You’ll never know what you will find scrounging around all the paraphernalia, (otherwise known as junk!), in your attic. If it’s your family homestead, you’re liable to find memorabilia, antiques, long forgotten pictures and invaluable pieces of the past. These "pieces" give us glimpses into a world we may have never experienced, but may often cast a new light on the present and maybe the future.

I don’t have an attic - I can do an equally good job of accumulating "stuff" in my garage. Several months ago, our elder, Mr. Allen, showed me an article that I believe printed in the Wilmington Morning Star newspaper sometime around 1948 as best as I can tell.

The article is about Reverend Joseph P. King, age 91 and his new bride Mrs. Lucille Boney, who were married December 16, 1939. What makes the articles even more interesting are the insight one gets about life in Wrightsville Beach at the time. For instance, I’m sure it’s a little known fact that in the 19th century, Wrightsville Beach was the only location in North Carolina where a person could be schooled and receive a medical degree. Reverend King received one in 1869.

Reverend King became pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Wilmington in 1877 and "some years later" became minister of the first Advent Christian Church south of the Mason Dixon Line, (even then those Yankees were creeping in down here!). The first Advent Christian Church was built in 1871 and still stands at 504 South Sixth Street. Pastor King led the congregation for 65 years until he retired in 1938 at the age of 90, (give or take a year).

Changing the subject somewhat, as interesting as this story is, (the article hangs in the vestibule of Blake’s Chapel), it gives us all pause to reflect on Pastor Dowd. He’s only 62! He’s been pastor at Blake’s Chapel for a mere 28 years. Like a Michelin tire, he’s got a lot more mileage on him! I’m sure Pastor King had no "little red car" to get around. He certainly couldn’t call a church member on a cell phone, (while driving on crowded roadways), nor offer such varied programs as we have at Blake’s Chapel. So, it’s reasonable to expect that we should be able to get another 20 or 30 years out of Pastor Dowd!

What do you think Pastor?

Our past doesn’t always determine our present or future though it certainly influences it. Reverend King was apparently a caring, loving person. It’s been our good fortune to have a pastor that more than fit’s the shoes of Pastor King.

Believe me, that’s the gospel truth.

Come visit us at Blake’s Chapel Advent Christian Church in Hampstead, just off Sloop Point Road and see for yourself how good a pastor Buddy Dowd is. You’ll not only realize I’m telling you the gospel truth, but you’ll hear the gospel truth.

By Dan Ligotti

For more information on Blake’s Chapel Advent Christian Church, click here.