Historic Church Building Lives On. Nestled among a cluster of Oak and Walnut trees just a few blocks from the beach sits a 118 year old church building, currently the home of the Carpinteria Valley Baptist Church. This classic Victorian structure is on California’s list of historical landmarks. The building was built in 1888 in Santa Barbara as a second location for the Grace Methodist Church. I’m told it cost just $2,000 to construct. When Grace decided to consolidate back into one location in Santa Barbara in about 1890, a new group of Methodists meeting in Carpinteria, were offered the building for $600. All they had to do was move it 12 miles along a one lane dirt road. God helped this band of dedicated Christians to do what seemed almost impossible-disassemble the rock foundation and structure into sections, load it onto specially made wide wagons which were pulled in tandem by a team of 20 horses, then reassemble the church down to the last shingle. The church was reopened in 1893. Remarkable woodwork, masonry and leaded glass craftsmanship immediately caught my eye when I went to examine the main church, which was sold to a group of Southern Baptists in 1971. They have done a great job of keeping up the beautiful building. I was particularly impressed with the fact that the finely sawed and rejoined seams from over 110 years ago can hardly be detected, even upon close examination. Current Pastor Stephen Button leads the Southern Baptist congregation, which has added a classroom building and other improvements. The church brings back memories of our youth, when an organ played the “Doxology” and we sang good old hymns like “Lily of the Valley’ and “Sweet By and By”. Many of you seniors know what I mean and are probably dreaming along with me. God’s people continue to take care of God’s buildings. Seeing this old church has helped me to visualize how we can work together to keep our old church in good working order. Each member can do his part as God leads.

BEHIND THE SCENES I stood at the top of the stairway as water poured into the baptistery pool in preparation for a Sunday baptism. As I waited for the water level to rise so the heater could start, it was a time to reflect on God’s work and God’s people. I could hear volunteer workers installing window coverings in the adjacent classroom. Musicians were practicing music for Sunday, and I could hear a vacuum running over the sanctuary carpets. Outside a gardener’s mower was heard trimming the lawns around God’s house. Another team of volunteers was adding drywall and paint to the Spanish Pastor’s new office, while others were trimming trees in the parking lot. Elsewhere, our Pastor was busy poring over his sermon notes. God’s house would be ready for the congregation Sunday morning. When you stand in the wings of a great old edifice like our church, you can’t help but be overwhelmed. God’s presence rings from the bubbling baptismal waters, reverberates from the exposed rear cones of massive sound system speakers, reflects off the back of the giant screen hanging over the podium, and emits from the scent of new mown grass. It does a body good to sometimes go behind the scenes of God’s sanctuary to see what goes on in preparation for Sunday. To witness so many of God’s people giving of their time, talents and money to make it possible for God to touch and change lives is awesome. Makes me proud to be part of it. Oops, I’ve let the baptistery get too full. Gotta go. God is so good. See you Sunday,

 Wheels of Life... At Grandpa Dick’s house we have an old grandfather clock that stopped ticking. I like to tinker with things, but a smarter adult in our household insisted we call a professional repairman. As he took off the back to check it out, I was amazed at how many springs and interlocking wheels are involved in an antique clock movement. This made me think of different wheels that have spun the chapters of my life. Baby Carriage Wheels: Back in the late 30’s strollers had not yet replaced carriages. I have old pictures of mother pushing me and my sisters around in these big wheeled buggies. They were cumbersome, but quite comfy, complete with a nice sun shade bonnet to protect us from the Texas summer sun. Mother prayed over us every time we went out. Tricycle and Wagon Wheels: As I grew older, I can remember mother walking to my Aunt’s house down a dusty back road, pulling our old wagon carrying two of my sisters, with me tailing along behind on my tricycle. I can remember singing little church songs we had learned at Sunday school. Bicycle Wheels: My main transportation to and from school, was my older sister’s hand-me-down bicycle. I’ll never forget the time I didn’t see a parked car and hit it head on, ruining the front wheel, and getting a good noggin goose egg for my troubles. God was watching over me real good that day. Automobile wheels: Ah yes, my first car was a beautiful black 46 ford. I remember getting my Dad to cosign so I could buy it and making the $25.00 monthly payments. This was my main transportation for my first years at college. Later, Bev and I had other cars as we began to raise a family. We were young, inexperienced new parents, asking God to guide us along the way. Motor Home Wheels: You guessed it. Of course we had to have the latest RV. Ours was a fireball mini on a Dodge chassis. Many vacation memories resulted from our RV days. These were precious times with our girls that we talk about all the time. God protected us on each and every trip. Wheel Chair Wheels: These wheels that seemed so far in the future came to use recently. Leaving the hospital after back surgery the nurse insisted that I ride one. Oh my goodness, the humiliation. Am I really getting that old? Right then I vowed not to join the wheelchair brigade just yet. It was bad enough that they wouldn’t let me drive for six weeks. Now, with God’s help and miraculous healing power, I am up to speed using my own wheels and back doing my part again at the church. Yes, I know wheel chair wheels are in my future, and maybe it won’t be so bad. I met a wheelchair bound guy that is a top engineer in his field. He calls it “his little inconvenience.” Wheels have made our lives easier, all along the way. I thank God for providing the wheels needed to navigate the interesting highways and byways of life. Keep your wheels spinning. Grandpa Dick