Memories from my youth.

In he 1940s, and before, refrigerated air conditioning was rare. The compact, efficient compressors that provide A/C for cars and private homes, had not yet been developed. A/C was available only in theaters and some retail store. Certainly not in churches.

Thus, most every church provided hand-held fans you could wave in front of your face for a little relief. On hot summer nights, however, many congregations opted to hold their services outdoors. Many churches put up a large tent in a nearby vacant lot, spread the ground with sawdust, lined up folding chairs, and called it church.

In Kansas City, Kansas, where I lived, there were a number of churches with all black congregants. When they had their summer evening services outside, everyone off the street was welcome to walk in and join them, which I did several times.

One thing I found in common with all these groups: worship service was a time of joyous celebration. The service always began with a "song service", and it was wonderful. People singing at the top of their voices, "Isn't it grand to be a Christian", and meaning every word of it. I especially loved joining in as a congregation sang : "Won't you have a little talk with Jesus... "

When the service began, the Pastor was actually listened to, verified by a chorus of Amens from the congregation when he admonished them against the ways of the world. If there were not enough Amens, the pastor would repeat his admonition until he received the desired response.

Recently I attended a memorial service for a deceased friend. A formalized, scripted event with hymns recited in a wooden sort of way. I wished I could have brought in one of those old black pastors. He would have ended the spirit of gloom, assuring us that our departed friend was now in the loving arms of his Savior, for a joyous reunion with his long departed parents, grandparents and friends who have gone before. Then the chorus would sing and the congregation would join in a celebration of the life of our friend.

Is it a surprise that church attendance has waned? There is little joy left inside those sacred doors.