On the sunny Labor Day afternoon of September 4, 2006, forty-nine people gathered under the canopy of a beautiful and unique structure, a picturesque covered bridge in the majestic Cascade Mountains in the heart of Washington State. The Covered Bridge, 72 feet in length spans the seasonal Tucker Creek.
They were assembled for a ceremony of dedication of the bridge by Rev. Gerald Marvel, former pastor (of 30 years) to the congregation of the First Church of God in Vancouver, Washington. This event, held at Easton, Washington at the entrance to “Double K” a Christian Retreat Center owned and operated by the Pacific Northwest Association (PNA) of the Church of God in Washington State, was the culmination of a three year effort by men and women, primarily from the Vancouver Church. Most of the participants were lay men and women and over half were retired seniors. They call themselves the COG-Wheelers (Church of God Wheelers) who travel in their motor homes and RV’s to help out Church of God congregations, colleges, etc. in the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
The COG Wheelers are very ably led by Otto Gaither, a retired building contractor. On this day, Mr. Gaither spoke of the connection between the Double K (whose directors are Chester and Donna Meeks) and the Vancouver COG, which is some 240 miles south of Easton, WA.; a connection which began when the Meeks left Alaska and moved to the Lower 48. In Alaska they were friends of Malven and Effie Gaither, parents of Otto Gaither. When the Meeks accepted the call to be the Directors at Double K five years ago, Otto declared an intent to support them in their efforts.
The first work project undertaken by the volunteer COG Wheelers from Vancouver COG was to replace 69 windows in the McKee and Waran and Bishop Lodges. The success of this project led to several other projects executed by volunteers both men and women. These project included painting of dorm rooms in the Lodges, installing wainscoting in the hallways of two of the Lodges, making curtains for the dining room, concrete work and various painting jobs including refurbishing several directional signs |
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pointing the way to the Retreat Center.
In 2003 when the need to make repairs on the existing bridge spanning the creek leading to the entrance became apparent, a group of men from Vancouver COG (with one or two others from other churches in the state) provided the funds by becoming “board” members. That is paying $50 each (cost of one board) to cover the cost of the timbers necessary to cover the span of the bridge. These men then put muscle with their money and replaced the decking. Seeing the deteriation of the removed timbers led to a greater vision to build a cover over the bridge to protect it from the winter snows and damage caused by snowplows.
During the Dedication time Pastor Marvel told some interesting as well as humorous stories regarding his efforts, as person in charge of raising the sixty plus thousand dollars necessary to complete the structure. Many business people and several PNA churches, too numerous to mention, made contributions of money, time and equipment for this cause.
Marvel then showed a rendering of the brass plaque which will be placed on the bridge, dedicating it to the Glory of God. Using the scripture taken from Ephesians 3:14-21 he inspired the gathering that this was a work of God, by a people of God, for the Glory of God. In attendance were many of the people who worked on the bridge, a few local residents, and Lynda Durand whose late father had for years dreamed of a covered bridge in front of his home by the creek. (This home through the generosity of Mrs. Durand, has housed many volunteer who worked on the bridge, as well as being a retreat spot for pastors around the State).
A prayer of dedication was made by Rev. Rick Steele, chairman of the Double K Board, evoking God’s blessing on all who pass over this bridge - that they might come to know the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior who is the “Bridge” by which all can come into the very presence of God Almighty.
We hope this report will inspire many others to become involved in volunteer projects in their local churches and communities.
The rewards are tremendous! I know. I was a volunteer. |