Where Cross the Crowded Ways: Traveling
Amongst Christians In the
USA
IF THERE WERE some magic which would return in kind the friendliness and happy spirit that Christians have brought to me throughout every part of these United States, I would order it to happen—instantly!
Shizam! To Texas, first, because it covers so much territory and where some of my largest blessings came in the form of camp meetings. Joe Evans has written about these camp meetings. He is a wonderful, colorful character, and a joy to be with. Real cowboys came from miles around to meet together, to sing the old songs, and to listen to the preacher. I don't think I have eaten so much steak in my life! I really loved playing for those meetings. It was informal, and yet we were conscious of the presence of the Lord, who cannot be contained in forms of human ritual.
I have many wonderful friends in El Paso, where I have often presented concerts. The Means, the Evans,
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and the Stewarts—all of these families have a great love for the work of the Lord, and a large number of pages in my personal catalog of memories.
There were some wonderful meetings with Dr. Fuller in Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. Dr. Fuller enjoyed the big-hearted hospitality of the Texans, and, of course, I appreciated the opportunity to share in his ministry. It seemed, in those days, that everybody listened to the "Old Fashioned Revival Hour." And Dr. Fuller was loved and respected everywhere he went. Someone gave him a ten-gallon hat in one of our meetings, and he wore it during the rest of the trip.
Once the Quartet and I had a meeting in Midland, Texas, and I'll never forget the hotel where we stayed. It was called the Scharbauer Hotel. The lobby was filled with Texans in Western hats. I was told that these men used the lobby as a sort of meeting place where they conducted their business, and many big deals were consummated there. The Quartet and I especially appreciated the dining room, and we accounted for a goodly number of steak dinners during our stay there.
A few years back, I enjoyed playing in evangelistic meetings with the Rev. Homer Martinez, a truly fine preacher. In one of these meetings in San Angelo, the men's brotherhood gave a special dinner for Homer and me at the close of the campaign, and presented us with cuff links shaped like spurs, inscribed with our initials in gold. I felt truly honored by this gift, and we were told that they were to be found in no other place.
There were meetings in Waco, the home of Baylor University, and Longview, where I played in a metal-roofed
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auditorium. This was a shattering experience—it started to rain while I was playing. You have never heard so much noise! (Not my playing—the sound of the rain on the roof.)
One meeting in Texas lingers vividly in my memory. As I recall, it was in the El Paso area, and was held in an arena where stock shows are usually held. This service, with Dr. Fuller speaking and with me at the piano, was scheduled on a winter night. The place was supposed to be heated, but something must have gone wrong with the heating system. I don't suppose it would have bothered cattle, but I nearly froze! I think that's the only time I have ever played with my overcoat on. Even then, you can imagine what happened to my hands, which literally turned blue. After all, you can't play with gloves on, and neither can you make music with ten frozen sticks for fingers. I found myself wishing someone would invent heated ivories for just such occasions.
In a search for warmth, my parents and I lived in Florida for a short time, and I can remember wanting it to be permanent. I have never enjoyed swimming in the Pacific, which seems too cold for my liking, but every time I am near the warmth of the Gulf Stream, I pack swim trunks.
A few years ago the Christian Booksellers Convention was held at Miami Beach, and I was delighted once again to visit Florida. One interesting sidelight of my stay in Miami Beach was the opportunity to present a sacred concert in a church in Fort Lauderdale which was pastored by the husband of a former pupil of mine.
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Yes, it is a small world, and almost everywhere I go, I run into former friends and associates of years gone by.
A couple of years ago, I had another occasion to visit Florida, this time Saint Petersburg, on the west coast of Florida. I was invited to appear on the TV program, "Day of Discovery." This program is beautifully and professionally produced in color, and I was thrilled to have a part in two of the half-hour presentations. It features an orchestra, a chorus, a soloist and, of course, Richard De Haan as the speaker. The number of hours required for rehearsal in the preparation of such a program is almost unbelievable, but the finished product is well worth the effort. The programs were released many months after they were filmed, and I found myself explaining to members of my church who greeted me with, "I saw you on TV this morning. What time did you have to leave Florida in order to make it to church?"
