Tag Archives: Methodist Church

David’s Diary – June 2, 1970

Tuesday, 2 June 1970

Up about 8:15. Had breakfast, shaved; called Mrs. Lilja to ask her to play for our summer hymnsings—she agreed to. Went to the P.O., letter to David Watson, to the church—to change the wayside pulpit; went to town hall to leave off the petition at selectmen’s office re: traffic on Broadway. Then I went to Mill Brook Park—visited with Anna and Alvina, Ethel Leary, Gertrude Parsons and Ellie Martin; then I stopped briefly at the Ornes to pick up a paper. I got home in time for Bonnie to leave for work—about 12:35. I had my lunch. In the afternoon I watered the tomatoes and strawberries, fixed the arm chair, put a piece of peg-board wood as a retainer along a shelf on the back porch. Also—Margaret Reilly came by to look once again at Garcia’s downstairs apt. They had left the key with me. Just before Bonnie came home I started mowing—I’m trying to conquer a little of the yard each day. The grass is very tall in some sections. Mowed from 5:20–5:25. Watched CBS news—had supper. About 7:30 I went to see Dick Manson re: leading hymnsings—but he didn’t answer the door. Came home, did phoning, desk work, also worked on my sermon—a short one for Children’s Sunday—finished about 10:10—wrote to my folks. Stopped to bathe c. 11:30.

Wednesday, 3 June 1970

Up shortly after 9:00. Had breakfast. Shaved, typed out a draft of a letter to the Wesleyan Fellowship members. Took this to Jean Crowell at the bank for her suggestions and approval. Came home, mowed. Stopped around 11:30—typed the stencil for the letter, ran it off—mowed some more—until about 12:45. Had my lunch. Went to the P.O., dropped the letters off at the bank with Jean. Spent the afternoon calling. Saw Louise Rich—Grace Harris wasn’t there. Saw Esther Longley at the Den-Mar; Rip Hannibal—Bertha Wicky and family. I came home about 5:30. Storm clouds gathering, so I rushed to do some more mowing done—but the rain came before I finished. We fixed supper, watched CBS news. I then did some phoning, fixed the door to Bonnie’s study (the small door to keep Debbie out)—it was off the hinges. Then we tinkered with our Coleman stove and lantern—while watching Nixon giving a “progress report” on Cambodia—a tactical success supposedly—but what about long range consequences? What he left unsaid about the whole situation was more important than what he said; wrote a letter to Mrs. Myers. Bathed about 11; off to bed to read; LO c. 12:00.

Thursday, 4 June 1970

Up about 9:00 after Θ. The first thing I did was mow—I had just a little to finish. Then I had breakfast. Then cleaned the lawn mower. Shaved, prepared to leave for Gloucester—Debbie’s regular checkup with Dr. Kline at 11 o’clock. We arrived right on time; as usual we had to wait a while. But were out about noon. Debbie passed with flying colors. We came home after one stop in Gloucester. Had lunch, did some planning for our camping trip next week. I did some calling. I got to Jodreys just as Mrs. Jodrey (+ her son the judge) were preparing to leave on errands—so I’ll see her again next week. I went then to see Mrs. McMartin who is leaving for Scotland tonight. After this visit I came on home—tended to various things: finished cleaning the mower, worked with the clothes line pole in the back yard—anchored in a large chunk of concrete. I don’t know how we’re going to get rid of it. Late in the afternoon I helped Bonnie with supper. Watched CBS news. At 7:30 I left for the Board of Selectmen meeting—presented request for one way (with parking) along Broadway. Home about 9:15. Relaxed, then we asked the Garcias to have a des(s)ert with us. They came over about 10:00—we had a warm pudding-cake. Talked til about midnight—they went home. Read in bed briefly, LO 12:40.

Friday, 5 June 1970

Up about 9:00. Shaved, had breakfast. About 9:45 I left for Gloucester; Jim Bussey and I had a 10 o’clock appointment with Jack Roberts. We arranged for C.A.M.P. to sponsor another drug education program for adults. When we were finished—by 10:30—I stopped briefly on the 2^nd floor to see Mrs. Quinn—a member of the Bible class who recently had surgery. I was home by 11:00. Shortly thereafter Bill Crowell arrived with his car and trailer—we hauled odds + ends to the dump, including our incinerator—no more burning—we’ll take everything to the dump. I visited for a while with the Garcias—then Bonnie left for work. I had my lunch. I puttered most of the afternoon. I placed sod where the incinerator had been, read some, napped. I worked on supper. We ate about 6:30—watched CBS news. After supper—about 7:30—I went over to see Dick Manson—he’s going to lead a hymn sing for us. I came home, put the picnic table top on, then for the rest of the evening turned to desk work, telephoning. About 9:30 Bonnie gave me a HAIRCUT—about 10:30 we called the Kings [1] in Detroit. He can’t make it out for my ordination—worked at my desk til about 11:45. Read, bathed, OBLO 1:00 A.M.

