I take this opportunity to come out of the “woods work” and express my sincere appreciation for the recognition given Margaret and me for our past years of work in promoting and caring for our church forest.  At last I know what it is like to be “overwhelmed and speechless!”  At the time it seemed that a mere verbal “thank you” was not sufficient – but I was and am moved to emotion.  It is rewarding to know that the “Thayer Railing” will be there to help one up and down the slippery slope to our forest pond.  Please feel free to “lean on me!”

I assure you that these many years of involvement with the church forest have been a labor of love.  It all began in December of 1947 when Ted Luidens, our pastor at the time, asked me to serve on a committee for reforestation of the Church farm (I must have been just a child at the time!)  I have never regretted that I said “yes.”  However, there are many who, through the years, have supported and worked with us to promote and maintain the forest preserve.

I, somewhat, hesitate to name them for fear of leaving someone off the list, but it seems that this might be a proper time to remember with gratitude those “Saints Who From Their Labors Rest.”

I begin with Andrew Koonz, Sr. Chairman of the Reforestation Committee who did the consulting with the State Forester, the Soil Conservation Department, and the State nursery at Saratoga where we were able to get most of the seedlings free.  Clifford Lasher completed the committee of three and was a knowledgeable and dependable worker.

Others, (in no particular order) who willingly gave of their time, talent and support were:  Jim Wiedemann, Peter Van Kempen, Ralph Spencer, Ralph Wood, Francis Elmore, Warren Kullman, Ed Brooks, Gerry Kriete, John Babcock and William Bennett, Sr.  (If I have eliminated anyone, please advise!)

As for those who are presently caring for, or have in the past, worked in the forest and not yet attained “sainthood” – you know who you are, we, as a congregation are indebted to you for your work with trail clearing, brush cutting, bridge building, etc., etc.

I have many fond memories of the hours worked by our men, women and children in planting the evergreen seedlings in the 50’s and 60’s – of the married couples Sunday School class as a group gathering at the site to plant seedlings until darkness prevailed.

The Outdoor Chapel also brought out large numbers to clear the area, pull tree stumps and construct the benches.  This is also a hoped for dream of Ted Luidens – it only took 40 years to materialize!

In closing, I have a few words of advice – do not fear growing old!  Not only do you get 10% discounts from Ames, and some restaurants, but you accumulate wonderful and lasting memories of working and knowing those “Saints Who From Their Labors [now] Rest!”

Sincerely and with much appreciation for a wonderful, caring church family,
Dick and Margaret Thayer