From the October 20, 2002, issue of Steeple Notes

Simply put, we now house the third-best collection of Wesley artifacts and collectables on exhibit in the world. The first is at Wesley's Chapel, London. The second is at the revered World Methodist Museum Conference Center known as Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. This has been made possible by an incredible donation by LaVere and Zola Webster. LaVere is one of the best-known Wesley collectors in the world. We know him as a retired United Methodist preacher who worships with us weekly, programs with us frequently, takes an occasional turn as a Sunday morning liturgist, and (along with Zola) is a regular participant in mission work projects in Costa Rica and the Czech Republic. And those who have been around for a while remember LaVere and Zola during the G. Ernest Thomas years, when LaVere followed Carl Price as Minister of Education from 1966-1968.

While parts of LaVere's collection are located elsewhere, and while he is not laying his passion for antiquities to rest forever, he approached us a year ago with the idea of finding a home for his most treasured items. We responded with an enthusiastic "Yes." Then the Endowment Trustees graciously stepped up to the plate and offered Endowment Fund support for the beautiful cabinetry in which the Webster collection is presently housed.

What an incredible gift to the church (from both the Websters and the Endowment Trustees). Without expending anything from the Operating Fund, we now have art, artifacts and cabinetry. This is visual history rather than archival history. It is meant to be seen and enjoyed. In a day when denominational lines are blurring (and, in some instances, disappearing), this is a wonderful way to reconnect with roots and honor our ancestors.

This Sunday, we will take a few moments in worship to dedicate the gift. We'll also sing a few Wesley hymns, and LaVere and Zola will be in the "west end" to facilitate some casual browsing. There will also be tea and edibles of some kind adjacent to the exhibits, complimenting our normal coffee hour. So if you haven't ventured in that direction in a while, why not consider an alteration to your normal pattern? In short, go west, my friends, go west.

Sincerely,
William A. Ritter