[1] Levon King, the minister who married us. He ended up in a different career—and met a tragic end. He died in 2016 in the crash of a small plane that he had built himself: http://www.pressandguide.com/news/dearborn-couple-killed-in-ohio-plane-crash/article_9f21bc1c-650c-5b7f-8001-1426c8041625.htmlf

Levon King (Photo from Detroit Free Press online, 2016)

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David’s Diary – May 29, 1970

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Friday, 29 May 1970

Up about 9:00 I guess. Had a quick breakfast, then got to work again typing my theological statement. I worked at it pretty steadily during the morning—Bonnie went to weed at the garden—finally!—I finished it! About 12:30. So I had lunch, took care of Debbie, who was finishing up her lunch; Bonnie had left for work. Little did I suspect, however, that the whole afternoon would be consumed with the thing—I had to very carefully—slowly—proofread both the sermon and the theological statement, put them in binders. About 4:45 I put Debbie in the stroller, and we went to the post office—and I got rid of the two documents that had taken so much of my time. Came home, and Bonnie arrived too—just about 5:00—she got off work early. I read the newspaper, then did some straightening up in my study—worked on this til about 6:30. Bonnie and Debbie had supper; about 6:50 I left for the high school—I gave the invocation and benediction for the High School Sports Banquet. It was a good meal and an interesting evening. Got home about 10:00. Tended to things around my desk. I inscribed and wrapped the books which I’m giving to Bill Elwell + Karen Haskell on Sunday. Read; bathed; read; OBLO, 12:30. Θ

Saturday, 30 May 1970

Up after 9:30 ^(?)^ The Garcias got in last night—we heard them after we’d turned out the lights—so we saw them this morning. My main concern for the morning, after breakfast, was to make some progress on my sermon. By the time I quit for lunch I was only about ¼ done. Debbie got to play with the Garcia tricycles—and she just became hysterical when she was separated from them. I shaved at around 12:30. Had lunch, then went to the garden—got there about 1:20—went early to haul compost. Worked all afternoon—planting tomatoes—actually I didn’t plant them—drove stakes mostly (or dug holes for them). We came home shortly before 5:00. I ran off copies of a letter in Life magazine—from the fiancé of one of the girls killed at Kent State. This will be a bulletin insert in the morning. After supper (6:30 – 7:00) I went to Busseys to cut these on their paper cutter, and to give Jim some. Came home, did the bulletins, prepared the service, prepared a letter to the Selectmen re: Broadway Avenue. I’d talked with Anne Fisk about it this afternoon. Finally turned to finishing the sermon—bathed about midway—finished at 1:45 (ugh!), OBLO 2 A.M.

Monday, 31 May 1970

Up about 8:15—shaved, had breakfast, practiced sermon. My class arrived at 9:30. Today was our final session together—I gave them books—to Karen I gave the Peake Commentary; to Bill I gave the Oxford Annotated RSV. I went to the church about 10:30. Preached a sermon on the call to worship which we’ve been using. Home by 12:30. Had lunch—saw the Garcias. Had a call from the folks wishing us Happy Anniversary. My main concern for the day was putting in a tomato patch—9 X 7 feet—it was thick tough sod—and it was a major project to get the ground prepared. Bonnie took most of the sod and put it in Debbie’s play area. I worked from shortly after 1:00 til about 2:30—then had to go to C.A.M.P. meeting at Riverdale—took Gladys Haskell. I was back by 4:15 and got back to work. Broke for supper about 6:15. I was desperately hungry. Watched the news—relaxed—then got back to work at 7:00. Finally got the ground ready—we put out 6 tomato plants—will put in 2 more. We bathed, then about 9:00 went to the Patriquins for mug-ups—this was about the most spectacular way this year that we’ve observed our anniversary—didn’t even exchange gifts—saving our money. Came home, Θ+ , LO, c. 11 o’clock.

