Cherished
memories are of those when my family met with a multitude of
relatives and friends at the site of the historically oldest
Methodist Church in Brazos County in Texas for Homecoming on the
fourth Sunday in September each year. The location provided an
ideal place for this event, which was always looked forward to
with eagerness. The church itself is a simple yet attractive
white frame building nestled in a grove of ancient trees.
Fastened between some of the tree trunks are wide wooden planks
to form picnic tables. A part of the scene is the well-kept rural
cemetery separated by a fence of iron. Here the mortal remains of
numerous relatives and friends lie. It seemed as if they too
shared the happy event with us.Everyone from the youngest to the oldest shared in the preparation and the event itself. Building and grounds received an extra special cleaning. In each household, hours were spent in preparing delicious foods. The idea of the so-called "potluck" with each family bringing one dish only was not even considered. There would be a variety of salads with potato being the favorite, it seemed. Meats such as fried chicken, roast beef, meatloaf, etc., vegetables, cookies, pies and cakes, with iced tea to drink and perhaps milk or a fruit drink for the children.
Those of us who came early arranged to come early enough to attend Sunday School. Frequently a minister who had served the church in former years was invited to return to preach the Homecoming Service. Sometimes visiting musicians were invited, but for the most part the church choir furnished the music. After the inspirational service we left the church to meet for what we called "dinner on the ground." Table cloths were spread on the "tables between tree trunks." The food was placed on these. Everyone enjoyed a grand meal and good fellowship.