Shizam! And to the central states we go. Usually when you say "Kansas City" you think of Missouri, but there is also a Kansas City, Kansas. Merv Rosell held some memorable meetings here. Sharing in the music with me was Jack Conner, a fine Christian gentleman, and a consummate artist on the marimba. Jack Conner was a percussionist with Xavier Cugat before his conversion, and I don't know of a more accomplished musician in Christian circles.
Other cities in Kansas where I have played are Topeka and Hutchinson. I recall eating some of the juiciest watermelon I have ever tasted in Hutchinson. (If you have guessed by this time that I like to eat, you are right!)
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I was invited to Wichita by Lloyde D. Johnson, who owns and operates one of the finest Book and Bible stores to be found anywhere. Here I spoke and played for an annual conference of men—church laymen and ministers both attending—from churches in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and bordering states. The theme of the conference centered around cooperative efforts for church extension. I can't remember any more satisfying experience than being with these men. I have a tremendous admiration for the dedicated Christian booksellers who, in my opinion, are doing an outstanding piece of work in making fine Christian literature available.
Idaho is not a very populous state, but it has a great deal of natural beauty to offer. I enjoyed my visit to Nampa, Idaho, where I was invited by a pastor to participate in a week of meetings. These meetings were to include banquets and rallies in churches in other cities, as well as services in his own church. I was excited about this project, since it held as its aim the raising of money to purchase an airplane for use by missionaries. The name of the plane was to be appropriately, The Spirit of Idaho.
This pastor's name is Lanson Ross, and he is one of the most dynamic preachers I know. In addition to being an excellent speaker, he has that rare ability of being able to raise money. As I am sure most everyone knows, this is a special talent, and I have the greatest admiration for those who use this gift in the service of the Lord.
We had a couple of hair-raising experiences during those days. Rev. Lanson Ross flew his own plane, and
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this made it possible to include several cities in Idaho during our week of meetings. I have done a great deal of flying on the big airliners, but I feel a bit nervous when I ride in small, private planes. I remember one time when we actually got lost. Now, getting lost on the ground is bad enough, but when you are two or three thousand feet in the air and have a limited tank of gasoline—well! Lanson maintained radio contact, and eventually we were able to locate the airport.
Another incident occurred when, after a meeting in Twin Falls, we arrived at the airport to find the wings of the plane covered with ice. It seems that you cannot take off with ice on the wings, so, there is only one thing you can do. We got towels, and wiped off the ice!
I have presented concerts in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and I especially remember a week of meetings in Altus, Oklahoma. Altus is not a large city (approximately 25,000 population) but the First Baptist Church there has an outstanding ministry. What a delight it is, to meet the pastors and congregations of churches all over this land, who are doing such a splendid job of getting out the gospel.
I have always loved the Great Northwest. Surely, Oregon and Washington are two of the most beautiful states! I have been fortunate to participate in rallies and concerts in several of their leading cities.
I was invited to play for a Baptist young people's rally in Eugene, Oregon. The young folks flocked in from churches all over the state. It was thrilling to see that great crowd of teen-agers, singing together the gospel songs, and uniting their hearts in worship and fellowship.
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On the final night of the rally, scores of young people came forward with missionary pledges made in their churches, and thousands of dollars were presented that night. They had a lot of fun, too, during those days. There were special activities such as swimming, bowling, musical contests, and preaching competition. Underlying all of this was the reality and dedication of genuine Christian character.
Sometimes when my wife and I discuss the places we would like to go when and if the time comes to leave Southern California, near the top of the list is Colorado. No place has more to offer in the way of natural beauty, and our family has fallen in love with this fascinating state.
One of the more memorable experiences goes back several years, when I participated in a great sacred concert at the beautiful Red Rock amphitheater. This outdoor theater is located outside Denver, and on this occasion was the setting for a concert which featured many well-known artists from many parts of the United States. Ralph Carmichael directed the orchestra, and the "Old Fashioned Revival Hour" Quartet and I had feature spots on the program.
Naturally, such a project required an enormous amount of planning and preparation, and my good friend, Cy Jackson, worked practically night and day to make this event a success. And it was a success! We had a standing-room-only crowd, and I suppose that many people were actually turned away.
My part on the program was a great thrill for me, for I got to play with an orchestra! I enjoy playing piano solos, but there is nothing to compare with the feeling
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that comes with playing the piano with an orchestral background.
