The anniversary committee has graciously consented for me to use the last Highlights article to reflect on my life as a member of the church and to share some special memories. I joined Rocky River when I married Blake in 1947. I already knew most of the folks here and felt right at home.

My first memories center around being in Mrs. Duncan's Sunday School class. She was an excellent Bible teacher but she also led us to be involved in all the activities of the church. We had monthly meetings in the homes of members which included a devotional, class business, fellowship, and fun. Every Christmas we went caroling and usually ended with refreshments at our house. When the class started raising money to build a fellowship house this led to using the money for needed improvements and additions to the church building, which included the present fellowship hall. Our class spearheaded the total building program. Rev. Claude Johnson was pastor of Rocky River at that time and I still remember his old-fashioned gospel preaching.

As our children came along we took them to Sunday School and worship services, and eventually we filled an entire pew! All of them became Christians and were baptized at Rocky River.

Other special memories include:

• Mr. Rufus Brewer offering encouragement with anything that I endeavored to do at the church.
• Mr. Heber Buckner's beautiful reading of the scriptures.
• Mr. Calvin Davis's prayers; it was evident that he knew the One he was talking to!
• Mr. Paul Bare's quiet presence; he didn't have much to say but when he did speak we'd do well to listen!
• Robert and Vera Edwards, always willing workers, wonderful friends, and a marvelous sense of humor.
• Rev. Alden Hicks; pastor, preacher, friend, who enjoyed my biscuits and gravy!
• Rev. James Hester, who showed me the true meaning of dedication and commitment.
• Being a member of the WMU and experiencing the “joy of missions” through the years.
• Working in Vacation Bible School whether as teacher, director, or serving cookies, always an experience like no other.
• Helping Blake with the deacon family ministry when he served as a deacon.
• Working with a wonderful group of youth on Sunday evenings in the early 70's.
• Ed Clapp and Earl Dorsett, always dependable, always faithful, always “there”.
• Delette and Eleanor lovingly teaching my children.
• Having the opportunity and privilege of teaching in Sunday School, especially the Diane Hicks class and the Adult I class, where lasting friendships were made.
• Music that has enriched my worship experiences - the choirs, quartets, solos, congregational singing, piano and organ music, and special programs. One precious memory is of the men's quartet composes of Paul, Ed, Herbert and J. Warren. I can still hear Herbert's wonderful tenor voice singing “I'll have a new body” and the others joining in with “Praise the Lord, I'll have a new life!” Now all of them have inherited “a new home in glory where the redeemed of God shall stand”!

In this short article, I cannot possibly name all the folks and experiences that mean so much to me. I appreciate the heritage of the church and the fellowship of God's people. May you also have many precious memories!