Monday, 1 June 1970

[Top panel: phone call tonight to Ed Drake Malden]

A hot humid day; up about 9:30. Had breakfast, then went to Silva Bros. Florists to get some more tomato plants—got two in one pot. Came home, separated them, planted them. Spent the morning working with them and the strawberries—the mail man brought word from the Board of Ministry that it had been finally voted to ordain me. I shaved about noontime, had lunch. Bonnie went to work. I did some work in my study—made a list of things to do—wrote a letter to David Watson. About mid-afternoon I went back to Silva Brothers—took Debbie along—I pushed her in the stroller. Got 2 more tomato plants—which I didn’t separate. And I put two of our very tiny plants on the same stake. Debbie was in her play area—kept shouting Hi! to me—it’s definitely her favorite word these days. She got tired—I put her down for a nap about 5:00. I turned to get some mowing done. I was doing this when Bonnie arrived home. I mowed the very tall grass at the side of the garage—for the first time of the season; had supper at 6:30—watched CBS news; Bonnie went to Community Chorus rehearsal—I tried to get something done on next Sunday sermon; when Bonnie got home we talked about vacation; bathed; OBLO 12:06.

Life Magazine, May 29, 1970, Letter to the Editor, p. 20A, col. 1 (Image via Google Books)

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
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David’s Diary – May 25, 1970

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Monday, 25 May 1970

The mumps infection has not left me entirely—last night I had very painful left jowl—one sore spot just below the ear. This woke me up about 4:45. I got up to take a Darvon—also took time to write the Invocation and Benediction to be used in the service this A.M. I went back to bed about 5:30. Got up later—about 9:30, after getting some sleep. I had breakfast, shaved, then about 11 o’clock headed down to t-wharf. I found Margaret Reilly there, so I had someone to chat there while waiting for things to get started. Finally all the bands and groups marched up—and I did my thing; it was a very short ceremony. I don’t think I’ll be in Rockport enough more years to be invited again—which please(s) me. Came home—an insipid letter from Earl Landgrebe answering my letter on Vietnam. Typed more of my rough draft of doctrinal statement—had lunch, worked further in the afternoon. Bonnie feeling miserable with her period, Debbie slept. About 5:00 I gave Debbie her “lunch”—then about 6:30 we had our supper. In the evening I did more composing and typing on the doctrinal statement. Called the Folks; their 41^st anniversary. From 9:00-11:00 we watched movie on TV: I’ll Take Sweden—a mediocre comedy—but fun. Finished the doctrinal statement about 11:00! Watched news, bathed, watched few minutes of Johnny Carson; OBLO 12:10.

Tuesday, 26 May 1970

Up after 9:00. While I was eating breakfast Margaret called. She’d had more talks—on the phone—with Alan. Maria is on her way back. The main concern of my morning was to put my two ordination documents into final draft form for typing. I got this done essentially in the morning. Late in the morning Bonnie took Debbie and went over to see Carol Lewis. When they got back she fed Debbie and went to work. I was occupied getting my study straightened up. I had a simple lunch early in the afternoon, then began working on my lesson for Bible study tonight—on the pseudepigrapha. [1] About mid-afternoon I got very sleepy—so I took a nap. My left jowl isn’t as sore today, but I still am on sulfa. Late in the afternoon I got up, read the newspaper, tended to Debbie. When Bonnie got home from work I helped with supper. We had supper, watched CBS news. The Bible class arrived at 8:00. 7 in attendance besides Bonnie + myself. The discussion following was lively, re: generation gap, sex, communism, Vietnam—I still remain baffled how Xns can tolerate the Vietnam war—it is so overwhelmingly evil and morally outrageous in my sight. Bonnie and I had a snack—I began typing on my ordination sermon; bathed at 11:30; watched Johnny Carson; OBLO, 12:45.

Wednesday, 27 May 1970

Up shortly before 9:00. Shaved, had breakfast. I had to be at the funeral home by 10 o’clock to read the service for William Lamar—only 2 friends were there. After this was finished I went to see Homer and Sarah, had to confer with them briefly. Got home about 11:00. I then read some in Newsweek, also did more typing on the ordination sermon. Didn’t have lunch until around 1:00. Then Bonnie went off shopping. Debbie played in her room, I typed. Again—as yesterday—about mid-afternoon I became sleepy—but napped only a few minutes. I then went about reading through my theological statement one last time, revising, refining, polishing. I got one page typed before supper, but discovered one major flaw—so the whole page would have to be done over. Had supper about 6:00. At 6:40 I picked up Gladys Haskell at her home, we went to Wesley Church for a nominating committee meeting to select a slate of officers for C.A.M.P. for next year. This was over by 7:30. I took Gladys home, then stopped to see Jean Crowell, to ask her to serve on the committee. I got home, did some phoning, retyped page 1. The[n] 9:00-11:30 watched a movie on TV: Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation—a comedy with Jimmy Stewart which I’d seen some years ago. Watched a few minutes of Johnny Carson; then more typing; bathed, OBLO 1:00 AM.

