Church Keys to Church Keys

Church Keys to Church Keys

Growing up, my family helped start two Methodist churches. One small church is in Doraville, GA and one today is a not so small church in Jackson, MS. I remember both first services and the request for someone who could play the piano. My mother volunteered both times, continued playing until each new church building was completed and she could start playing an organ. Dad was an engineer. He designed and built the signs and a brick wall with chunks of colored glass for the first church. For the second church, he redesigned the church building. He also designed and built a figure of Christ carrying the cross out of wrought iron and railroad ties. I helped weather the cross with hammer and stain. Dad’s art remains the church’s symbol. What started with a groundbreaking in a cow pasture with cows and cowbells is now the largest Methodist church in Mississippi and one of the largest United Methodist churches in America.

Back then, one spring afternoon friends and I washed/waxed and cleaned up my car. This was back in the days before pop tops and cans required a triangle shaped metal can opener and bottles required a bottle opener. We always called them church keys. We all laughed when a few church keys were found in the car. Everyone else continued to laugh as the church key count eventually rose to over a dozen. I was embarrassed, but I had been a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Explorer. When it came to church keys, “Be Prepared” was my motto.

To supplement my retirement income I have a little part time job at Foundry United Methodist Church. Once again, I have church keys, only this time they are real keys. I am proud that Foundry is a Reconciling Congregation and welcomes everyone. I am proud of Foundry’s strong commitment to mission work and to doing good work both in and beyond our community.