Is there anything sweeter than an old church?  The carefully maintained grounds, the scattered flowers still placed on some of the tombstones, the layout of the building; all remind one of long-ago times. Some churches have two front doors, one for the men, and one for the women; others have beautiful belfries, built by long ago craftsmen whose work still stands. There are worn pulpits with a shelf underneath for announcements, or for the bible with the passage for that week’s sermon carefully marked.

Beth Kinnane’s recent column about Mount Harmony Baptist Church in the Heiskell community was a joy to read. My in-laws lived next door to that church for many years and there were times, on summer nights, when we could stand outside and hear the congregation singing. I’ve taken many a walk through that church’s cemetery, reading the descriptive, respectful, heartbroken epitaphs and trying to imagine what life would have been like in our community in 1851.

Many years ago, the church held a talent show and my father-in-law, Howard Arp, and I were asked to be on the judges’ panel. A little girl in a long white dress stood up and sang “What a Wonderful World.” I remember Mr. Arp turning to me and saying, “It just doesn’t get any better than that.” We all agreed and gave her first place.

The neighbors on the other side of my in-laws had a son who asked and was given permission to get married in Mount Harmony. As does sometimes happen in life, he and his wife now live in my in-laws’ former home, next door to the church in which they were married and raising their two children within sight of that beautiful old building.

The old church continues to serve the community and when I drive by I read the words on the church’s sign; inviting all in.  As I continue on my way, the words “Great Lion of God” pop into my head.  Steadfast dedication and service, moving ever onward, a visual and spiritual symbol of the area; Mount Harmony, I’m glad you are celebrating 175 years of service and sincerely hope you serve 175 more years.

Cindy Arp, teacher/librarian, retired from Knox County Schools. She and husband Dan live in Heiskell.