The Keeper Of The Keys
We read "Everybody is welcome."
But who has not at some time been shocked
To arrive early for games or a meeting
And find the whole building is locked?
Have you ever arrived quite eager to serve,
Then whined, "I'm left out in the lurch!
I may have the keys of the kingdom
But they don't open doors at our church."
The above verses are part of a poem read at Calvary's 30th anniversary dinner on June 12, 1980 as a tribute to John Horing, our church sexton for 25 years. Before John's time church keys were passed out at random. John kept tight key control. He treated the church property as his own. His frugality, vigilance, and skill as electrician, carpenter, plumber and painter saved the church thousands of dollars.
One day John and Pastor Kern walked the entire length of Manhattan. John was a Good Samaritan and an active church member. He was an evangelism caller, trustee, scout committee member, usher chairman for a few years and counting committee member for 24 years.