Linda Gallagher asked me to do a story on the 125th Anniversary of Eastport Baptist Church for the Antrim Review, so off I trotted to interview Jerry Troyer, the youthful pastor. I found him in the gym behind the church painting the walls. (You know how it is when company’s coming.) He showed me around and told me about the celebration planned for this Sunday and next.
On June 28, right after the 9:45 am service, there will be a Good Ole Family Dinner with ham and side dishes and storytelling. The following week Jonathon White will play at a Patriotic Concert, tasty potluck dishes will be passed at a Good Ole Church Picnic, and the congregation will take a look at the future. It’s all free and it’s all open to anyone who cares to come. “Everyone is invited,” said Jerry Troyer. “We’re a friendly bunch, and we’d love to have you.”
The story ran in today’s edition of the Antrim Review, which is still on sale at fine newsstands everywhere in the County. I encourage you to read it. But there’s always more to the story. There’s never enough space in the paper for all the photos. Blogs are more flexible. Remember the nursery rhyme that goes This is the church . . .
This is the church
(although as Pastor Jerry will be the first to tell you, it isn’t really the church but only the building)
This is the steeple
(and the internet receiver)
Open the door
(125th Anniversary Committee: Shirley Farrell, Sheila Essenberg and Pastor Jerry Troyer)
And see all the people!
(OK, you move over there, kids down here in front, bunch up so we can get everybody in)
Longtime members, brand new babies, cute little kids, doting grandmas and grandpas, soccer players, busy moms and dads, creative teens, really good cooks . . . as Pastor Jerry would again be the first to tell you, they’re the church. For lots more photos, press the little “more” there, and don’t forget to click on the image for a larger version. I’ll post more about the history of Eastport Baptist in a week or so.
Torch Lake Views 
dmarks
June 26, 2009
That’s a nice old church. Does it smell of varnish, and does the floor creak when you walk around inside?
Gerry
June 26, 2009
Nope – no eau de varnish and no creaks. It’s an old building, but it’s been remodeled a lot over the years to meet the changing needs of the congregation, and it’s been very well maintained.
flandrumhill
June 26, 2009
I remember having to memorize that nursery rhyme in either kindergarten or grade 1. I attended a francophone school so it was in french. I doubt if it’s still taught in schools these days.
Gerry
June 26, 2009
I think my grandma taught me that rhyme. And it comes with gestures – the little fingers interlaced to make the church, the forefingers released to form a steeple, the thumbs spread wide to open the door, and then the interlaced fingers turned upwards and wiggled – there’s all the people! I’ll bet it sounds a lot more sophisticated in French. Maybe not.
Interesting that you attended a francophone school. I’d like to hear more about that sometime.
Gerry
June 26, 2009
There was a third comment, an anonymous one, that I’ve elected not to publish. This is the comments policy:
This site is moderated.* All comments are welcome, under these conditions:
You agree that we may publish your real name.
Your comment is respectful of your neighbors even when you disagree.
You spend no more than 200 words making your point!
*That means the Editor gets to decide what’s published here. — Gerry
katherine
June 26, 2009
Gerry, My curiosity is getting the better of me. Can’t wait to ask you in person about this.
The “bar” (now not open) on the corner of 31 & 88 used to be a church also.
Gerry
June 27, 2009
Yes indeed, Sneakin’s was once Eastport Congregational Church, and it (the Congregational Church, not Sneakin’s!) and the Baptist Church took turns calling a pastor for the shared building for a number of years. I can hardly wait for Norton’s Pearl family presentation. Eastport history is more compelling than I realized.