Last month when I had a chance to travel to California with Anna for my niece's baptism, I also got to attend church with my parents in the building that I grew up in. Shortly after I was married my parents moved, and then moved again. Both moves kept them in the same general area but different wards and stakes. The last time I attended my "home ward" was in 1999.
When we pulled up to the Crowslanding chapel a flood of memories came back. But first, I was shocked by how small it looked! In my memories that front grassy area was HUGE! And today it looked so small to my grown-up eyes. I laughed when I realized the shift in perspective.
Today, I wanted to jot down a few memories of attending the Crowslanding Ward, on Crowslanding Road, in the tiny town of Crowslanding, California. Population 355.
Our ward took in several small towns in the area -- Crowslanding, Gustine (where I grew up), Newman, and Patterson. Today, that same area is split into 1 ward and 2 branches that all meet in this building.
Before we had this chapel, the Crowslanding Branch met in a community building. My dad often tells the story of Fast Sunday (the first Sunday of the month when we fast for 2 meals). On that Sunday the Lions Club also used the basement of the building to cook up their monthly pancake breakfast. Having to smell the pancakes and syrup during their church meetings was torture!
My grandpa Rene was the first Branch President.
I was the last baby to be blessed in the branch as they attended in that community building.
The following year, I believe, this chapel was built. It included just what you see here in the front - chapel (on the left), a hallway of 6ish classrooms/offices & baptismal font, and a multipurpose room at the end.
It was dedicated by LeGrand Richards, an apostle of the church.
True to the agricultural community that I grew up in the building is bordered by walnut orchards to the left and back, and an almond orchard across the street. To the right was Ben's house.
We drove 15 minutes (10 miles) to church each week. Many times we took two cars to church when my dad had early meetings. For the drive home we would split up between mom & dad's cars and they would "race" home. One time I was driving with dad and mom was in the lead. We followed closely behind on Highway 33, trying to find a way to pass her when she unexpectedly pulled off to the shoulder of the road. My dad followed, thinking that something was wrong. As soon as we got off the road she gunned it and sped back onto the highway, solidifying her lead and leaving us into the dust! (At least that's the way I remember it -- the roles may have been reversed.)
For a while my dad was in charge of maintaining the grounds. I remember riding my tricycle around the parking lot while he mowed or trimmed the hedges. One day, and I have no idea why, I took off my white socks with lace trim and stuffed them into a drainage pipe at the edge of the sidewalk. So weird that I even remember that.
Notable events that were held in this building: my baptism, my grandma Margaret's mission farewell, and both of my grandparent's funerals (1983 and 1999).
When I started taking piano lessons at age 5 from Kim (age 16), we would meet here in the Primary room. Her family lived far up in the hills and this was a good meeting point.
When we grew in numbers and eventually became a ward, my dad was the first bishop.
Sometime around age 10 we got approval for construction of "phase 2" -- this included a gym, kitchen, and many more classrooms on the back of the building. It was such a blessing!
This steeple. This is where the kids would hang out at the end of the church block on Sundays, waiting for our parents to come out and gather us home. I just had to get a picture of Anna on the pedestal.
During my freshman year, I attended early morning seminary here. Everyday. The following year they decided to split the class in two and to attend in the instructor's homes on either ends of the ward boundaries, providing a much shorter drive.
There was that one time I ran over Sam's foot/ankle in the parking lot.
And the time that Denver pulled the fire alarm.
And we can't forget when Denver walked back into sacrament meeting (after going to the bathroom on his own - dad was bishop and mom was wrangling 5 children) with no pants on and made all the old ladies on the back row giggle. He was 3 or 4.
The upholstery on the pews and the carpet have changed from orange to mauve-y pink to purple.
My dad and I attended ward choir practice after church in the Relief Society Room. It was pretty great because each week someone was in charge of bringing snack & treats.
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When I attended church here last month I recognized next to no one. So much has changed since I moved. But it was heart-warming still to see this building that I grew up in and remember it all -- primary classes, young women activities, ward chili cookouts and talent shows, shaking hands with Brother Leatham in the foyer, and always sitting in our family's spot - the back 2 rows on the left.
In conjunction with Story Sunday I plan to share one idea, resource, or bit of inspiration to assist others with sharing & recording their story.
I really enjoyed the following video. There are no words, just animation & music and yet it powerfully teaches the importance or keeping and sharing our family stories. Every family has a story.