Aside from my meetings (I don't work all the time!), my family and I had the opportunity to take a vacation in Colorado a couple of years ago. We loved every minute of that experience! One of the highlights was a visit to the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. We had been told to arrive at the lunch hour, in order to see the cadets marching in formation. To say it was inspiring would be an understatement. Then, we toured through the magnificent chapel, where Protestant, Catholic and Jew each has a place of worship.
We also went horseback riding in the Garden of the Gods. I enjoyed it at the time, but I think this is the place I made my decision that horseback riding was for other people. I was sore for days afterward!
Surely one of the most beautiful places we visited was Glen Eyrie, headquarters of the Navigators. The story of how this group acquired the beautiful site located behind the Garden of the Gods reminds us of the care and providence of our Heavenly Father. In fact, there is no place we have been where anyone has said, "The Lord didn't do what He promised!" The Lord does not put limitations upon us. He urges us, ". . . launch out, into the deep . . ." (Luke 5:4), and when we take the first step into the sea of service, He takes the troubled waters in hand.
Another trip to Colorado took us to the town of Durango, to an active little church where John Berentschot was pastor. I had known John when he sang in the Revival Hour choir, and he insisted that my family come along to enjoy the Easter week with me. The church had
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what was known as a "prophet's chamber," a small apartment with kitchen, for the benefit of visiting evangelists and missionaries. I am sure we have never been entertained any more royally than at that church. Members of the congregation brought homemade pies and other goodies, and "hid" them in our refrigerator. Then, at the end of the week, we had a big potluck dinner, and we got to meet all of the people who had been so kind to us. That was a very busy week for me, for it was one of the few times when I played and spoke for every service!
Almost all of my traveling has been by plane. In fact, were it not for plane travel, I could not possibly have visited so many cities and towns throughout this country and Canada.
One particularly memorable experience involves Dr. Fuller, after the conclusion of a great meeting in Minneapolis. We were due in Portland, Oregon, the next night. The trouble was, it was wintertime, and the Minneapolis Airport was snowed in. Dr. Fuller was wondering if we would have to cancel the Portland meeting, when I suggested we might be able to get a charter flight. He called a charter service, and was informed that we could, indeed, get out of Minneapolis early the next morning, and would arrive in Portland by 7 P.M. that evening. We were up at the crack of dawn, secured a taxi to the airport, and were ready for take-off at 5:30 A.M. Sure enough, we arrived in Portland, Oregon, at exactly 7:00 P.M., in a driving rain, registering practically zero on gasoline, and were rushed to the auditorium just as the meeting was beginning.
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There were many large, and remarkable radio rallies with Dr. Charles E. Fuller. Whereas a large crowd does not make it a great meeting, necessarily, the large meetings have a way of etching themselves upon your memory.
The great rally in Madison Square Garden was sponsored by Jack Wyrtzen and his "Word of Life" program. That huge arena was filled, with thousands outside unable to gain entrance.
Another tremendous rally was the one held in Boston Garden, with another great crowd. Dr. Fuller seemed to respond to large numbers. Even when he was broadcasting, he liked to have an audience. The Sunday broadcasts from the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium were among his most rewarding years of service. There were visitors from all over the United States, as well as from foreign countries every Sunday, and Dr. Fuller was at his best. If he felt moved to do so, he might ask the crowd to join in one of the great old songs. On more than one occasion I have seen him give an invitation before his sermon! He often referred to his mother's admonition, "Preach the Word!" And he did!
An early meeting with Dr. Fuller was held at Maple Leaf Garden, in Toronto, Canada. That great auditorium was completely filled. Charles Templeton was the director of Youth for Christ in Toronto, and he had done an excellent job of promoting the rally. The view of the Canadian Rockies in the early morning as we traveled by plane across their vast expanse, has to be the most spectacular vision of my recall.
As I mark the cities and towns where I have played (and sometimes spoken, as well) memories come flooding
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in. There are memories of little village churches, large city churches, civic auditoriums, club houses, schools, and outdoor stadiums. Many people have said to me, "I suppose it was a great thrill to you to play in those large auditoriums!" It was, in a way, but I honestly would rather play in a church. There is something about a church that appeals to me, for in these surroundings I have received my greatest personal blessings. It is within the hallowed walls of God's house that I remember the words of the Psalmist, particularly the words of Psalm 16:8, "I have set the Lord always before me . . . . "
