There are moments that you just never forget, memories imbedded. These memories will surface every now and again for no particular reason, but I believe maybe they are just a kindness from above. A brief moment that gives you a good feeling.

One those times was when I was home on leave from the Navy. When I was twelve, I joined the Jr. choir at church. I couldn’t sing but that didn’t matter. We practiced on Saturday morning, 10 o’clock. I never missed a practice or a church service for the next five years. I have a signed Book of Common Prayer to prove it.

I did transition to being an acolyte. At first, I carried the church flag in the processional. Later after receiving some training from Reverend Davis, I carried the Cross and assisted him during Holy Communion. I had reached the top! That lasted about a year or so until I joined the Navy.

I was at home, on leave for Christmas. I went to church and met Reverend Davis and all the others, a reunion. Reverend Davis introduced me to his new assistant, a young minister just starting out. I don’t recall his official title. Reverend Davis asked me if I wanted to carry that cross in the processional. I said, of course I do.

It was then that this new assistant minister said, I’ll see if I can find you a cassock. I stood there in my navy uniform. Reverend Davis turned to that young minister and said sternly; I think he has enough uniform on already! That is what I remember vividly and the feeling of pride it gave me. A small gesture from Reverend Davis that left that lasting memory.

I suppose that is what they would call being validated today. I just remember feeling proud and that Reverend Davis respected my service. Yes, I got my validation stamp that day! Stamped by the Reverend himself! A feeling of belonging. That was fifty-four years ago.

A first communion service at St. Lukes Church. Reverend Davis third from right back room, that’s me first on the right in the back room, holding the church flag. Probably 1969 or 1970.