Why I Love Eastridge Presbyterian Church

When I began thinking about why I love this church, I started flipping through the photo album in my mind. I saw the photo of the Carol Choir, made up of 1^st through 3^rd graders, singing at the Easter Sunrise service. We were on the porch of the front entrance on the south side, wearing our robes over our coats, and looking out at the congregation standing on the lawn.      

I saw the image of my shoes stuck in the mud on 56^th Street when my sister and I walked home from choir practice. There were no sidewalks.

I saw the picture of every Sunday school class, from kindergarten through 12^th grade, meeting in Fellowship Hall before the Education Wing was completed. Each class was separated only by moveable wooden room dividers. Boy, was It loud!

I also saw the photos of Fellowship Hall, full of activity on Family Nights, when all ages came together for a potluck, educational activities and mission programs.

That’s also where we had 8^th grade Confirmation Class on Sunday night. Parents served dinner between class and youth group, while we played shuffleboard and ping pong. 

I saw the photo of the confirmation class taken on Palm Sunday, when we were introduced to the congregation. Then we took our first communion on Maundy Thursday and became members of the church.

I remember by the time I was in high school the Education Wing had been added, but it was still crowded. The 10^th grade class met in the storage room—when we didn’t go to Mister Donut.

I also saw the images of going to the church office every week to help my mom mimeograph the weekly bulletin. There was no folding machine, and that was my least favorite job.

In my mind, I saw the photos of all the choirs, from young children to adults, joining together to sing “O Holy Night” at Christmas and “The Palms” on Palm Sunday. We filled the chancel.

As an adult, I have mental photos of the Singles Group or Clipper Club fellowship groups getting together to watch football games, have scavenger hunts or Bible studies. And the annual Thanksgiving dinner sponsored by the Clipper Club.

I saw images of what seems like thousands of meetings I’ve attended. I love that Rev. Huxtable started the tradition that every church meeting should begin or end with prayer. I have even felt the Holy Spirit during meetings in this place.

I have mental photos of so many creative worship services, like when we leave Good Friday services in silence or when we joined together for a Maundy Thursday meal seated at tables running down the center aisle of the Sanctuary.

Most of these memories are positive, and I love having those images in my mind.  But I also love the memories of how Eastridge and its people are there for the sad times, too. My parents were charter members and both of their memorial services were here, and my family felt surrounded by love. We were provided with meals after those memorial services, and I’ve received food after health issues. I have been given the opportunity to develop relationships with pastors who listen, care, and serve with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love. I’ve even had the opportunity to benefit from pastoral visits in the emergency room--twice!

I was raised in this church through young adulthood, and then I moved away for six years. When I returned to Lincoln, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come back here or join another Presbyterian church. As it has turned out, I’m so glad I returned to Eastridge. I love the people of this church and pray that we will continue to share our love with others for another 70 years. 

Robin Hadfield, at the 70th anniversary worship service at Eastridge on May 14, 2023.