This is the First Baptist Church in Herlong, CA. It is a congregation of black worshippers. It is an "integrated" church where all are invited to worship. When we were living in Herlong it was almost all black congregants. In a small town, population 1,000, one becomes friends with everyone. The Christian population was certainly familiar and friendly with one another.
One day I was asked by the pastor of this church to speak in their morning worship service. I never had so much fun in church. The choir was right up my alley - real down home gospel music. The best thing to me is it seems the Holy Spirit missed the "No Overtime Without Authorization" memo. You know the memo that says church has to stop at Noon on the button because the Holy Spirit has gone home? Not this church, it's morning worship was about 3 or 4 hours in length. I got to speak for a hour and then we took a break and went back inside and I got to speak again. That was one of the few times I actually finished a complete message.
It was a real joy to stumble across this photo on Google Images.
6 comments:
Another wonderful read Gregg.
Take care,
Yvonne,
That's a great picture:)
Another great blast from the past, Gregg.
How wonderful...everyone being there to worship instead of watch the clock!
Love this picture of the church in Herlong. I'd have to agree with you - sometimes we "schedule" worship, and we fail to let it be spontaneous. God is a Person, not chairman of a committee - and sometimes His meetings just can't be fit into an agenda!!
GOD BLESS!
(Any news about another preaching opportunity for you?)
What a great memory you shared with us. I truly enjoyed reading your blast from the past :-)
Our old pastor used to preach at E. V. Hill's church (Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles) and Mr. Hill would preach at our church every once and a while. What a treat that was :-)
See what you did? You caused me to share a blast from the past :-)
BTW, if you don't know who E. V. Hill was... Google him and find out.
Post a Comment