An anonymous quote says, "Some people come into our lives and quickly go...some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same."
Two such people in my life were Merle and Jess Hoyt, two wonderful Christian people who taught Sunday School for young people at our Presbyterian church in Kansas City [Central Presbyterian] in the late 1940's. The class was called the Congress Class. "Pappy" and Mrs. Hoyt considered each of us a part of their family. They sponsored our Sunday evening devotionals and socials, and their home was always open to us. The members of the Congress Class became a close-knit group of Christian friends. Many romances blossomed within this class, including mine and Bob's, and we were married in that church 57 years ago.
Over the years, many of us moved away, but the bond among the "Congressors" remained strong. Every few years we held a reunion and 50-60 people came together from across the U.S. for a weekend of fun, reminiscing, and to attend the worship service.
The Hoyts retired to Arkansas and in the 1980's Mrs. Hoyt passed away. A new church was being built there and the Congressors decided to collect money to buy a stained glass window for it in honor of "Pappy" and in memory of Mrs Hoyt. The day it was dedicated, sixty of us were there, including two former members who had become ministers and took part in the church service. The pride, joy and love we all felt that day was beyond words.
Many of the "Congressors" are gone now, but those left still keep in touch. I feel so fortunate to have been part of this Christian fellowship that played such an important part in my spiritual growth. These are just some of the people who have "left footprints on my heart"---and the list keeps growing. Christ's love for us, too, keeps on growing. One of many of God's blessings! Thanks be to God!
BB for St. Mark Presbyterian Lenten Devotional Book, 2005
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