Aldersgate

This beautiful church is the church that I grew up in.  I attended services here all through my childhood and I was married here many years later.  I remember being a member of the children's choir--the Caroleers-- and the youth choir, as well.  I fondly remember family night dinners and programs and what fun we had in MYF.  The Sunday School was overflowing to the point that an additional educational wing was added at a later date.  The Sunday services were packed and each Christmas Eve the church held three services just to accommodate all of the growing families in attendance.  I especially liked the five o'clock service for families with little children.  It was crowded, it was hot, it was wonderful.  My dad was the minister here during all of those years.  He grew the church from a small congregation to one of the largest Methodist church congregations in the state of Minnesota.  It was hard work but he was a dedicated man and he put himself out there into the community to gather new members.  My dad always said he was lucky because he came to St. Louis Park at the right time.  The war was over and the GI's were coming home and raising families.  We were part of the baby boom generation and we kept the church nursery full for years.  My dad may say that he was lucky to be in the right place at the right time but I say Aldersgate was lucky to have him.  Good job, Dad!!