I grew up in Port Vue, Pennsylvania, in a time when communities were tightly knit, and neighbors looked out for one another. My earliest memories are of walking two miles to school with the neighborhood kids, stopping at the little store by the school on our way home if we were lucky enough to have a few pennies to spare. Life was simple, yet filled with moments that shaped who I would become.
Faith has always been a part of my journey, though it has grown and evolved over the years. My first recollection of church was at the Port Vue Methodist Church, a small building on the side of a hill where I attended Sunday school. My parents and grandparents were active in their churches, and that legacy of faith was instilled in me from a young age. My father played piano for the Sunday school, and my mother was in charge of the kitchen, organizing meals and making sure everything ran smoothly. Our home was one where faith was practiced through service, and I saw firsthand how deeply it could shape a community.
As I grew older, the world around me changed in profound ways. I remember the Korean War and witnessing the impact of events like the assassinations of President Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert Kennedy, and the killing of students at Kent State. The world was shifting, and with it, so was my understanding of faith. I came to realize that faith isn’t just about belief—it’s about action, about standing up for what is right and being a light in the darkness.
One of the proudest moments of my life was marrying Mary. From the moment I met her at Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh, I knew she was special. A sorority sister of hers dragged her down the hall to introduce us—right in front of my entire office. I wasn’t quick to ask her out, but when I finally did, it didn’t take long for me to realize that she was the one I wanted to spend my life with. Our journey together has been one of love, faith, and partnership. We’ve celebrated joys, navigated challenges, and built a life rooted in our shared belief in God.
Faith was especially important when I went back to school to finish my college degree while working full-time. Mary’s unwavering support carried me through long nights and exhausting days. I remember attending the senior banquet before graduation, standing up as one of the graduating seniors, and hearing the murmurs of surprise—most of my classmates had never taken a night class and didn’t recognize me. But perseverance and faith got me through, and that experience taught me the value of determination and hard work.
Throughout my life, faith has been a guiding force, helping me navigate difficult times. There have been moments when I’ve needed to lean on God’s strength more than ever. Though some of those moments are too personal to share, I can say with certainty that I have felt His presence in the most unexpected ways—through a kind word, a thoughtful note, or the simple reminder that I was not alone.
Being part of a church community has shaped me in countless ways. When we moved from Pittsburgh back to Mary’s hometown of Irwin, I became deeply involved in the Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon and later serving as Moderator of the deacons. One pivotal moment was when our pastor asked if we would consider sponsoring Vietnamese refugees after the Vietnam War. We agreed to discuss it, but before we had time to deliberate, we received a phone call: "They’re here." Without hesitation, we stepped up, finding ways to help them adjust to life in America. That experience reinforced what I had always believed—faith calls us to act, to serve, and to extend love to those in need.
When Mary and I moved to Maine to be close to our family, we found a new church family within the Methodist tradition. Adjusting to a new denomination came with its challenges, but ultimately, we found that the core of our faith remained unchanged. No matter where we worship, what matters is our belief in Christ and our commitment to serving others.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my faith journey has been the friendships I’ve built along the way. Whether through Bible studies, church committees, or simply sharing life with others, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of fellowship. Above all, my best friend has always been Mary, my wife. She has been my partner in faith, my confidante, and my greatest source of support.
Music has also played a significant role in my faith. Some of my favorite hymns include Go Tell It on the Mountain and He Lives. These songs capture the essence of what I believe—spreading the good news of Christ and celebrating His presence in our lives. Easter and Christmas have always been very meaningful times for me, as they remind me of the hope and renewal that faith brings.
While I’m not much of a book reader, I enjoy staying informed through news and discussions on topics that intersect politics and faith. I’ve always been interested in how religious movements evolve and how different interpretations of Christianity shape our world. Additionally, I have a passion for railroads, a lifelong interest that Molly, our daughter, has encouraged with thoughtful gifts and shared enthusiasm.
If I could pass one message on to my family, it would be this: Remember what Christ did for us, live by the golden rule, and always strive to help others. My father used to say, "Go good," and I try to live by that simple yet profound statement. We should do our best, be there for others, and ensure that our actions reflect our faith.
When I think about my hopes for my daughter and granddaughter, I pray that they continue to grow in their faith and remember the foundation that has been laid for them. Faith is not something inherited—it’s something nurtured, something lived out daily in our choices and interactions with others.
Looking back on my life, I hope to be remembered as someone who cared, who looked out for others, and who lived with integrity. Trust, understanding, and patience have been the keys to my marriage and my life, and I believe they are essential virtues for any lasting relationship.
Life is constantly changing, and while we may not always like or understand those changes, we must remain aware of the world around us. Through it all, my faith has been my anchor, guiding me through uncertainty and reminding me that God is always in control.
