What brought you to Wilshire and when?
After completing a stint in the Army and graduate school at Ole Miss in 1972, we moved to Dallas in August that year. I had taken a job teaching math at Eastfield College. We began trying to find a church to attend. Mike Moorhead’s office was next to mine, and we started a friendship that continues today. He and Shaeron invited us to Wilshire, and here we are.
What ministries or staff members have impacted your life?
Bruce McIver was the pastor when we joined. Over the years there have been many ministries that made an impact. Our Sunday School class, Compass Class, started in 1973 under different names, one of which was Alternate Young Adult. We hardly fit that name now, but the class is still alive and well. The music at Wilshire has remained an important part of our lives here. Bill James was a wonderful example for all of us, not only with his musical talents but as a person of quality as well. George Mason has certainly shaped Wilshire into a church committed to doing the work of Christ in our time. Now Timothy leads us into the future with his unique gifts and talents. There are so many staff members to thank for the many ways they lovingly guide us. In our later years the Adventurers group has provided opportunities for enrichment and travel. As George once said, “Wilshire means something to people.”
What are some favorite memories?
Fellowship Hall (now Community Hall) was a place we had meals on Wednesday nights. Our two boys would play on the stage at the back of the space while we ate and visited. I remember also a Sunday morning in worship when one of the large chandeliers dropped a bit. There was fear it would fall, so we left the Sanctuary. People and groups who came included Grady Nutt, Cynthia Clawson, the CenturyMen and Ken Medema. All these were things that made Wilshire such a unique place to belong.
Why have you stayed so long?
Our car knows the way here and refuses to go to any other church. Wilshire is home, a place where we worship, learn, minister and play. The people are a part of our family. I can’t imagine our lives without them. It has been a glorious five decades in this special church. Amen.