Rocky Springs Nativity Story
One of my favorite memories about Rocky Springs is of the annual Christmas party for the children. Bentley Massengill was our pastor at that time. A week or two prior to the party, each Sunday School class would draw names to exchange gifts. We were given a limit of one or two dollars, which went a lot farther at the time than it does now.
As each child arrived, they would hand their gift to one of the lady volunteers who greeted us warmly and placed the present under the tree. We were then directed to a refreshment table at the end of the room for cookies and punch. The party was held in a large room which was opened up by sliding back the divider curtains between three classrooms. At the far end near the wall was a piano which was played by either Nedra MacDonald or Sandra Massengill, the Bro. Massengill?s eldest daughter (I?m not sure who, but it must have been one of them as they were the only piano talent we had).
On one end of the room was a table with refreshments and nearby was a small podium. Next to the podium would be a large Christmas tree with mounds of presents underneath. There would be a couple of long rows of folding chairs facing the podium where we sat to sing hymns after bags filled with candy and nuts were passed around. Silent Night, Away In a Manger, Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem, The First Noel, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, and others. Then the lights would be dimmed and Brother Massengill would pause until the noise died down. Then, in that kind, fatherly voice of his, he began to read the story of the nativity. I?m not sure what it was . . . but there was something about the way he told it that filled my heart with awe and wonder. I could just imagine that night . . . the star shining brightly . . . so large and so brilliant that it could be seen all around. Shepherds guarding their flock saw it, and then the angels appeared to announce the birth of baby Jesus. The star guided them to the manger where baby Jesus lay. The three wise men were guided by it. They found him wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. What a peaceful, serene scene he painted. It so touched my heart that, even when I went to bed that night, I could envision the magic of that night.
Kevin Anderson on 12-20-2021 at 11:19 PM
Really nice to see what doing God's will can produce. I am visiting your site, because I am a direct descendant of your first pastor, Rev. R. F. Fancher. What a legacy!
Troy Elmore on 12-20-2021 at 11:19 PM
We received your notice of the Rocky Springs Memorial Day 2016. We wish we could be there in person to support this, but it just isn't possible at this time. We have sent a small contribution for your cemetery upkeep. We certainly appreciate everything you do in this matter for our family who is there. Thank you so much! Troy Elmore and family from South Carolina
One of my favorite memories about Rocky Springs is of the annual Christmas party for the children. Bentley Massengill was our pastor at that time. A week or two prior to the party, each Sunday School class would draw names to exchange gifts. We were given a limit of one or two dollars, which went a lot farther at the time than it does now.
As each child arrived, they would hand their gift to one of the lady volunteers who greeted us warmly and placed the present under the tree. We were then directed to a refreshment table at the end of the room for cookies and punch. The party was held in a large room which was opened up by sliding back the divider curtains between three classrooms. At the far end near the wall was a piano which was played by either Nedra MacDonald or Sandra Massengill, the Bro. Massengill?s eldest daughter (I?m not sure who, but it must have been one of them as they were the only piano talent we had).
On one end of the room was a table with refreshments and nearby was a small podium. Next to the podium would be a large Christmas tree with mounds of presents underneath. There would be a couple of long rows of folding chairs facing the podium where we sat to sing hymns after bags filled with candy and nuts were passed around. Silent Night, Away In a Manger, Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem, The First Noel, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, and others. Then the lights would be dimmed and Brother Massengill would pause until the noise died down. Then, in that kind, fatherly voice of his, he began to read the story of the nativity. I?m not sure what it was . . . but there was something about the way he told it that filled my heart with awe and wonder. I could just imagine that night . . . the star shining brightly . . . so large and so brilliant that it could be seen all around. Shepherds guarding their flock saw it, and then the angels appeared to announce the birth of baby Jesus. The star guided them to the manger where baby Jesus lay. The three wise men were guided by it. They found him wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. What a peaceful, serene scene he painted. It so touched my heart that, even when I went to bed that night, I could envision the magic of that night.