The birds sing sweetly in the grove of trees, But listen--I hear them say, "This little white church that has stood for years Is celebrating its centennial today." Centennial?--That is one hundred years! Has it really been so long? Why, it seems it was only yesterday, Those hardy pioneers came along. From humble beginnings the little church grew, Its early history has been preserved, And a pageant written in word and song-- Telling of its growth and the people it served, From Anderson Carter who gave the land, Through years of hardship and troubled times, Many Christian workers have carried on, And Sunday mornings the ‘Memorial Bell’ chimes The little birds may wonder, but I think I know Why the little white church still stands-- It is the unwavering spirit of the people of God That upholds this church in this quiet land. To those of the future, as yet unborn-- You have been given a treasure trove; May Christ’s love and sweet Spirit still prevail In this "Little White Church in the Grove."

Poem - copyright 1980 by Alice Flanner - all rights reserved
Photograph used with permission of Wilma Cox