jun07_04

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

             First Father's Day service in 1908
                     By Kelly Barth
               Dominion Post Staff Writer

Fairmont - The congregation of Central United Methodist Church once
again will observe Father's Day at the home of the holiday's heritage.

The Fairmont church lays claim to the first Father's Day service in the
nation. Steve Sirk, of the church Father's Day committee, said that the
origin of the holiday is often traced to Spokane, Wash. The confusion is
understandable.

Mrs. Sonorah Louise Smart Dodd is largely responsible for establishing
the day as a national holiday in 1982. The Fairmont church, however, has
the satisfaction of knowing that on July 5, 1908, a worship service was
the first true observance. Sheaves of ripened wheat adorned the altar
of what was then called the Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal
Church South. The church at that time was located on the corner of
Second Street and Fairmont Avenue.

"The year before, in 1907, Monongah had been devastated by the loss
of 361 men, most of them fathers, when two mines exploded. Mrs.
Grace Golden Clayton, who is believed to have suggested the service to
the pastor, may have been motivated by the great loss", Sirk said.

The idea to pay tribute to fathers may also have been triggered by what
had taken place in Grafton two months earlier, on May 10, 1908.
Mother's Day had been observed for the first time. Dr. Robert Thomas
Webb officiated at the first Father's Day service. Webb, a former
president of Morris Harvey College, died in 1940.

The Rev. Duane Waters is the current pastor at the church, which is now
located on Third Street and Fairmont Avenue. Central United Methodist
is recognized by the West Virginia Commission on Archives and History
and Father's Day Council, Inc., as the place where Father's Day began.

Last year the church buried a time capsule that contains a copy of the
church sermon, and contributions children regard as pertinent to
Father's Day, such as disposable razors and other gifts.

Dad's advice that's given to me to try to save a dime. Often needed,
seldom heeded and usually right on time. Here is some advice by my dear
old dad given to me while I was still just a lad.

This advice that I thought was great and I'll pass it on at a reasonable
rate. It won't cost you any money not even a dime, just a little attention
and some of your time.

Be a good example, that's what he said to do. Because you don't know
who is really watching you.

Have faith in God in everything you do Your heavenly father, he's
watching over you. Our heavenly Father in heavenly places He looks down
and sees our faces, His grace and mercy and loving-kindness follows His
children and stays behind us. If you want to stay in the right direction

Thinking positive will be your protection. Your word is your bond, that's
who you are. Never take it lightly and it will take you far. No matter how
busy, rich, or gray, You're never too old to go out and play.

No matter how old the kids they are getting' Don't be afraid to hug and
to kiss 'em. Spend as much time as you can with your children So when
they leave, you'll be glad to be rid of 'em. Don't burn your bridges from
how you got over You'll need the help of those that helped you over.

So if you've got a problem that's really really bad Just pick up the
phone and call your dear old dad.