What brought you to Wilshire and when?
I grew up in East Texas. After attending the University of Texas and finishing law school, I moved to Dallas. My first visit to Wilshire resulted from the efforts of R. G. Bagwell, a classmate at First Baptist Church, Kilgore, and his roommate, Max Post. I joined Wilshire in June 1966. Bruce McIver was pastor. I am still here after 60 years along with “my new best 60-year friend,” Max.
What was the building like back then?
We worshipped in what is now the chapel — but backwards from today! The entrance was on the street side, and the pulpit stood on the east end of the room. I still have to stop and regain my bearings each time I enter McIver Chapel.
Why have you stayed so long?
Technically, I took a 23-year “detour.” After meeting Carolyn in 1968, I followed her to Lovers Lane United Methodist Church for their single adults class and “Adams and Eves” class for young marrieds. Wilshire called us back in 1991, and it has felt like home ever since. Wilshire is a little like Texas barbecue; once it gets in your system, you keep coming back for more.
What ministries or staff members have impacted your life?
George Mason has had the greatest transformative impact. His spiritual and physical guardianship was never more evident than during our problem trip to Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Timothy Peoples also made a lasting impression beginning with his time here as a resident. We loved Jeff Brummel’s Branson retreat for seniors, Mark Wingfield’s Adventurers trips, Laurie Taylor’s grief group after Carolyn’s passing and serving with Friday Friends. One of my greatest joys is singing with Sarah Stafford’s New Song choir, proof that even after decades at Wilshire, there are still new songs to sing, don’tcha know?
What things are different, and what has stayed the same?
When Carolyn and I married in 1972, married couples attended separate Sunday School classes. After a general assembly of a song and a prayer, men and women went to their respective classes for Bible study. Carolyn and I preferred coed classes as we enjoyed in Compass Class. Another meaningful difference involved Carolyn’s Methodist background. Wilshire welcomed her without requiring re-baptism, which meant a great deal to both of us. What has remained the same is the spirit of grace, friendship and thoughtful faith that first drew me here in 1966. That spirit is alive and well today. Exhale.