We had a very special day at Union Church today. First, it has been a special week in general with a pastoral candidate visiting from overseas. He and his wife arrived last Monday, staying until tonight. All week there have been various social and interview-type activities, providing an array of stimulating discussions. Today the candidate preached at the 9:30 and 11:00 AM services. Knowing that he was in town, both services swelled more than normal and the 11 AM service was absolutely packed! (Left: Mr. & Mrs. Roy & Shirley Crane, Wedding Day @ Union Church, Saturday, September 1st, 1956.)

After the first few hymns, and everyone taking a moment to say hello/greet one another, visitors were welcomed and given a chance to introduce themselves. Near the back of the sanctuary a white-haired, elderly lady stood up and shared, with a very distinguished English accent, "My husband and I are visiting today. Many years ago we attended Union Church. In fact, we have returned for our wedding anniversary because we were married 50 years ago in this church!"

The congregation exploded in thunderous applause!

She continued to describe how they were married on September 1st, 1956. After the service the Church gave the newlyweds a leather-bound Bible with their names and the date inscribed in the opening pages, that the lady reported still sat on their bookshelf in the UK. She shared how, in those days, Union Church was a "frightened" Church and no wonder… compared to today. Back then Hong Kong was in the pre-boom period, therefore, still quite small and isolated from the world. Plus, they were just a few years away from the Cultural Revolution and I’m sure trouble across the border was starting to loom.

Still, she described how people would take day trips to Shek-O to go swimming in the ocean (now it takes 45 minutes to drive there) and other picturesque activities of days gone by.

I introduced myself after the service and learned more about their life in Hong Kong, where they lived for several years before moving on to other adventures. It was then that I also learned their names: Mr. & Mrs. Roy & Shirley Crane. (Mrs. Crane’s maiden name was "Gill.") They gave me the above picture and permission to post it on this blog. The amazing thing is… the entrance to Union Church then, looks exactly as it does today. Their presence added a romantic appeal to the day and hopefully confirmed for many that they were in the right place… at the right time.