Regardless of the successful year, I am certain the 1959 graduates in my choir did not really like me much. I was determined to bring the ‘ethereal’ attitude down to earth. Members of the A Cappella choir thought they were a bit better than others since they ‘belonged’ to a very fine choral group. The first thing I did was to change the repertoire from high church and classical to more “show biz”. I also ended the self adoration that resulted in the ‘Annual Awards Banquet’ that included former choir members as guests. I did retain the tradition of asking them to join the choir each time we sang our “Benediction” at the end of our concerts. I got into trouble when I cancelled the ‘annual’ Christmas Concert at the Bryan/College Station Women’s Club (for good reason). Just as the A Cappella choir felt about themselves, membership into the Women’s Club was by invitation only. When a lady was admitted, she had ‘arrived’. The invitation to perform included “Formal Dress”. I had one young lady who simply didn’t have a formal dress, so she was ‘loaned’ a beautiful dress by one of the choir members.  As we were introduced, the President proudly announced that the daughter of one of the members had been kind enough provide required dress and went so far as to ‘introduce’ both young ladies. That was the final appearance by the SFA choir at the B/CS Women’s Club. Needless to say, I was furious. but, that was the way many of the Bryanites felt about who ‘they’ were.(My biggest concern was that my action had most likely destroyed any chance that my wife would be accepted as a member, but she shared my feelings, so it was just fine). Two big events highlighted that first year in Bryan. Both were especially unique and quite memorable. (Stay Tuned)

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“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

And, that’s what I get from MY box of chocolates.      AMEN