ONCE UPON AN ISLAND

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