The First 50 Years

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WE BEGIN THE THIRD QUARTER
Part 5

The Archives committee, established by Session in June, 1987, is working diligently to collect, catalog and preserve all the very valuable history of our Church such as pictures, newspaper articles, programs, just any memorabilia which will add credence to the wealth of knowledge we have of First Presbyterian Church, Royal Oak. Now it is being documented and kept for posterity to enjoy.

The Session, in 1972 established a Ministers' Work Study Fund of $4,000 with further support to come from yearly excess of Church income over expense, the application of the fund to be reviewed by the minister and his wife. The excellent use of such a program soon became evident. The Kirkmans toured Israel that spring visiting villages where Ruth had lived during her previous university-sponsored work trip. The next year the Kirkmans spent three weeks studying at St. Andrews University, Scotland and then toured Europe for an additional two weeks. They also traveled to Greece and the Greek Isles in 1975.

Meanwhile Thomas Kennedy began a study program at McCormack Theological Seminary, Chicago to obtain an advanced college degree. He also attended St. Andrews University in Scotland for several summer weeks.

On Easter Sunday, 1976, the Kirkmans flew to Korea to chaperone orphan children who were being transported from Korea to United States for adoption. Chiang Mai in Thailand was the Kirkmans' study trip in 1977 and also in 1984 to dedicate a new science building at the University. In 1982 they again visited Iona School in Jamaica. The Kirkmans traveled to Germany in 1984.

Duncan Floyd was furthering his education at this same time by studying at Trinity Theological Seminary, Newburgh, Indiana where the received his Doctor of Theology degree.

Dr. Daniel Festa attended the Alban Institute Conference in St. Louts, Missouri in May, 1988.

Not only have our ministers been interested in studying our missions, both ecumenical and national - their schools, their Churches, their people - but many of our members, in addition to our youth groups, have traveled far and wide to improve their knowledge of our efforts in Christian evangelism. They have visited Mary Holmes Junior College, Cancun, Merida, Israel, Greek Isles, India, Thailand, Yucatan, Alaska and Korea.

In these few pages of the history of our Church it is extremely difficult to describe the work of our Christian Education Department lest errors of omission and errors of recognition be made. Whether it be in the category of Church School, youth programs, adult study groups, Nursery School, retreats or Bible classes, to place each activity in its proper niche without blunder would be next to impossible. Suffice to say, any one of these pursuits lends itself to the concept of ministering to the whole person. The goal is to bring to young people and adults alike the awareness of Jesus Christ and the opportunity of accepting Him as their ever-loving, constant companion. Our Christian Education workers are following the scripture in the sixth chapter of Isaiah. The Lord asks, "Whom shall I Send?" And the reply, "Here am I, Lord."

Our Church School on Sunday mornings has nursery care for babies and young children and classes for every age group from three year olds through adult discussion groups, all at either the 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. services, administered and taught by our dedicated Church members. During some summer months there has been Bible and Breakfast, a well-planned discussion group for adults at the 9:30 a.m. service.

The Christian Education Department arranges for: couples religious book study; prayer chains; Lenten dinner programs; exercise classes for beginners, intermediates and advanced; family fun days; Sunday get-acquainted luncheons; family picnics and an interesting variety of Bible study classes for all ages and interests. As stated previously, they are advisors for Junior Deacons. The department is represented on various Church committees

In 1970 discussion took place concerning the need for a weekday Nursery School at our Church. Since that time we have made available pre-school classes for three and four year olds five days each week during the public-school year with professional educators as teachers. Participation is available to any family for a minimal tuition fee.

We have Bible School for fourth, fifth and sixth graders one afternoon and evening each week during the school year. This program includes Bible study, supper and recreation. Junior and Senior High Fellowship provide similar activities.