We left our home an hour early for the funeral service that we imagined would be well-attended. When we arrived, it was already crowded in the beautiful St. John’s Episcopal church building.
Church members identified by their badges were stationed all around the grounds and entrances to graciously guide people to available seats as the organist and a violinist played lovely music, and the hushed crowd watched as more and more people filled the narthex.
The 45-minute wait was to me a gift. How meaningful to sit in silence in such a beautiful place, among so many who made the time and effort to remember the life of a person who graced our community with his goodness, his profound concern for justice, and his loving-kindness.
As the bells tolled, the bereaved family made their entrance and the congregation stood lovingly in their honor, singing the stately hymn, “God of our Fathers.” From beginning to end the service was dignified, meaningful, encouraging, joyful, and inspiring.