Bethany Memories

Posted on April 11, 2008 by Matt Todd

There are several characteristics about our church that remind me of some of my earliest church memories. If memory serves correctly, the demographics are probably similar. It was a smaller church and you knew that the people really loved each other.

I remember the church pot lucks were a pretty big deal. I can remember going downstairs to the basement and being greeted by wave upon wave of phenomenal smells. I also remember the basement floor having a shuffleboard triangle painted on it (I’d assume there were two). I never knew how to play.

I remember Brother Taylor (the preacher) greeting us as we left the church service. He always had a stick of Big Redfor us kiddies. I don’t really remember any sermon he preached (hey – I was pretty little), but I do remember that gum. In fact, every time I chew Big Red today, I think of him. Kinda makes me wonder if I should be passing out Big Red to the kids at our church after the service.

Throughout my life, there have been several old hymns that always make me think of our time at Bethany. I can close my eyes and picture myself in the Sanctuary of that building, surrounded by the members that I can remember. Conveniently, many of them were extended members of my family. And I can see my Great-Uncle Donald standing at the front of the congregation, leading us in the songs. I was young enough that I didn’t really know them, but I definitely remember the melodies. Songs like Victory in Jesus, He Keeps Me Singing, and others take me back to that different time and place.

This past Sunday, we sang one of those songs. And although I was up on the stage at Cowan, I still had images of the Bethany congregation flashing through my mind. And I could hear Uncle Donald singing the loudest of all of us. It was surreal. Like I said, some of the hymns make me think of Bethany every time I hear or sing them. This time was different. I couldn’t get the image and music out of my head.

I already had Uncle Donald and my extended family on my mind when I received word that he had passed away this past Sunday evening. He was laid to rest today. Although it was impossible for me to get down to Evansville for the services today, I’m still sad that I couldn’t be there.

Well done, Uncle Donald. I hope you’re singing those same hymns with the same gusto as you’re standing face to face with Jesus.

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Matt Todd

Howdy. I'm Matt. My wife, Christy, and I have four kids and two dogs, I'm passionate about orphan care. I'm a die-hard fan of the Evansville Aces, the Indiana Hoosiers, and Star Wars. I'm trying to live life by the Todd family motto: "It behooves us to live!"