The First 50 Years

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PREFACE

As we review the story of our Church these past twenty-five years, one descriptive word is evident - ACTION. According to the old cliché, 'There never was a dull moment'. We truly have ministered to the whole individual, ever mindful of competing interests which night detract from our Christian purpose. The breadth and depth of our accomplishments reflect the forward thinking of our staff, elected officers and volunteers. With several hundred members planning and participating in our programs, it would be difficult, in this short narrative, to name lay people who have contributed so much to our well-being and advancement. Members of almost every family have participated in Church functions; true, some with more dedication than others. It would be equally as difficult to cite all our support staff, since 1964, including secretaries, receptionists, dieticians, housekeepers and custodians without whom our Church activities would falter.

We would like to mention each person publicly but to do so would make this history nothing but an alphabetical index of our entire membership. If you have made any contributions whatsoever, you know who you are! Revel in the knowledge that you have been an integral part of our Church's progress. We know that you have not used your time and talent for personal glory but for the betterment of your Christian beliefs. Your the is the greatest gift of all. Only you can give that.

From the King James version of the Bible in the fifth chapter of Matthew we read: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put
it under a bushel, but on a candlestick and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they nay see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Reading the book, "The First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, Michigan, the First Fifty Years' by Maurice F. Cole we understand more clearly the trials, the tribulations, the untiring efforts of our early members to fulfill a dream of establishing a Church of high Christian principles in Royal Oak. By comparison, the third quarter of our Church history seems to have been devoid of the internal friction which narks marry new beginnings. We were blessed with the privilege of moving forward with positive growth.

The information and stories in this Chronicle have been taken chronologically from the collection of Church bulletins and the Session and Trustees minutes, all of which reflect with great accuracy the life and times of our Church. The organization of material is thus somewhat informal at times, but the story is none-the-less as complete as possible.