Thursday, 28 May 1970

We found ourselves still in bed at 10:00. I had a quick breakfast, then got to work typing—my main concern for the day has been to get the Theological Statement for ordination as nearly done as possible. As of now—12:45 (Fri AM—at night) I have 16 pp typed—it will be about 20 pp. long. I worked on this until our late lunch—shaved before lunch, about 1:00. Then back to the typing—Bonnie went grocery shopping and took Debbie along. I continued typing. About 3:15 I stopped, cut some lilacs for Lucy Patience, then went to see her; I hadn’t called on her in many weeks. I stayed until about 4:15, came home, had a small snack—then back to the typing—until the newspaper came, which contained the letter which is attached to this page—Alice Marr’s reaction to my last two sermons. [See below] I can’t say that I was upset, but it is rather stunning—and distracting—it was hard to keep my mind on other things. We had supper about 6:30, watched CBS news. At 7:30 I returned to typing—had a phone call from Rev. Bamforth re: Alice Marr’s letter—he wanted to assure me [of] his support and encouragement. 8:30–10:15 we spent with Patriquins. When we came home I returned to typing—worked til after 12:30. Stopped to bathe; OBLO, 1:20

Letter to the editor, Alice M. Marr, Gloucester Daily Times, 27 May 1970

[1] A quick Google search reveals: “spurious or pseudonymous writings, especially Jewish writings ascribed to various biblical patriarchs and prophets but composed within approximately 200 years of the birth of Jesus Christ.” (Wikipedia)

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
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David’s Diary – May 21, 1970

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Thursday, 21 May 1970

Today was a day for going to Boston. We got up about 8:15—ate breakfast, shaved, piled things into the car. We left Rockport shortly before 10:00. We stopped in Beverly to leave off the mimeograph machine to be serviced—went on into Boston—went to the Mass. Bible Society—Bonnie bought 30 copies of the TEV for the Sunday School. Then we went to BU—I tried to get my grades—but they aren’t out yet. Went to my mail box—found my course grade from seminar there: A- —I closed out my mail box. Went to the BU bookstore—bought the June Playboy. Then we went to Albee’s—arrived there about noon. We had lunch, sat around talking—Bryan got home from school, did his homework, then we went to a playground and let Debbie, Mark and Bryan let off steam. Late in the afternoon we went back to the apartment—fixed supper. Ned cooked hamburgers over charcoal. After supper Ned and I took Debbie and Mark to watch about a half hour of Bryan’s little league baseball game. Then we sat talking with Ned and Alice for about two hours—until 10:00—then we loaded up the car and came home—they gave us children’s books, plants, homed cooked foods. We got home about 11:30. Unloaded, watched some of Johnny Carson (Mayor Lindsay) OBLO c. 1:00 AM.

Friday, 22 May 1970

Was up early—shortly after 8:00. Bonnie was dressing when the phone rang—so I had to get out of bed to talk. Then I sat in a dull stupor for a while. Then had breakfast and shaved; I went to the P.O. to mail Walter Aufrecht’s books back to him, changed the wayside pulpit. When I got home Bonnie went to work in the garden. I find it difficult to be creative in the morning, so it was not surprising that I couldn’t push myself to work on my doctrinal statement. I read some articles, puttered at my desk. When Bonnie got home she tended to Debbie’s lunch. I had my lunch after Bonnie had left for work, and Debbie was down for a nap. My main concern for the afternoon was the doctrinal statement. And I was able to make progress on it—with a few breaks in the afternoon, e.g., to water the strawberry patch. Late in the afternoon I put supper in the oven—so that we could eat slightly early. We ate about 6:15 watched CBS news. After 7:00 we went over to see the Bussey’s. They showed us their vacation slides of the South West—we then had dessert. We came home about 10:45. I worked on my doctrinal statement. Bathed after midnight; more work on [arrow pointing to “my doctrinal statement” on the line above]; OBLO, 12:51.

