Skip to main content

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IN SHERMAN, TEXAS

     One of the highlights of a slow, hot, non-air conditioned summer in Sherman, Texas, during the 50’s was Vacation Bible School.  I worked out the timing of all the different church offerings and hit as many as I could.  There were plenty of pretty girls, air conditioning, activities, air conditioning, singing, air conditioning, stories, air conditioning, crafts and refreshments in air conditioned comfort.   Our home had no air conditioning…no one had it and I sought it out in any possible form.  It was hotter than an oven in Sherman in the summer months.  We rarely took a vacation and the Vacation Bible School circuit (regardless of the denomination) was an opportunity to escape the blazing heat and bask in the glow of Christian love, cold air and iced refreshments.   

     I began the circuit with our own Key Memorial Methodist Church.   On the first day, much to my dismay, we were herded outside into the furnace-like heat for refreshments.  Mrs. Dorothy Matthews  deftly broke a two-stick popsicle in half and handed each half to an anxious child.     One had to get that popsicle consumed before the 100-plus degree heat reduced it to a sticky liquid that ran down your arm and dried into a sugary scab-like appendage.
   
     Halfway through the week, a fellow student I remember only as Eddie (I was impressed with his sense of entitlement and independence) proclaimed we were being cheated and as God fearing, obedient Methodist children, we were entitled…NO, IT WAS OUR INALIENABLE RIGHT to receive both halves of that popsicle.  Eddie succeeded in starting a minor riot, reminiscent of a James Cagney prison cafeteria upheaval.  However, Mrs. Matthews gently said that was not going to happen and did we want the half she offered?  As fast as a popped balloon, Eddie lost our support and became a “has been” militant leader.  I reasoned I had enough difficulty dealing with half a popsicle in the inferno-like heat…a two stick popsicle would have been doomed from the start.


     Vacation Bible School taught me a lot about the love of Jesus… and when to negotiate.  I learned you do not have a lot of leverage when you receive free refreshments  and once consumed,  you get to return to the company of pretty Christian girls, in air-conditioned comfort.

Comments

  1. Yep, VBS was a favorite of mine in the 70s ad 80s. I vividly remember Rev Robert H Thompson of Trinity United Presbyterian Church singing, "Do your ears hand low, do thy obble to and thro..." and Father Abraham, among many others and just really enjoying the pot luck dinners and knowing Jesus really does love me. Thanks for reminding me of some really great times!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BUCKY SAPPENFIELD FROM SHERMAN, TEXAS

    I grew up with the handle, Bucky Sappenfield.  At first glance, it does not appear too difficult, but there is something about the human brain that does not process my name.  Any new person in my life has a tendency to butcher the name, bestowed upon me by my parents.      On the first day of the 1st grade, my new teacher was calling role, got to me on the list, studied it for a moment before asking, “BUDDY SACKERFIELD?”    I didn’t know who she was talking about and finally she stared at me and said, ”Are you Buddy?”     “BUDDY?”  Where in the world did that come from?   She looked at the paper a bit longer and said, “Oh…Bucky.”  There is just something about that name.      We had a lady at the school office who insisted on calling me by my Christian name, George.  Yet, I didn’t know who she was talking to and it caused me more than one “dressing down” when I would not respond i...

IT’S NOT GOODBYE, I WILL SEE YOU LATER IN HEAVEN

    I had a few issues with my parents growing up, but I will always be grateful to them for instilling a strong faith into all of their children.   From an early age, my folks taught us to believe in eternal life.   I believe all my friends, family, loved ones and dogs are in heaven, where one day we will all be reunited forever.          It is hard to lose someone and the “support” group at that time can make it easier or much worse.  My little brother Bob was killed in a bicycle accident in December 1967, when I was a senior in high school.  It was devastating for our family and I felt sympathy from everyone, but folks are just at a loss.         Mostly, people look at you sadly, avoid eye contact and say nothing or something well intended,  but stupid.  Comments like, “the heavenly choir simply needed a new voice” or “he is home and is at peace”, do not comfort.  It is not th...

MY DOG AND TREASURE, HEATHER MARY OF SHERMAN, TEXAS

     When I think of the significant family members growing up in Sherman,  I am always think about our Scotty dog, Heather Mary.  She was a constant source of affection, joy and protection in my childhood.     Heather Mary came to us once after my mother took debris to the Sherman, Texas, garbage dump.   Heather was a spry, fully grown Scotty dog, already a bit hefty and stinky.   She joyfully ran to my mother, wanted her tummy scratched and insisted on getting in the car when mother was ready to leave.  She had no tags and we felt she must have been abused because she was so grateful for any food and affection.      Heather Mary moved in and lived with us for the next 18 years.  Heather was protective of we three boys, accompanied us as we delivered papers,  went to cub scouts or played in the school yard.   If we  wrestled with friends or played football, we had to put Heat...