8
What First Church Means to Me
by Phebe Wallace
When Mack and I were married in 1942, in Stamford CT, the minister asked us to join a church where ever we settled. We were rather lax, but after our first son was born, Gene Bushong asked if we didn’t wish to have our son christened. We agreed. Mack, having lived here in Longmeadow, was already a member of First Church, so I joined also.
We made our first friends through the church, the Adams, Ryders and others. The parish house hadn’t been built, but the church cellar was wide open and we used to have lots of parties down there.
Mack’s grandfather, John Robinson, lived at the end of the green and could remember going to May breakfast by sleigh. In those days, a lady of the church would ‘take a table’ and use her own linens, plates and cutlery.
Both of our daughters were married in First Church. One of them was married in August and the temperature was 102 degrees. Her future father-in-law wanted to air condition the church! The Texans arrived on a private , air conditioned plane. Then Pastor Gary DeLong, suggested that the men take off their jackets!
I’ve been a Sunday school teacher, Deacon and Trustee. When I was a Trustee, it was decided to put in a ramp for wheel chairs. My mother-in-law, Mary Wallace, thought it would ruin the look of the church, but she ended up having to use it.
I was also a member of Benevolent and, as I remember, we used to crochet caps for new born babies.
I’ll always thank John Gerry-Kerajanes, then Director of Music, for starting Contemplative Prayer which Marisa has continued.
We were fortunate to live across the green so we could walk to Church – and I still do.
Gatherings with Rev Pam
Rev Pam would love to meet you! Small group gatherings are being planned so that Rev Pam can get to know First Church members and friends. Look for sign-up sheets at the top of the stairs, just inside the Williams Street entrance. If you would like to host a gathering or have any questions, contact Laura Bird Smith ([email protected] or (413)567-2332).