An Island trip down memory lane
And fantasies begin to dance
With sights and sounds that inter-play
That bid you come and longer stay.
Gills Rock is just the starting point
As Richter's Ferry rides Death's Door
The Captain gives us his advice:
“We're getting close to Paradise!”
Like video clips that history frames
Where Indians, traders often met
One hundred fifty years now past
And still their stories seem to last.
The Rev. Chitwood saw the need
To build a church for sailing crews
Just by the shores of School House Beach
The message of the Cross was preached.
The list of clergy through the years
Who told of Jesus love and grace
Still blesses both the weak and strong
By placing in their heart's a song.
My wife and family walked these shores
A call to serve at Bethel Church
Became the place that we called home.
With lots of space in which to roam.
I still remember Cliff's old truck
Each morning chugging passed the church
To Jackson Harbor's fishing port
With different kinds of fish to sort.
A half a century now has past
And still sweet memories fill our hearts
Two daughters born at Hagland's place
Must grant to us some status space!
As Bethel grew, two building plans
With added sanctuary space
Made possible a gym for youth
For fun and sharing Bible truth.
The messy mimeograph is gone
With modern printers now in place
What often took Arbutus days
Computers with a click replace.
I hear the bell begin to ring
And Jack with his guitar is late
But Gladys at the organ plays
Though often there were short delays.
The message preached has never changed
Though different methods clarify
The risen Christ of Calvary
Alone through faith can justify.
So now its time to take my leave
A thousand memories still remain
But I can tell you loud and clear
If you look close, you'll find a tear.
B. Pent
