Rev. Wm. G. Gillespie, Pastor

Dear Members:

Today, I celebrate with you, fifty-three years of service in this Church, Community, and City. So many people marvel that we have been together so great a time. One said to me, "You've worked too long without a sabbatical. You must take a rest or a vacation." "But where will I go?" I asked. "Decide where you'd rather go than any place on earth, and go there." I promised that I would do that. "I will go there tomorrow." Well, the next morning, I went to my office at 4673 Labadie Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. I am not a workaholic, not driven. I enjoy my work more than anything else. I love our church, ... each member.

There's an old Chinese proverb ... often attributed to Confucius. It goes like this:

If you would be happy for one hour, take a nap. If you would be happy for a day, go fishing. If you would be happy for one week, kill your pig and eat it. If you would be happy for one month, get married. If you would be happy for one year inherit a fortune. If you would be happy for a life, love your work.

We can't all enjoy our jobs. I am grateful to God that I love my job. It's my calling. ... I love my wife and family, ... I love each of you. John 5:17 reads: "My Father is working still and I am working." Thank you for permitting me to do this. ... Full speed ahead! May God continue to bless you with long life and great peace.