A Pew Story

If that title doesn't draw you in....I don't know what will.

A few days ago I shared this photo of a Santa ornament  made from church pew cushions from the Foreside Community Church.  That got me thinking about one of my favorite stories....a church pew story.

Years ago as part of a major renovation project at the Foreside Church the original 1811 pews were replaced with new ones made to look just like the old ones. The old pews were sold as a fundraiser and of course we bought one. Paul wanted to make a table to use as a desk so he carefully took the pew apart getting three beautiful wide boards from the back, the seat, and the kick board.
He worked diligently removing layers and layers of paint revealing the 100 year old pine. As he was working in a corner he uncovered a few letters....M A....then a few more...R  Y.....then a few more...A  N  N! Can you believe it!  There carved in the corner of the random pew he selected was my name...MARYANN! How cool is that!

Here's the table in Paul's study in our house in Madison....nice and tidy because we were getting the house ready to sell.

And not quite as tidy here it is in his office at Hancock Church still being put to good use.