Little Old Country Church

I have been very busy for the past few months.

I was asked to be Centennial Chairman

for our little church last year.

On March 27th, 2010, this little church turned 100 years old.

We had our celebration on March 28th,

which is also Palm Sunday.

I am posting about this

for all those who could not make it

to our celebration and for all of you

out there who have attended little old country churches

at one time or another.

I have only been going to this church for about 1 year,

and we are a very small membership church,

only about 15 active members.

We have an historical marker out front,

which tells the history of how it all began.

This is our Prayer Labyrinth,

that we installed last year,

with all volunteers and donated rocks.

This is our Centennial Cake.

Almost 100 people attended the celebration.

That's a lot for this little town.

We had our local Linda's Main St. Cafe

do the catering.

We had King Ranch Casserole

and all the goodies to go with it.

D.S. Larry Howard, Rev. Cindy Layton (my pastor), me, Bishop Jim Dorff

Pastor Cindy asked me to speak

about the history of our church,

 during the service.

I wrote up a little speech which at the end included this poem below.

The church began with people meeting in a one room building,

then this building was built 2 years later with $3,000.00.

It had a different name then,

and has gone through many changes in 100 years.

Now it's Riviera United Methodist Church.

This Little Old Country Church

The Riviera Methodist Episcopal Church, South

was organized on March 27, 1910.

By 1912, open doors, along with open hearts

welcomed the holy spirit in.

For 100 years people have gathered here

in this peaceful little vale.

Calling souls to look to Jesus,

for a hope that cannot fail.

I've learned of all the many changes

a new roof, stained glass windows, droughts and hurricanes

but, I want to tell you what I think most important.

That this house is God's, and the message remains the same.

For almost 100 years, within these walls,

many have bowed their heads to pray.

Many knees have knelt down,

as our hearts find the words we need to say.

Many good people have come and gone,

through the years since 1910

But they are not forgotten

we'll walk with them again.

In this quiet little town it is now the year of our Lord 2010

Midst the fields of bluebonnets and also the palms you see

Stands this little house of God...this little old country church

and all the seats are free.

Now every time you hear a mockingbird

singing from its perch

just remember...THAT is your invitation

to come worship in this little old country church.

written by Yvonne Quarles

Now I have been asked to put my poem in our local museum,

along with photos of the Centennial Celebration.

I am just thrilled about that,

almost as much as being asked to be the Centennial Chairman.

I enjoyed it very much.

Thanks to all who helped make this a very special day for everyone!

Savor the Day!

Yvonne