Tour 2009 - Day 3

Day 3 Tour 2009

Once again The Edmond’s church family provided us with breakfast before their Sunday Service (where we performed several pieces, to the delight of the congregation) After a Hamden, CT pizza specialty (brick oven thin crust) , we loaded up and headed to Mystic Seaport Village, CT. This village is an historical recreation of a turn of the century fishing village. We had the opportunity to explore the village, ride boats, and learn about the whaling industry (and eat much homemade fudge!). The tour participants gathered around a huge antique anchor and sang “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord” It was quite moving and drew a crowd of curious onlookers. (see photos) On the edge of town overlooking the village was our host church, Union Baptist Church. Coincidentally, Walt and Peggy Edmonds were married here. The quaint church was built in 1836, and remains full of charm. On a lighter note, 3 of 4 dress bags (in which we transport the girls’ dresses), had major “Febreze” leaks, allowing all of the liquid to be absorbed by the dresses. We had to air them out on a very breezy front porch.

As many dresses were blown off, it resembled a portion of the “The Flying Nun” (for those of you old enough to remember that show). Need less to say we were the best smelling choir in town! (despite the smelly boys!) All was dry by the evening concert, which was again beautifully moving.

A highlight of the concert was when Cameron Grimes, who conducts the men's piece "I Love You Lord", to all the fathers on Father's Day. The evening concluded with another night spent with wonderful host families. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all of our fathers and husbands!!

Click Here to View Pictures from Day 3

Tour 2009 - Day 2

Day 2 Tour 2009

After a fabulous breakfast in West Chester, we drove to New Haven, CT, where we went on a tour of Yale (compliments of Chip Edmonds) where Walt received his Master of Divinity degree. To our surprise there was an Art’s Festival on the ‘green’ at Yale where we were entertained with Scottish Bagpipes, Rock Bands, Gospel music and other forms of entertainment. We enjoyed a picnic lunch in the park. Following our campus tour, we loaded the busses and drove to Spring Glen United Church of Christ in Hamden, CT. Chip and Erin’s church family provided us with a delicious potluck dinner. The concert was as spectacular as the previous night and the audience was very appreciative. We enjoyed a good night’s sleep in our respective host homes.

Click here to view photos from Day 2

Tour 2009 - Day 1

Day 1 Tour 2009

Our group gathered in the sanctuary at DUMC to start our tour with song and prayer. Then we headed to Philadelphia, where we were able to have a brief visit to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and our picnic lunch. We also toured the Johnson House (one of the first underground railroad houses to free the slaves) and the Concord School House (one room). The youth got a dose of reality driving through the city and seeing firsthand where many people gained their freedom.

The West Chester United Methodist church is a magnificent mix of old and new. The sanctuary has gorgeous stained glass windows and amazing wooden arches framing a fantastic acoustical ceiling. The grace and hospitality demonstrated by the WCUMC youth and church members was outstanding! We had a fantastic spaghetti dinner at the “new” portion of the church. The concert was great (what an amazing acoustical sanctuary!). Both the orchestra and choir certainly rose to the occasion. The WCUMC youth choir joined the Tour group for a few songs to cap off the evening.

Continuing their generosity, WCUMC provided us with a fantastic breakfast, as we gathered Saturday morning to help “send-off “their Summer Youth Tour (they are going to N.Y. C. for 4 days). The two youth groups got along quite well, and I know phone numbers were exchanged!

Cathy D.

Click here to view photos from Day 1