Saturday, 23 May 1970

Up about 9:30. Had breakfast. Bonnie left to go to Beverly to pick up the mimeograph machine. I stayed at home to work on my doctrinal statement. With the morning’s work on it I was nearing the end. I took time in the morning to go through the mail and read the newspaper when it came. Bonnie didn’t get home til late—about 12:30—she’d had other errands to do. As soon as she got home I went up to see the Hannibals. I got back home about 1:30. We ate lunch, then went to the garden. Worked from 2:00–4:30. Bonnie worked in the squash and cucumber patch. I put out the row of Italian green beans, which involved putting in stakes. Debbie was well entertained by the neighborhood kids. When we got home Bonnie was exhausted, and sacked out. I had the energy to work on supper—so I did this. I woke her up about 6:30. We ate, watched NBC news. Then I set about doing the bulletins. It was marvelous to be doing them on a repaired machine that works so well. When I got them done I worked on the service, then practiced the sermon—it’s the one I wrote for ordination and have yet to put in final form and send in. Did Sunday School lesson, bathed about 11:00; OBLO, c. 11:40. Θ+

Sunday, 24 May 1970

Up about 8:30. Shaved, had breakfast, prepared to meet my class. Both Karen and Billy showed up. We broke up about 10:30. I went to the church; preached the sermon that I wrote for ordination—on the role of the clergyman. Home by 12:30. Had lunch—then in the afternoon did a variety of things. First of all I worked out several different pulpit exchange schedules for Jim, George and myself. I worked the soil in the strawberry patch and watered it, then in the latter part of the afternoon I worked on producing a first draft typed copy of my doctrinal statement. Got about six pages typed, then I left for the church—got there about 5:40. Dr. Beck drove up just about 6:00. The turnout for Methodist men was not spectacular—it’s a good thing we invited the ladies to come—or the crowd would have been very slim. I had a chance to chat with Beck—we walked together down to St. Mary’s and back—talked about theology—he’s to let me know if he can be at my ordination. We had some hymn-singing after the supper—then I introduced Dr. Beck. He spoke very eloquently about the mid-East crisis; by about 9:30 all was over—we went to Patriquins for Drue’s birthday party—came home about 11:00; very weary; OBLO 11:20.

David’s Diary, May 24, 1970

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Gladys – May 19, 1970

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
W. Lafayette, Ind. 47906
May 19, 1970

Dear David, Bonnie and Debby,

Hope this finds the mumps patient fully recovered. Sorry I did not see to it that you had mumps when you were at home. I suppose you would have avoided them then if you could have.

The wrap around came and fits just right. Glad you could get enough material to make Debby a dress. I bought some knit material and made a dress and jacket. I went back to get enough for a skirt and material was sold sold and the clerk couldn’t find any in any other Ayres store, so will not be able to make skirt. Of all the materials Neualts handle, I could find nothing like the piece that Ayres had.

Have to go to Rochester this week to attend a WSCS Conference Ex meeting. Next week is annual conference and now I don’t know how much time I will have to spend there, but since I am a delegate from Trinity and on a Conference Board, I think I will spend most of next week at Purdue.

Margaret Zell is being married in June and I had an invitation to a shower last week, but couldn’t go. Will plan to attend the next one which will be sometime the first week in June. Her betrothed is a member of Navy Band. I think she met him at Ball State U.

Your stock from the Echlin split—(32 shares) came and since we have your other stocks stored here in our box, I opened the letter and will take the certificate to the bank this afternoon. You have the chance to buy another share by paying ½ the present market value. Information enclosed. Ours didn’t come out that way. We always buy the extra stock when we have a chance. I didn’t think there was any use of sending the stock thru the mail again and then have you send it back.

I went to Houston to the 1970 Assembly. It was quite a large meeting. 10,000 were expected, but I think the attendance was not quite up to that. Our Conference chartered a Purdue plane. We flew out Thurs. afternoon and returned Monday morning.

Love Mother (over)

[page 2] When do you plan to come to Indiana? We will be home after Aug. 12. Our trip to Japan is July 22 to Aug. 12.

One of Wilma Yegerlehner Bell’s daughters will be married June 6. We will probably plan to attend.

Gladys, June 1970

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David’s Diary – May 17, 1970

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Sunday, 17 May 1970

Up shortly after 8:00. Shaved, had breakfast, dressed, Bill Elwell arrived for class about 9:30—but not Karen. For a while we talked about Vietnam—then we read in Chapter 1 of Paul’s letter to the Romans. I rode to the church will Bill and his parents at 10:30. Had a good crowd out at church—we had a group from the Legion visiting—so I had a sermon about “Lowering Our Voices”—trying to make some clarifications about the anti-war movement. A few very sincere compliments. The Rapers had lunch with us and stayed the first half of the afternoon. When they left we napped—fell sound asleep—since I had been up til 1:30 last night. Got up about 6:00. Had phone conversations with Virginia Bate, Anne Jewell and Margaret Reilley. Anne Jewell spoke against the war at the Congregational Church this morning. We had supper. Then I dated the slides which came Saturday. About 9 o’clock we went down to the Patriquins—hadn’t been down there in ages. We showed our slides, watched TV together, came home about 11:00. I did some reading in Weatherhead’s The Xn Agnostic—then bathed, watched about an hour of Johnny Carson. Then returned to Weatherhead’s book—I’ve had it for a long time—it’s quite interesting; OBLO, 1:12.

