|
Reflection - 50 Years
by Doris Ray
It was the extraordinary
vision of South Louisville Christian’s minister, Brother
Olin W. Hay, that sparked his dream of encircling Louisville with
Christian churches. Shively Christian was “planted”
first, and Okolona was “born” on November 27, 1955.
Seventy-nine people, most a nucleus from SLCC, met in Southern
High’s auditorium with Joe Sutherland as minister. Thirty-six
attended Sunday School that day.
Mothers with young children, like Libby Montgomery, had real concerns
leaving the clean nursery at SLCC, to bring babies and youngsters
into the dirty stage and gym of the school. At times it was necessary
to put two babies in one crib, so the women’s priority,
in a new building, was a nursery. The Keith’s toddler was
so active that Louise had to keep him outside while J.C. and son
went inside. J.C., a new deacon at South Louisville, was enthusiastic
about what “had to be done”.
Early on, the Webers, with four children, comprised about 1/10th
of the congregation. Leroy Omer waited at the door for their arrival
each Sunday to determine the size of that day’s crowd.
In August of ‘56, Joe Sutherland married Sue and brought
his bride out to join the group. She became the first choir director.
No one ever complained about carrying equipment back and forth
each week and everyone opened up their homes for Wednesday night
dinners and Bible Studies. This fellowship provided a warm sense
of family for Joe’s bride. Earl and Amanda Duncan opened
up their barn for the youth group.
For years, Libby Montgomery received the “Youngest Mother”
award on Mother’s Day and Gladys Weber was honored for “Most
Children Present”.
In 1959, after OCC moved to Manslick Road, Vacation Bible School,
in dire need of teachers, found Sue putting 3 week old Laurie
in a basket in Joe’s office so she could teach. Desiring
to enjoy the “vacation” of VBS teaching and working
with preschoolers, Gladys left home when her ride, Irene Spradlin,
arrived. Irene chose to scrap her plans of teaching when hearing
of Gladys’ need for transportation.
Remarkably, the close knit group was eager, willing and “standing-in-line”,
volunteering to do whatever work the Lord willed. They will always
think of one another as family.
List
of Other Looking Back Articles |
