What brought you to Wilshire and when?
I was a member of First Baptist Church in Dallas, but when a date invited me to the Sunday evening service at Wilshire in May 1957, I felt at home and joined that very night. I joined again in 1973 when I returned to Dallas after living in Oklahoma and California.
Who was pastor when you joined?
Ralph Langley.
What was the building like?
There was only the one building, which today is the chapel. It was turned the opposite way from how it is today. A small building adjoined the chapel where fellowships, etc. were held as well as choir rehearsals.
What ministries or staff members have impacted your life?
Bruce McIver and Bob Feather. From 1958 to 1966, I was secretary to Bob Feather, Wilshire’s minister of education. I took a significant pay cut, but I felt Wilshire was the right workplace for me. I started working at Wilshire just prior to the calling of Bruce McIver as pastor. Since I was already on staff when Bruce was called, I always kidded him that I had seniority!
What’s one thing you’d like newer folks to know about Wilshire’s history?
Because we were small in number, it was possible to know everyone. I remember the fundraising campaigns for educational space and the Sanctuary. My wedding in 1966 was the first to be performed in Wilshire’s new Sanctuary.
What’s something from the early days that might surprise newer members?
There were no women deacons and none in places of responsibility except for the Women’s Missionary Union. In fact, in our early church directories, women’s given names were not listed. The entry would read: Mr. and Mrs. Jack Johnson or Mr. and Mrs. Paul Henderson.
What has stayed the same?
The fellowship and care for each other.
Why have you stayed so long?
I have stayed because it’s my second family. My biological family is very small, and I treasure friendships at Wilshire.