Monday, 18 May 1970

Up about 9:30. Had breakfast—while I was eating Margaret Reilley called. Maria had spent the evening with her because Alan was quite drunk. Maria has really gotten herself entrapped—and she doesn’t know how to get out now. Later in the morning (Bonnie was gone shopping) I read further in Weatherhead’s book. Stopped when the mail came. At noon I watched the news—Bonnie had her lunch and fed Debbie. After Bonnie left for work I put Debbie down for a nap—read in Weatherhead—hoping to get some assistance for writing my doctoral statement. [1] About mid-afternoon I became sleepy—so I read in bed for a while—then napped. Didn’t get up and get to functioning again until almost 5:00. Worked at my desk until Bonnie got home—then worked on supper. Watched CBS news while we ate. In the early part of the evening I worked at my desk, did phone calling, prepared stencil for Methodist men mailing. 9:00-11:00 watched a movie on TV: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum—it has been raining here all day—gloomy weather. Watched news; bathed; watched Johnny Carson; read; OBLO 1:00 AM.

Tuesday, 19 May 1970

Up about 9:30. Shaved, didn’t yesterday. Had breakfast, then went to Gloucester—I had to return Jim Bussey’s paper-cutter to him, then I went to Norman’s Office Supply to pick up two packages of mimeo-paper. When I got home I ran off about 35 copies of the Methodist men notices for this month’s meeting. Shortly before noon I went to the post office with these and other pieces of mail. Then to Richdales for more yogurt. Came home, watched the weather report—for days we have been in clouds and drizzle. After Bonnie went to work I had to get to work preparing for Bible study. I studied the first 6 chapters of II Kings. After this I finally turned to writing my doctrinal statement for ordination—and I made some progress on this by the time Bonnie came home from work. I read the newspaper when it came, stopped to watch TV—the tail end of Perry Mason, 6 o’clock news—Walter Cronkite—CBS—had supper. At 7:30 I took our car over [to] Lee’s—Sue drove me home—then the Bible class arrived—8 besides Bonnie + myself. During Bible class we discovered Debbie in her room—emptied the dresser, was on the top examining forbidden miscellany. Bible class over by 9:30. Worked on doctrinal statement, had snack, watched news, some of Johnny Carson; OBLO, midnight Θ+

Wednesday, 20 May 1970

Up shortly after 9:00. Shaved, had breakfast—I had planned to work on my doctrinal statement today, but Bonnie was eager to have Debbie’s fence put up. So I directed my energies to that—I worked on it during the morning; I reviewed the mail briefly when it came. Stopped for lunch about 1:00. During and after lunch I read through I. F. Stone’s Weekly—as usual an excellent and penetrating analysis. About 2:00 I returned to working on the fence. I stopped at the point of beginning on the gate. I was out of energy—and a trip to the hardware store would have been necessary. So the latter part of the afternoon I was able to work on the doctrinal statement. I abandoned this about 5:30. Read the newspaper. At 6:00 watched the news, ate supper—about 6:25 Roy Lee arrived with our car—I drove him home, came back—watched the rest of CBS news. Bonnie went over to the garden to do some weeding. I played with Debbie—then returned to working on the doctrinal statement. I spent most of the evening on this—made quite a bit of progress. It’s helping me to solidify some of my thinking—I find myself being driven back to an embracement of theism and this is reflected here; bathed; Johnny Carson, OBLO 12:30.

Bonnie and Debbie, May 11, 1970

[1] In fact, I mention this book re: its impact on my departure from Christianity, quoting from it, in my book, Ten Tough Problems in Christian Thought and Belief: a Minister-Turned-Atheist Shows Why You Should Ditch the Faith.

