On Saturday, January 6th, my dad celebrated his 45th year as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Essex Junction, VT. Two pastors from the Vermont area 'happened' to be visiting the mission organization BIMI to put the word out concerning the church's need for a pastor. My dad's friend from Bible college, who was a missionary with BIMI, 'happened' to learn of that need and mentioned my dad was from New England and might be interested in returning. We had just purchased a house in the Valley Station area of Louisville, KY. My dad was the pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Radcliffe where he worked during his Bible college days. Not sure of the rest of the details involved in the decision, but we ended up moving to VT in January of 1979 for him to become the pastor of the church.
On Saturday, January 13th, Tammy, Lizzy, Charlotte, and I drove up to Vermont to celebrate my dad's 80th birthday. As is usual this time of year, ran into snow in the Randolph area to spice up the trip. Upon arrival, Randi and Gabe from OH were there. They had already eaten breakfast, but dad reopened the grill for a second round of dad's blueberry pancakes and eggs along with mom's sausage and cinnamon rolls. The NY Gangwer's arrived as we were finishing up eating. So another round of pancakes and eggs were cooked for them. We then sat around and listened to and told stories. The official party was at 4pm at dad's favorite pizza place - Zachary's. Rachelle, Randi, and I each had brought photos of dad and our families that we had put together. I had also put together a Pop's 80th Party quiz for everyone to fill out to see who knew the most about dad. From Zachary's, everyone headed to Rachelle's house for hot chocolate and birthday cupcakes. There dad opened his presents and more stories were told. All the grandkids stayed at Rachelle's house for games. We old people head to our lodgings for the night. We spent the night with Lizzy and Charlotte at the Sonesta Suites in Williston and returned Sunday morning to CT.
Link to pictures https://photos.app.goo.gl/ycAkXnLEeqycY7rdA
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