There have been many changes since our days growing up in Washington, and some have impacted our lives in a positive manner. Our community has changed and some changes are for the best, while some are hard to get used to for those my age and older. I once heard that change is a process and not an event. For many of us that are used to life at a slower pace, it is hard to accept change. I noticed one change the other Sunday morning while at church.

I remember when every Sunday morning Rose Ann and I were told to get our best clothes on, and we were going to Sunday school and church. It was Sunday school, church and lunch at our grandparents and, if we were lucky, a good game of football at Kugler Field or the cemetery. What I noticed at church was the difference in the way we worship now.

Now, please do not get me wrong, any worship service is better than none and our church offers two services. Sandwiched in between are Sunday school classes for all age groups. Our contemporary service or early service is more of a relaxed atmosphere where a person can wear casual clothes and is served breakfast. Members can carry coffee to their table, and I usually drink my diet coke. We have a praise band that plays music when we sing. It is more of an informal service and has a large turn-out. The formalities are for the later service.

The later service, or traditional service, is held at 11 a.m. in the church sanctuary and is a formal service, like we grew up knowing. Those attending usually wear their “Sunday Best” like we did growing up. Suit and tie for the men and dresses for the ladies. No one carries anything into the sanctuary, and there is not a word spoken except from the preacher. The hymns sung are led by our choir and are completely different from those sung at the early service. This was the way it used to be, as I remember church. Please do not get me wrong, I love both services and people have their choice of the two and you may choose either service.

What I remember the most as a young boy growing up were the deacons and elders! When the deacons and elders gathered up front to serve communion, they would walk down the aisle in a very impressive manner. They were always wearing their best Sunday suits and ties and were role models for us all to follow. Men such as Clyde Roberson, George Parker, Harry Pelliteer, Ray Moore, Jesse Boyd, Heber Winfield, James Bagwell, Coach Chapin, Coach Alligood, Ben Woolard, Dr. Silverthorne, Sonny Swain, Cliff Toler, Jimmy Oakley, my dad and many others. They were all pillars of our community and were role models we all could follow. You may have noticed that at that time there were no ladies. Now, there are as many ladies as men, and I love the fact that they have this chance for our younger girls to have Christian role models to follow. These men and women certainly have done a great job in leading our churches in the right direction. I wanted so much to grow up to be just like them and to be in a position to help my community and church!

Times have changed, but the values instilled in us by our parents and churches will never change, regardless of the service you choose to attend. If you have not tried to help a young boy/girl out, then please do not prejudge them. They are our future, just like we were growing up, and I do not think we have done so badly.

They were the best of times with the best of friends and in the best of places, Washington, N.C.!

 

— Harold Jr.

Harold Robinson Jr. is a native of Washington.