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David’s Diary – May 13, 1970

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Wednesday, 13 May 1970

My main concern today was getting work done on the sermon I’m having to write for ordination. I didn’t make it out of bed til late—after 9:30. After breakfast I went to work on the sermon. Bonnie went over to Lewis’—Carol helped her pin up some dresses. When the mail came—with Newsweek and The New Republic—I looked through them. After noon Bonnie returned and went about getting lunch—we had lunch late—about 1:30. When we were finished I got some more work done on the sermon while Bonnie went shopping. Debbie was sleeping and I took a break—I finished the fence around the strawberry patch—which I had been working on when I got the mumps. I find that I still don’t have a reserve of strength—I was pretty tired. I tried to work on the sermon; read through the paper when it came. Then napped from 6:00–6:30. Watched CBS news—we had supper. From 7:30–9:00 I worked on the sermon—also played with Debbie. From 9:30–11:30 we watched the film: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance—I’d seen it many years ago with Mrs. Myers. 11:30—watched Johnny Carson, bathed—had snack, OBLO, 12:45.

Thursday, 14 May 1970

Up about 9:15. Had breakfast, then went to work again on the ordination sermon. By noon I had finished it except for the conclusion—for some reason this turned out to be a very difficult conclusion. Trying to get some thoughts I strolled in the yard—also sawed off a dead branch from a short tree in the picnic area. After lunch I shaved, then went to the P.O. to confer with Mr. Gray on this Sunday—the American Legion is visiting our church. Then I changed the wayside pulpit. When I got home I played with Debbie a while. Then she and Bonnie went for a walk—down to see Drue. I worked on the sermon again—the conclusion—finally finished it. About 5:30 I began working on supper—we ate about 6:30. At 7:30 I went about getting the lawn mower out—for the first time this season. To my surprise it started up immediately—on the second pull of the rope. I mowed until about 8:20. Then came in to watch TV—Ironsides. Shortly after this was over Ned Albee called. They’ll be coming Sat. morning instead of Frid. afternoon. 10:00-11:00 I tended to various things, worked on cleaning up my study. 11 o’clock –bathed; OBLO.

Friday, 15 May 1970

[Top panel: took pictures of Debbie in box]

Up about 9:30. Had breakfast—did some yard work—tried to get the picnic area into a little better shape—again I found myself getting exhausted very soon. Relaxed to wait for the mail man—he brought the black and white pictures that we’d taken of Debbie last Monday and a new Time-Life art book, The World of Whistler. I looked through this—also read some in Life magazine. I wasn’t hungry—so didn’t have lunch. But I supervised Debbie while she finished hers—Bonnie went off to work. I put Debbie down in her room, she immediately went to take a nap—fell sound asleep. I relaxed for a while, but then got up and wrote letters—urging an end to the war—and giving encouragement to anti-war senators. Wrote to: Kennedy, Brooke [?], Harrington, Fulbright, H. Hughes, Goodell, Hatfield, Church, McGovern, Margaret Chase Smith, Earl Landgrebe, Griffin, and President Nixon. This took most of the afternoon. Also wrote to Mrs. Myers. After Bonnie got home I did some mowing, 6:00–6:30—we had supper, watched CBS news. I spent the evening at my desk, straightening up, beginning work on my doctoral statement. Had snack, watched 11 o’clock news; bathed; Johnny Carson, OBLO, 12:40.

Saturday, 16 May 1970

[Top panel: Debbie 21 months old—we took several pictures in tub, Bonnie putting nightie on Debbie]

Up about 8:00 (ugh!) We didn’t know what time the Albees were arriving so we wanted to be ready. I shaved, had breakfast. But was so groggy that I stretched out. It was a lost morning really, since we didn’t know when they were arriving. I read some New Republic articles and did some weeding in the strawberry patch. The mail man came about 11:00—brought a box of slides. Then shortly thereafter the Albees arrived: Ned, Ann, Mark, Bryan—who is their adopted son (although not legally; he’s been with them 3 years.) Mark is a few months younger than Debbie. We had a nice day together. After lunch we went down to Bearskin Neck. Didn’t spend anything—Debbie knocked over a dish in the House of Glass—broke it—but they didn’t make us pay for it—we offered. Late in the afternoon we relaxed, visited—had tea. Then I fixed supper. After supper we played Tripoli. About 9:00 we stopped, had dessert. Then they prepared to head back to Allston—we agreed to go see them next Thursday. After they left I did the bulletins, worked on preparing the service, practiced the sermon; bathed—more on service; OBLO, 1:25.

