INTERIM MINISTER

OWINGSVILLE, KENTUCKY 1969-1970

In 1969 we moved to Owingsville, Kentucky, to serve as the interim preacher. A college professor from the University at Morehead, KY, had preached for them some years, and he thought they would be best served by a full-time preacher. The preacher search located me. We thought this would expand into a long term ministry, but we were to stay thirteen months. My efforts have been toward an "equipping ministry," promoting active, loving, close relationships between Christians, personal Bible study, prayer, evangelism, and love for God as the motivating factor in all these areas. And communication with the larger community. It takes time to learn customs and feelings in an area. This was tobacco country, and so was a new experience for us. This Christmas letter written by my wife explains our blessings there.


Christmas Letter 1969. written by Gwen.

Dear Friends,

Greetings and Best Wishes for a wonderful holiday season to our friends across the miles. We would love to spend some time visiting each of you, but that is impossible. We enjoy so much, the cards and letters we receive from you.

This Christmas finds us in Owingsville, Kentucky, on the edge of the Bluegrass, about forty-five miles from Lexington. It is very pretty here, and the people are very friendly. This is a city set on a hill, elevation 1,000 feet, with about 1,600 people. This is a farming area, with most people living out in the county. Cave Run Recreation Area is being built near here, with a lake 16 miles long and 1½ miles wide. 27,000 people are expected on weekends when it is finished in a couple of years.

We left Chandlersville, Ohio, on the 30th of June, and moved in here the 1st of July. Some of the ladies of the congregation had the house cleaned and shining. The church rented a house, as they do not own one. We have very nice neighbors. The Baptist minister, his wife, and two small children, live across the street. There are 27 children on our short street, so ours do not lack for playmates.

It was with mixed emotions that we made this change. How hard it was to leave, after three years of sharing many experiences, with those we had learned to love, in the Chandlersville - New Concord area. Rhoderick was born in Eastern Kentucky, and I think, for several years, has anticipated returning to his native state.

We feel the Lord’s work here presents a great challenge. Please pray for us, and for the church here. Sunday morning worship fluctuates anywhere from 75 to 100. Our largest attendance since being here was 101. This is the 3rd largest group in town, out of 9 churches. But adding up the attendance of the 9 churches, we guess that ½ of the population do not attend anywhere. The opportunities are here, if only we can take advantage of them.

An elder and a deacon are teaching a young people’s class on Monday evening. We have an active group of young people. Rhoderick teaches our ladies’ class on Sunday evening. We have it just before services, as many of our ladies work outside the home. One of our deacons teaches the little ones at the same time, to free their mothers for their class. Recently we spent one of our class periods discussing ideas for women’s work in the church, and have already begun putting some of these ideas into actual practice.

I am teaching a Wednesday night class of very active 8-11 year olds. The elders have decided to provide a space for storing food and clothing to be used for benevolent work, and, an ad has been put into the county paper offering a free Bible Course by mail.

On Monday night, Oct. 27, we had a special service of congregational singing. We were happy to have around 40 of the town people (not members here) to attend, as well as two local preachers.

Rodney is 8 years old, and in the 3rd grade now. He has adjusted very well to his new school, although he misses his friends and teachers at Chandlersville. His class meets in a new “mobile unit.” Although the school building is only 12 years old, they do not have space for between 740-750 students in the first seven grades. (There are only three grade schools and one high school in the county, due to consolidation.)

Rebecca is 6 years old, and in the first grade. She likes school very well, and has adjusted to it. The children all began picking up the “southern accent” right away and Rebecca, especially, is a “native Kentuckian.”

Ronald is a very active 5 year old now, and looking forward to going to school next year. He still wants to “get big” like Rodney, so he can ride a bicycle.

Grandmother Ice passed away July 10th. She was really a mother to Rhoderick, as he lost his own at age 5. Our hearts were saddened, but we are thankful the Lord spared her for many years, that she might strengthen our lives.

My mother (Lulu McCray) stayed with us from August 12th to November 14th. She kept busy at the sewing machine, and writing letters and poems. She was 82 the 24th of July. She returned to Parkersburg for the winter, to stay with my sister and be near to her Doctor. God has blessed her with returning strength after her gallbladder operation of September 1968. The children miss Granma so much when she is away, as we all do.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU THROUGHOUT THE COMING YEAR!

The ICEs Love,

Rhoderick, Gwen, Rodney, Rebecca, Ronald