A Tribute To Hildreth Hall
There is a lot happening here at the church right now, with Hildreth Hall being one of the busiest areas. We have carpets being replaced, walls being painted, rooms being renovated, lights being changed, and a stage being brought back. This building holds countless memories. I know many of you have been here longer than I have, and I'm sure you have plenty of your own. I have fond memories of Wednesday night dinners with my family after work at the preschool. I also recall many preschool events held in Hildreth Hall. Even though my son Henry is about to start middle school, I still remember him at 4 years old, singing adorable songs on the stage and participating in a Mother's Day tea during the preschool program.
As I walked through the building with Lorraine Taylor this week, we shared a laugh as she reminisced about a particular wall being taken down, then put back up, and now being taken down again. Robert Trigg affectionately remembers the spot he stood in the back left corner of the building during the choir for so many years. Over the almost 40 years since its establishment, Hildreth Hall has welcomed countless individuals through its doors. If walls could speak! This week, I sat down with some of the trustees and staff to reflect on all the amazing experiences that have taken place within that building.
Hildreth Hall has served as the primary worship sanctuary and, after Hurricane Sally, as an alternate worship space. It has also been a home for Sunday school classes and small groups. The hall has hosted a plethora of events including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, AA meetings, homeowner associations, church-wide Bible studies, Methodism 101 sessions, Bird Flu inoculation coordination, staff appreciation events, retirement parties, weddings, wedding receptions, funerals, baby showers, birthdays, Wednesday night dinners, Financial Peace University sessions, Emmaus reunion dinners, Gideon Bible distribution, sorting of school backpack distributions, early response teams for natural disasters, years of Vacation Bible School, a voting precinct, youth band practices, youth lock-ins, book fairs, chili cook-offs, breakfasts with Santa, Spring and Fall festivals, CPR training, active shooter training, Re-boot combat recovery sessions, a sorting station for "Feeding the Gulf Coast", thrift store Christmas parties, volunteer recognition parties, High School sports banquets, recreational league sports banquets, all-church government meetings, preparing pregame meals for the NHS football team, COVID response teams, choir and piano recitals, 30-hour famines, strategic planning weekends, hail and farewell events, tall and small ball gatherings, community craft fairs, Walk Through the Bible sessions, mission trip preparations and planning meetings, dinners with the disciples, the former staff offices and workroom, countless covered dish dinners, and numerous preschool events such as teas, lunches, parties, graduations, and Fitness Fridays.
Hildreth Hall has witnessed many changes within its walls, and it is safe to say that we haven't seen the last of them. However, amidst every paint color change, carpet replacement, and wallpaper installation and removal, one thing remains constant - the fellowship, community, laughter, and memories that have been created, and will continue to be created, within those walls for many years to come. As it transforms into an intentional space for kids and youth on Sunday mornings, it will still be cherished and utilized for all the incredible events yet to come. So, let's salute Hildreth Hall for its exceptional service to our church family!
Did we miss anything? Please comment if you remember anything special from Hildreth Hall that we forgot!