Trash Long Forgotten

On the occasion of the 150th Anniversary Year (2018) of First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, here’s a personal story and special remembrance. In the first half of the 70s, I was privileged to serve on the staff of FBC. It was a life-changing and directing experience in many ways. My last assignment was Minister to Jr High Youth. One day while working with some of the maintenance staff cleaning out a long forgotten and unused area of the Burt Building I came across a small pile of old wood with square nails and several pieces of slate. I was told that it was trash and the maintenance crew put it in a pile to be disposed. Upon further inquiry, I learned that it was remnants of the old steeple that had been replaced much to the dismay of Dr. Criswell. I went back and pulled a piece of the wood with nails and a few pieces of slate from the trash bin. Later, I made this wall hanging. It has always been precious to me. Several years after the Burt Building experience, the Criswell Building was being spruced-up and the beautiful doors that faced San Jacinto Street we’re being refinished. I was walking through the basement and tunnel to the Sanctuary late one evening and there in the big rolling, circular trash container were pieces of the renovation being thrown away. Near the top of the trash pile was the brass 1707 door plate which had been replaced by a 70s “stylish” plastic 1707 which “matched” the numbering system being used in the renovation. Out with the old, in with the new! I attached that special numbered brass plate to the top of the old piece of steeple wood. I smile every time I see this special heirloom, which I know means little to anyone else, but I cherish. After more than 45 years and multiple moves across four states, I’m blessed to still hold it. I was in my early 20s then, now moving into my late 60s. Not sure what prompted me to pickup those pieces, but I’m glad I did. Actually, I guess I’ve always liked “garbage-picking.” There’s a sermon in that — God picked me up from a forgotten trash pile and holds me close. I’m grateful!