Leicester First Congregational Church

1 Washburn Sq. | Leicester MA 01524

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Best Wishes for Pastor’s Move to the Parsonage

Parsonage Memories
From Cliff Albrecht
In Sunny Florida

I read with increasing interest, Pastor Doreen’s “Note” in the Congregational Connections. As I continued to read, more and more memories of my encounters with the Parsonage returned, dripping back in my mind. A few years ago they may have flooded back, but things have slowed down a bit lately. My first thoughts went back to Rev. McKinstry’s (not sure I’ve got the spelling correct) era when I was about 10 years old. Mrs. McKinstry, I assume, had passed away sometime previous. I have no memory of her. I do remember however, my parents would invite Rev. McKinstry to Sunday dinner on a regular basis and I enjoyed his company at the table much more than his sermons.
Word had spread among the congregation that the good Reverend was a bit lacking in the housekeeping area and it had been many years since there had been a general sprucing up of the facility. As has happened many times since, and I’m sure many times previous, the volunteers came forward to apply their various skills and elbow grease to shape the place up.
Of course, my father volunteered himself and me to help. During the initial phase, furniture had to be moved so wall paper could be stripped, etc. I was helping move the upright piano away from the wall when a caster broke and caused the piano to fall over, on top of me. I managed to escape with minor bruises but it did get everyone quite excited for a while. I was removed from the furniture detail and put on the wallpaper stripping detail. It didn’t take long for me to get hold of a good long piece of wallpaper which fell down on my head and put a good paper cut on my ear. I think that’s when Mom got a call to come get me.
I can think of several more renovations as the parsonage was readied for the succeeding ministers to the Leicester flock, but none as memorable to me as my first one.
I join with the rest of the Church body in wishing Pastor Doreen and her family a happy and rewarding stay at our Parsonage.

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