THE ORCHESTRA AND THE GOLDEN RULE

Whenever we made a move to another place we usually found a nearby church whose members sought to follow the basic tenets of “The Golden Rule, Do unto Others as you would have them do unto you.” This embraces making the basic decision of acceptance of this Biblical scripture and daily learning to put into practice through each decision made in real life, that of “growing in grace and in the knowledge of God.” It might be compared to registering at Earth University and living out these words with each daily decision, having both fun and joy as we do it. As we are pleasantly connecting with others life takes on new meaning.

The pastor of our church in Portland had been raised in our own Alberta neighbourhood near Orion. It wasn’t long before the young people gathered one day each week to form a band. They tuned up their instruments at various church functions and sometimes at a restaurant especially during the Christmas season. One of the band members did not own an instrument but was great with the maracas as she bounced in perfect time with the other instruments and set feet tapping in the audience.

There was usually a collection plate passed around to be used for a future need. One evening the man with the offering plate mounted the stage and presented the plate to the band’s leader. Ken pretended he thought the offerings were being taken up to give to his excellent orchestra to be divided among them. He nodded and said, “Oh that’s okay, we won’t be charging for our music, it’s for a good cause.” The audience clapped their hands with delight especially since it came from the mouth of one who has often been called “a man of few words.” During the mid 1960s he learned to play the guitar by tuning to lessons being given on the TV. When he had another engagement we recorded it for him so he didn’t have to miss any of the lessons. Perhaps the learning channel in your area may still carry it.