The Day Nearly Everyone Stood Up

Last evening, the seniors attending the evening service at Camp Meeting were recognized in a special and fun-spirited tribute led by Carolina Conference President Leslie Louis.

Louis first acknowledged that he himself (in his 70s) belongs to this group, something he unintentially confirmed earlier that afternoon while attending a seminar. During the presentation, he fell asleep in the back row and woke up after hearing his name being called. He saw everyone looking at him, waiting for an answer to a question the speaker directed at him. Admitting he had missed the question because of his nap, the audience shared a good laugh.

Louis also recounted a humorous story involving former Carolina Conference President Kenneth Coonley, who was leading a similar recognition during a Camp Meeting in the 1990s. After identifying the oldest gentleman present, Coonley congratulated him and asked for his name. The senior replied, “LOUDER,” or so he thought. So the president spoke louder, then asked, “You want me to speak louder?” The gentleman replied, “No, I said my name is Lauder.”

Another lighthearted moment occurred when Louis stated the tribute by asking everyone in the auditorium over 55 years old to stand. When nearly the entire congregation rose to their feet, he remarked that he had not intended for the whole congregation to stand.

He then narrowed the group by asking those over 60 to remain standing. More than half sat down. He asked those over 70 to remain standing, followed by those over 80. Finally, when he asked those over 90 to remain standing, only six individuals remained.

From that group, the oldest lady and gentleman were recognized (pictured):

Charles Garland, age 97

Dorothy Workman, age 93

Jane Haines, Roger Van Arsvell, and Dorothy Workman celebrate their upcoming 94th birthdays with Greg and Jill Morikone. Congratulations!

Both received warm applause from the congregation along with a special token of recognition presented by the Conference president’s secretary, Ginger Bentley.

Louis closed the special tribute by affirming the faithfulness of the senior members of our church and their positive influence on younger generations. He encouraged them with biblical promises such as Proverbs 16:31, where gray hair is described as “a crown of glory.”

The tribute served as a meaningful reminder that one is never too advanced in years to set another goal or dream a new dream.

May our goal be to behold the Lord Jesus daily, and our dream to lead others to do the same.

— Mauricio Schiavenin