the occasion by Rev. Timothy Appel, “How Lovely is God’s Dwelling Place.” The guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Mark Ziegler, speaker for the Lutheran Hour, delivered an eloquent sermon.
It was a very moving and uplifting service.
After the final hymn, the entire congregation was asked to gather outside for a picture similar to one taken more than a hundred years ago. While everyone gathered together, we visited and laughed as the cameraman climbed the ladder and snapped a photo that, God willing, folks will see in another hundred years with the same nostalgic joy that we have for our forebearers.
And then…it was all over. Pastor Beck, the current pastor at Holy Cross, remarked, “I just didn’t want the day to end.” I know how he felt. A day to remember forever.
Written by Linda Lehmann and Pastor Dustin Beck.