Objects Of Remembrance
PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND
October 2, 2024
OBJECTS OF REMEMBRANCE
Sunday, September 25th, the church Diane and I attend, First United Methodist, celebrated their 175th anniversary. Bishop Michael J. Coyner, Bishop of the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, was the guest preacher. Following the worship service there was a luncheon and program at Christo’s Banquet Center.
The opening hymn for the service, “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” brought back memories of a professor, Dr. Schubert Ogden, I had at Perkins School of Theology at Dallas, Texas. I found Ogden to be somewhat of a contradiction. He was a Process theologian with a very pietistic personal faith. “Love Divine” was one of his favorite hymns. He would sing it with great gusto and passion. His understanding of Jesus was to be found in the fourth line of the first verse where He is described as “pure, unbounded love.”
The closing hymn, “The Hymn of Promise,” also had a Perkins connection for me. It was written by Natalie Sleeth who is best known for her children’s music. She was the wife of one of the preaching professors, Dr. Ronald Sleeth, at Perkins. The first time the hymn was ever used in public was for the funeral of Dr. Sleeth.
In more than forty years of ministry I have moved from place to place a number of objects which remind me of other specific persons. One is a reclining, red figure. I out bid the parish secretary, Laurabell Robinson, for it at a silent auction which was held at the McCoysburg United Methodist Church in Jasper County. It had been donated by Dean Jordan. Dean provided at least half of the church’s income, but never took advantage of his position. When a place was needed for a summer worker to stay, he opened his home. He was a humble man who was a powerful witness to the Christian faith.
On my desk I have a plastic model of a hog named Jasper. It is an actual representation of a hog which won the International Livestock Exposition in Chicago, putting his owner, Jack Rodebaugh, on the map. Jack was a big time hog breeder and judge. People came from around the world to buy his stock. Jack and his wife Emily raised a wonderful family who all did well in their own right. Jack helped me to see the global dynamics of Indiana commerce and industry.
Several times a month I will use an old, well-worn, wooden level that belonged to my father. His father was a master carpenter. The talent was passed on to my father. I was always amazed how he could take simple tools and create something wonderful. My attempts using the same tools always looked so amateurish.
The level has a second connection with my father. On the level is a name plate which says “Stevens, Newton Falls, Ohio.” Stevens was one of my father’s customers to whom he sold notions. Many a Saturday I would go with him when he made his deliveries to those to whom he had sold the previous week.
In addition to objects for which I have a connection with specific persons, I also have some that bring to mind certain places, certain events, or certain occasions.
In concluding this article I would like to make an adaption of the following verse from the Book of Hebrews: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witness, … let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” (Heb. 12:1a, c) Therefore, since I am surrounded by so many objects of remembrance, I am encouraged to run with perseverance the race that is set before me.
What are your objects of remembrance that encourage you to run your race?
(This article was originally published October 2, 2011. Comments may be sent to davidh15503@embarqmail.com.)