I am grateful for the journey I’ve had—the people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, and the faith that has sustained me. As I continue forward, I do so with the assurance that no matter what lies ahead, I am in God’s hands, and that is more than enough.
Faith has always been a part of my journey, though it has grown and evolved over the years. My first recollection of church was at the Port Vue Methodist Church, a small building on the side of a hill where I attended Sunday school. My parents and grandparents were active in their churches, and that legacy of faith was instilled in me from a young age. My father played piano for the Sunday school, and my mother was in charge of the kitchen, organizing meals and making sure everything ran smoothly. Our home was one where faith was practiced through service, and I saw firsthand how deeply it could shape a community.
As I grew older, the world around me changed in profound ways. I remember the Korean War and witnessing the impact of events like the assassinations of President Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert Kennedy, and the killing of students at Kent State. The world was shifting, and with it, so was my understanding of faith. I came to realize that faith isn’t just about belief—it’s about action, about standing up for what is right and being a light in the darkness.
One of the proudest moments of my life was marrying Mary. From the moment I met her at Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh, I knew she was special. A sorority sister of hers dragged her down the hall to introduce us—right in front of my entire office. I wasn’t quick to ask her out, but when I finally did, it didn’t take long for me to realize that she was the one I wanted to spend my life with. Our journey together has been one of love, faith, and partnership. We’ve celebrated joys, navigated challenges, and built a life rooted in our shared belief in God.
Faith was especially important when I went back to school to finish my college degree while working full-time. Mary’s unwavering support carried me through long nights and exhausting days. I remember attending the senior banquet before graduation, standing up as one of the graduating seniors, and hearing the murmurs of surprise—most of my classmates had never taken a night class and didn’t recognize me. But perseverance and faith got me through, and that experience taught me the value of determination and hard work.
Throughout my life, faith has been a guiding force, helping me navigate difficult times. There have been moments when I’ve needed to lean on God’s strength more than ever. Though some of those moments are too personal to share, I can say with certainty that I have felt His presence in the most unexpected ways—through a kind word, a thoughtful note, or the simple reminder that I was not alone.
Being part of a church community has shaped me in countless ways. When we moved from Pittsburgh back to Mary’s hometown of Irwin, I became deeply involved in the Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon and later serving as Moderator of the deacons. One pivotal moment was when our pastor asked if we would consider sponsoring Vietnamese refugees after the Vietnam War. We agreed to discuss it, but before we had time to deliberate, we received a phone call: "They’re here." Without hesitation, we stepped up, finding ways to help them adjust to life in America. That experience reinforced what I had always believed—faith calls us to act, to serve, and to extend love to those in need.
When Mary and I moved to Maine to be close to our family, we found a new church family within the Methodist tradition. Adjusting to a new denomination came with its challenges, but ultimately, we found that the core of our faith remained unchanged. No matter where we worship, what matters is our belief in Christ and our commitment to serving others.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my faith journey has been the friendships I’ve built along the way. Whether through Bible studies, church committees, or simply sharing life with others, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of fellowship. Above all, my best friend has always been Mary, my wife. She has been my partner in faith, my confidante, and my greatest source of support.
Music has also played a significant role in my faith. Some of my favorite hymns include Go Tell It on the Mountain and He Lives. These songs capture the essence of what I believe—spreading the good news of Christ and celebrating His presence in our lives. Easter and Christmas have always been very meaningful times for me, as they remind me of the hope and renewal that faith brings.
While I’m not much of a book reader, I enjoy staying informed through news and discussions on topics that intersect politics and faith. I’ve always been interested in how religious movements evolve and how different interpretations of Christianity shape our world. Additionally, I have a passion for railroads, a lifelong interest that Molly, our daughter, has encouraged with thoughtful gifts and shared enthusiasm.
If I could pass one message on to my family, it would be this: Remember what Christ did for us, live by the golden rule, and always strive to help others. My father used to say, "Go good," and I try to live by that simple yet profound statement. We should do our best, be there for others, and ensure that our actions reflect our faith.
When I think about my hopes for my daughter and granddaughter, I pray that they continue to grow in their faith and remember the foundation that has been laid for them. Faith is not something inherited—it’s something nurtured, something lived out daily in our choices and interactions with others.
Looking back on my life, I hope to be remembered as someone who cared, who looked out for others, and who lived with integrity. Trust, understanding, and patience have been the keys to my marriage and my life, and I believe they are essential virtues for any lasting relationship.
Life is constantly changing, and while we may not always like or understand those changes, we must remain aware of the world around us. Through it all, my faith has been my anchor, guiding me through uncertainty and reminding me that God is always in control.
I am grateful for the journey I’ve had—the people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, and the faith that has sustained me. As I continue forward, I do so with the assurance that no matter what lies ahead, I am in God’s hands, and that is more than enough.
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