Sugar Grove
By Paula Mitchell
Perhaps it was over a century ago that Sundays were a rare blend of religious obligation, mandatory rest from the self-sufficient, grueling labor on the pioneer life, and community gathering.
Since settlers often lived in isolation, church was a vital social hub where they would “tarry” before and after the service to catch up with distant neighbors. Worship happened to be the cornerstone of the day. For children, Sunday required practicing the art of being quiet. All were expected to sit still and respect the “Sabbath.” So, misbehavior in church or Sunday School was often met with stern discipline. The Proverbs 22:6 verse, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it,” was strictly adhered to.
Sundays were primarily dedicated to attending church services or conducting Bible readings within the home. When a preacher preached at St. Michael Lutheran Church, it was an all-day occurrence with hundreds attending. All folk walked from miles around. A picnic dinner was enjoyed by all.
Actually, Sunday was the only day dedicated to literacy. Families would gather to read the Bible, which provided a break from the monotony of the farm. This provided spiritual comfort.
The large family meal was most anticipated following the worship service. This, often included extended relatives and neighbors. These meals featured fried chicken, cornbread, beans, and fresh baked breads and desserts.
It was important to rest on the Sabbath. Avoiding daily chores and farm duties were recognized from the arduous nature of pioneer life.
Following the delicious meal, it was customary for adults to gather on the front porch, or in the case of winter, around the hearth to tell stories, reflect on the week, share news, play the banjo or fiddle, and watch the children.
While hard work was avoided, leisure activities were common. Games would be enjoyed, and children played in nearby creeks or hills.
The Sabbath has felt the “pinch” of priorities, social activities and entertainment, which has resulted in a change to the Sabbath during the course of the ages.
Life’s little instructions include the following:
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Be kind.
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Learn to sew on a button.
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Make a genuine apology.
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Visit the library to check out some books to enjoy.
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Interview an older person.
Warmer temperatures have entertained the members in the community. Many have been seen picking up the winter strains of limbs and leaves, tidying up landscapes, and readying the outdoors for summer enjoyment. April will be the time when residents become involved with “picking up trash.” The “Happy Face” is smiling at the due diligence its residents are doing to put out a welcoming flavor to the motorist.
More rain showers have been falling, all readily accepted from the surrounding area. Most of the snow, bar the remnants of the sleet avalanches, has all but disappeared with the creeks and rivers becoming full as they race toward the Potomac River.
Daffodils have craned their necks to reach the beautiful blue skies. This balmy weather will surely change before spring.
Clickety-clacks for the chin waggers are as follows:
•Ketchican, Alaska, has an average rainfall of 200 inches.
•St. Kits was named after Christopher Columbus.
•Tour de France is a bicycle race.
•St. Maarten has the steepest zipline in the world.
•The diameter of the average basketball hoop is 18 inches.
Quotes for the week are as follows:
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward.” — Princess Diana
“Life has two rules: Number one – never quit! Number two – always remember rule number one.” — Duke Ellington
“Often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.” — Helen Keller
“An intelligent person always hides things about himself.” — President Dwight D. Eisenhower
“A smile is the best makeup a girl can wear.” — Marilyn Monroe
Sitting on the patio is the best place to hear the “Talk of The Grove.”
Robert, Nancy, Matt and Robby Hodges spent Saturday with Wesley, Becky, Ben, Emma and Nathan Puffenbarger where they enjoyed a cookout.
Gernon Hoover is celebrating his upcoming 97th birthday, on the 17th. His memory is intact and his whit is ever ready!
Sunday, members of St. John Lutheran Church enjoyed lunch and bowling following worship service.
Twenty-five family members from far and wide had a gathering Saturday at the Ronnie and Christine Bowers’ holler for a wonderful day.
On Sunday, Phil Downs met with his friend, Dennis Hammons of Romney.
Remaining birthdays in March include Julie Smith, 16th; Pat Simmons and Gernon Hoover, 17th; Allison Hoover Morris and Jaden Mitts, 18th; Jean Thompson, 19th; Jennifer Hoover, Sharon Harr, Robbie Sites and David Marsh, 21st; Shirley Pratt and Mike Eye, 22nd; Connor Armstrong, 23rd; Debbie Cayton, 25th; Krystal Walls, 26th; Patty Harper, 27th; Andrew Kiser, 29th; Rudy Mitts, 30th; and Gene Boggs and Doyle Moats, Jr., 31st.
Concerns are for Mercedes Aumann, Dave Basagic, the Sandy Bennett family and friends, “Bo” Boggs, the Dot Brown family and friends, Larry Byers, Stanley Dahmer, Isaac Eye, Carl Gant, Marlene Harman, Armanda Heavner, Keith Hoover, Cynthia Hurry, Melissa Lambert, Roger Mallow, Yvonne Marsh, the Jeff Mitchell family and friends, Sheldon Propst, Bernie Sasscer, the Brenda Simmons family and friends, Robbie Sites, Rene White and Ed Wimer.
