[I wrote the following article in November 2004 and it was published in the December Newsletter of my former church in New York.]
Sunday, November 21, 2004, dawned with overcast skies. The forecast predicted mild temperature throughout the entire day. And gratefully so, because it was the day of the Annual Square Dance, scheduled to start at 1:00 pm, immediately following church services. Members of the Board of Trustee, who organized the Square Dance, were hoping for a large turnout. And not to be disappointed, as early as 12:00 Noon, the faithful regulars started arriving.
After a robust and inspiring church service, congregants hastened to the Chapel, all ready to swing their partners and "Dosido" the afternoon away. Most folks, including many children, were decked out in western-like attires.
Again this year, we were privileged to have the return of the eloquent Gene Lovitt and his lovely wife, Rita, who were very proficient in guiding the dancers through all the various square dance routines. Holding hands, we formed large and small circles. We stomped our feet and clapped our hands, as we jigged to the square dance beat. And leading this energetic group of happy dancers, dressed in her western-like digs, was our own Pastor Jan, in all her glory. We sashayed up and down the aisle to the square dance rhythm, while swinging our partners left and right – the ladies curtsied and the gentlemen bowed – it was square dance as it ought to be.
Halfway through this joyous occasion, the happy dancers paused just long enough to dine on the delicious cuisine of barbecue chicken, hot dogs, potato salad, macaroni and cheese and other tasty dishes. And all this was easily washed down with cups of tasty apple cider and other beverages to everyone’s liking. Later on, desserts of coffee and donuts refreshed the thirsty and tiring crowd.
The kids had a blast! They matched the adults step-by-step – dancing and frolicking only kids knew how. At break time, while waiting for dessert to be served a bevy of beautiful six and eleven year-old girls got to their feet and enjoyed playing the popular game of “Tweety Baby.”
Pastor Jan was jubilant as she stood tall and elegant, thanking all for being there and, most importantly, the Trustees for coordinating another successful afternoon of fun and dance – western style. And to top it off, as a token of appreciation, Sylvia Hamilton, with her luminous smile, went from table-to-table, person-to-person, and delighted everyone with gifts of miniature western hats and boots.
Oh! What a pleasant surprise it was when Pastor Lawrence, our former interim pastor, walked into the room. He was happily greeted with hugs and kisses aplenty.
Well, all good things must come to an end. And so it was, four hours later, the afternoon wound down to a close in a “sing-along” session of popular folk songs. With Gene strumming his banjo, joined by Rita, they blended their beautiful baritone and soprano voices and led the weary but happy dancers in songs such as, “She’ll be coming around the mountain.” “Someone’s in the kitchen with Dinah,” and many more. Then softly Gene and Rita began to sing, “Good Night Irene,” and the audience chimed in; it was a moving finale and everyone knew it was a way of saying “so long,” especially to the two famous Square Dance “Callers,” who will return next year — same place — same time
Sunday, November 21, 2004, dawned with overcast skies. The forecast predicted mild temperature throughout the entire day. And gratefully so, because it was the day of the Annual Square Dance, scheduled to start at 1:00 pm, immediately following church services. Members of the Board of Trustee, who organized the Square Dance, were hoping for a large turnout. And not to be disappointed, as early as 12:00 Noon, the faithful regulars started arriving.
After a robust and inspiring church service, congregants hastened to the Chapel, all ready to swing their partners and "Dosido" the afternoon away. Most folks, including many children, were decked out in western-like attires.
Again this year, we were privileged to have the return of the eloquent Gene Lovitt and his lovely wife, Rita, who were very proficient in guiding the dancers through all the various square dance routines. Holding hands, we formed large and small circles. We stomped our feet and clapped our hands, as we jigged to the square dance beat. And leading this energetic group of happy dancers, dressed in her western-like digs, was our own Pastor Jan, in all her glory. We sashayed up and down the aisle to the square dance rhythm, while swinging our partners left and right – the ladies curtsied and the gentlemen bowed – it was square dance as it ought to be.
Halfway through this joyous occasion, the happy dancers paused just long enough to dine on the delicious cuisine of barbecue chicken, hot dogs, potato salad, macaroni and cheese and other tasty dishes. And all this was easily washed down with cups of tasty apple cider and other beverages to everyone’s liking. Later on, desserts of coffee and donuts refreshed the thirsty and tiring crowd.
The kids had a blast! They matched the adults step-by-step – dancing and frolicking only kids knew how. At break time, while waiting for dessert to be served a bevy of beautiful six and eleven year-old girls got to their feet and enjoyed playing the popular game of “Tweety Baby.”
Pastor Jan was jubilant as she stood tall and elegant, thanking all for being there and, most importantly, the Trustees for coordinating another successful afternoon of fun and dance – western style. And to top it off, as a token of appreciation, Sylvia Hamilton, with her luminous smile, went from table-to-table, person-to-person, and delighted everyone with gifts of miniature western hats and boots.
Oh! What a pleasant surprise it was when Pastor Lawrence, our former interim pastor, walked into the room. He was happily greeted with hugs and kisses aplenty.
Well, all good things must come to an end. And so it was, four hours later, the afternoon wound down to a close in a “sing-along” session of popular folk songs. With Gene strumming his banjo, joined by Rita, they blended their beautiful baritone and soprano voices and led the weary but happy dancers in songs such as, “She’ll be coming around the mountain.” “Someone’s in the kitchen with Dinah,” and many more. Then softly Gene and Rita began to sing, “Good Night Irene,” and the audience chimed in; it was a moving finale and everyone knew it was a way of saying “so long,” especially to the two famous Square Dance “Callers,” who will return next year — same place — same time
And when all was said and done, it was a fun-filled afternoon of dancing and merry-making with echoes of enjoyment declared by all. That afternoon will be etched in our minds until next year, when we return for a repeat performance.
I can’t wait!! Can you?
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