As Christians we know that a church is not just a building. As children we learn, "the church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is a people."
Never the less Birmingham experienced a great loss yesterday.
Woodlawn United Methodist Church burned down yesterday. It is so sad even to say. Fortunately no one was seriously injured, but a building that is so much a part of my own history is forever gone.
My heart hurts for my family knowing the memories that building held. Four generations of Jeffs called this church home. In 1927 my dad's grandmother started going to Woodlawn. My grandfather was raised there. My dad christened there. My paternal grandparents were married there like my parents, as well as three of my aunts to my uncles. Both my dad's family, as well as my mom's family were very active in that church for a lifetime of years. Mom always shared memories about that church. She always pointed to where dad's family sat growing up. She talked about passing the church on her way to her grandmother's house even before they attended. She talked about youth activities and special people.
My mom started going to Woodlawn United Methodist Church in the third grade. I can not imagine how many services she attended. Wednesday night suppers, UMYFs, choir, handbells, countless activities as a child and in to high school. My parents starting dating during a Woodlawn Methodist a church retreat.
When I think of Woodlawn my memories are very different than any of my other family members I am sure. I think of sitting in the center of the balcony as a little girl taking in all around me. What a gorgeous church. This was obvious even to a child. The giant wooden doors. Incredible stained glass windows. Larger than life organ. Beautifully stained pews. Even the cushions in the front almost seemed to special to kneel on. I can remember looking over my left shoulder anxiously waiting to see Honey come in with his offering plate. What an example. Grandmother would quietly unroll a pack of mints and pass them down to each of us. What a treat. My Aunt Gail directing the choir or coming back to see our younger cousins in the Children's Christmas programs.
Though none of my family still attends Woodlawn United Methodist now, I know that church in many ways will always be considered as home.
I think about my own life. I think about the memories I have of growing up at Trinity. Being able to go home and see the place that holds so many special times. I also think about the fond memories John and I have of our own church home in Montgomery only with in the first very short three years. I think about the dear friends we have made. I think about the babies born, youth activities and special events. I can only imagine the magnitude these memories will have in 60 plus years. So many people who made Woodlawn Methodist are no longer with us, but that building could have told thousands of stories of dear dear friends, babies, weddings, and all of life's celebrations...it truly was a family. "The church is the people"
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