Recitative:
Preaching
WHEN I WAS a small boy, and someone would ask me what I intended to be when I grew up, I would answer, "A preacher!"
During my school years, however, I gave little thought to a career in the ministry. As with my piano playing, it just seemed to happen. Looking back, there is evidence that God was leading me along, equipping me to serve in the pulpit as well as at the piano.
My first experiences in speaking (I won't call it preaching), came as I had opportunities to speak to the young people's group at the church where I was playing. These messages were certainly not profound, but I was getting practical experience in public speaking; and, of course, I had to study my Bible in order to prepare for these talks.
It was when I began to play for the Country Church of Hollywood (back in 1933), that I began to have many opportunities to preach. As the Quartet and I began to
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receive more and more invitations to present programs in other churches, I would be asked to bring a brief message at the close. On some occasions we would give an invitation for those who wished to make a decision for Christ, and we had the joy of seeing souls brought to the Lord.
The Quartet and I appeared in all kinds of churches, large and small, conservative and liberal, and we faced all kinds of audiences. It is true that most churches were warm and receptive to our message, but a few were (or so it seemed) cold and indifferent.
Needless to say, such a variety of congregations were a constant challenge to me as I prepared my messages. We were often invited to sing and speak for special occasions: dedications, anniversaries, missionary programs, youth projects, and, of course, fund-raising occasions.
I must say a word here about the faithful, hard-working pastors who have, in many instances, a most difficult task. In almost every situation I have found them to be cooperative, courteous, unselfish, and helpful in every way. One of the bonuses which God has given to me is the friendship and Christian fellowship of faithful pastors all over this land.
My own feeling about my preaching is a natural one. It is simply an extension of my musical ministry—or maybe it is the other way around. Anyway, I believe that one complements the other.
As mentioned previously, as a result of my preaching ministry with the Quartet, the pastor and trustees of the Country Church of Hollywood decided to ordain me into the ministry. This was done by receiving an affirmative vote of the congregation after my sermon. As I
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said, my message that night was on "The Prodigal Son." And I can never forget the words on my ordination certificate, taken from Philippians 1:17: " . . . I am set for the defence of the gospel."
During all the time I have been serving the Lord, I have been associated with a local church. After being associated with the Country Church of Hollywood for many years, I served for a year as youth director at the Eagle Rock Baptist Church. The late Dr. Roy Laurin was pastor at that time, and I profited greatly from my association with him. His books on Bible characters are an outstanding contribution to our gospel literature, and during the last year or two of his life he was associated with Dr. Billy Graham as a writer.
Then, several years ago, I was asked to return to the Country Church of Hollywood to serve as pastor! I accepted the call with much fear and trembling, as the responsibility seemed almost too great for me. Nevertheless, God gave me a gracious and fruitful ministry, and I served as pastor for five years.
None of these activities conflicted with my work on the "Old Fashioned Revival Hour," and I have been able to continue to play on the Sunday broadcasts for over thirty-one years.
For the last two years I have been on the staff of the Church of the Open Door, in Los Angeles. Duties of a staff pianist consist of playing for the regular services on Sunday morning and evening, and for the mid-week Bible study. In addition, there are rehearsals and performances with choirs, accompaniment for special solo numbers, as well as occasional solo features for the pianist.
The Sunday evening service begins at 7 o'clock, and
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at 6:45 P.M. there is a fifteen-minute program known as "Singspiration." This quarter hour sometimes features regular soloists, and occasionally visiting singers and instrumentalists. Some of the finest singers and musical groups in the country are brought to the Church of the Open Door. Many of these artists consider their appearance at C.O.D. the highlight of their tour, because of the large and appreciative audience, and the beautiful auditorium. Someone has referred to it as "church in the San Francisco Opera House" with its three decks and rich blue decor.
There is a large Christian Endeavor work at C.O.D. (nearly 600 every Sunday night!) and I have many opportunities to speak, as well as play, for the various groups. There are extra conference meetings, as well, and we are often invited to group or choir retreats at Arrowhead Springs or Palm Springs. Last Fall we were included in the church group which toured the Hawaiian Islands, a "first" for me, and it was thrilling to be so well received in the many churches built by Titus Coan a hundred and fifty years ago. We sang old favorite hymns in Hawaiian. The melodic words to "Come Thou Fount" became "Jehouah, ke kumu nui, ko mo mai keao nei." In Kapahulu Bible Church, "a light in the shadow of Diamond Head," a lovely oriented lady slipped in beside my wife, who was sitting near the front for the Sunday morning service, and pinned the most beautiful orchid corsage on her dress that I have ever seen.
"I grew this myself—and you deserve it," the lady whispered. "I have listened to your husband's music for thirty-five years!" The orchid lasted for several days,
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and everywhere we went it was exclaimed over by sales clerks, waitresses and tourists, alike. It was a gift which was a true labor of love, and, as my wife explained, the most valuable orchid in the world. "You had to play so long to earn this one!" she teased.
I receive numerous invitations to speak and play in the Southern California area, and my preaching still takes me to various parts of the United States. I keep busy, as you can see.
No one knows what the future holds. I am content that God will continue to lead me into the place of His choice, and for me, that will always be the best place.
