What brought you to Wilshire and when?
Shaeron and I came to Wilshire in November 1972 at the invitation of Bob Lemons, a former Wilshire member and a friend from Second Baptist in Lubbock. We were directors of the College and Career class at Richardson Heights Baptist Church, but we didn’t feel at home there. We visited Wilshire one Sunday evening and before the service was completed we knew we would join the next Sunday morning. We felt Wilshire was home.
Who was pastor when you joined?
Bruce McIver was pastor then, but he was on leave due to some medical issues. His associate, Nathan Stone, was in the pulpit when we joined, and immediately we bonded with Nathan. We liked Nathan personally, and his messages rang true to us. We also loved the music ministry of Bill James.
What was the building like when you joined?
The building had less space for children then, there was no third floor, and the church offices were much smaller. Also the parking lots were much smaller, the James Gallery did not exist and Community Hall, then called Fellowship Hall, was much smaller.
What ministries or staff members have impacted your life?
I have been most influenced and appreciative of George Mason; we didn’t always agree theologically, but we agreed to disagree. I have been blessed in many ways by Jeff Brummel, whose musical talents and outgoing personality and sense of humor have delighted me immensely.
Why have you stayed so long?
We have stayed for over 50 years because during much of that time our Sunday School class, Compass, was both home and family to us. The ability to plan our own curriculum is a major benefit of Compass, and the continued influx of new members reaffirms decisions we made over 50 years ago.