Debbie, May 11, 1970

David’s Diary – May 1, 1970

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Friday, 1 May 1970

Today my left jaw (left side—under the ear) is much worse—more pain—it’s almost impossible to open my mouth—so my diet today was custard and soup and 7-up. In the morning Bonnie went to the drug store and got me an ice-bag—which helped to ease the pain. I didn’t have much ambition to do anything—certainly no reading. So I slept and watched the TV—saw some samples of American day-time TV—ugh! Bonnie went about changing many of the storm windows for screens—so I had some fresh air. I was able to get a better idea today of the extent of Nixon’s invasion of Cambodia—and reaction to it. I sure hope that Nixon wasn’t about to “snow” the nation last night like he did last November. Bob Peak called last night—wanted to come up to see us for the evening—but that of course had to be post-poned. Watched TV most of the day after late afternoon. CBS new—and (on chanel 2) also an historical documentary on the U.S. government’s treatment of the Cherokee Indians back in the 1830’s—reminds me of what we’re doing today in Vietnam—Cambodia—Laos.

Saturday, 2 May 1970

On Friday (May 1) I caught up on three days (i.e., Wed, Thurs., Fri)—now I catch up on two days—Sat. and Sunday. There isn’t much motivation for keeping diary when all one does is stay in bed, eating, sleeping, reading. I think it was yesterday that we got the word that the body found here in Rockport by the rail road tracks belonged to Sylvia Brown—the woman who has been coming to our church for several months. It was ruled a suicide. Sylvia was quiet, withdrawn—this was one of those cases where I had calling on her on the list of “things to get done” sometime. The trouble is one never knows when some matters are much more pressing than others. I did get more reading done on Saturday—in Bury’s History of Greece—so far its not terrible interesting. Last night before going to bed I typed out some of the guidelines for Tom to use in the service tomorrow morning—this simple task was exhausting.

Sunday, 3 May 1970

Bonnie got up and got herself and Debbie to Sunday School. Since Tom Raper didn’t know whether he’d had mumps—he decided to confer with me on the phone—which he did upon arrived in Rockport about 10:30. I was very tired—slept all morning—also very weak. My limited diet is getting to me. Soup and custard Bonnie puts through the blender so that I can take them through a straw! Other than my pills—if it can’t go through the straw—I don’t eat it. My fever is gone today—so I have felt more like reading—but again the weakness has been a problem. But the swelling hasn’t gone down—and I must keep careful of that side—icebag, pain medication—no sudden turns of the head, etc.

Monday, 4 May 1970

–MUMPS—in bed, slept, watched TV, vegetated

David’s diary, May 4, 1970

David’s Diary – April 28, 1970

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Tuesday, 28 April 1970

Up about 9:00. After breakfast I went over to the Building Center to get materials for a fence for the strawberry patch—chicken wire and 2X2 posts. Got home and set to work preparing the posts—i.e., using the saw to give them sharp ends. I stayed in the house near Debbie while Bonnie went to the laundra-mat (dry-cleaning to do); Debbie is investigating her dirty diapers these days—after bowel movement—and making quite a mess. When Bonnie got home I returned to working on the fence until lunch time. Then back to work. Shortly after Bonnie left I checked on Debbie—she’d done it again—the screen on her window needed to be cleaned—I hosed it down. I got the mess cleaned up—& Debbie washed—then back to work on the fence—got posts in, but had to stop because the staples were still in the car. So the rest of the afternoon (after shaving) I prepared my Bible class lesson for this evening—the story of Elijah. When Bonnie got home I had about 45 [min.] to work on attaching the wire to the posts. We had supper about 7:00—watched CBS news from 6:30–7:00. The Bible class arrived at 8:00—10 in attendance besides Bonnie + myself. After they left—about 9:30, worked on the annotated bibliography + reading list. Finally finished about 12:30. Bathed, OBLO, 1:05.

Wednesday 29 April 1970

Up about 8.30 or 8:45. The swelling below my left ear had not decreased—I felt faint while eating breakfast. But I decided to go ahead with the day’s activities. I drove to Gloucester and picked up the 25 (approx.) posters—and spent most of the morning running around Gloucester distributing these. When I got home I shaved, then went distributing signs in Rockport—and picked up my shoes at George Marr’s. When I got home I called Dr. Browns office and he told me to come over in about 30 min. So I rested while then went—arriving there at 12:30. He said that I might have the mumps—told me to take it easy. But I decided to go ahead with my plans for the day. Ate lunch, got ready to go; left for Boston about 2:50. Bonnie did the driving. We arrived at BU at just 4:00—Bonnie took Debbie for a stroll along the Charles while I had class, which was over at 5:40. We had a visit with Dr. Beck. Then headed to Medford—arrived at Don McGaw’s just before 6:30. Ate supper. Arrived at the church about 7:30. Got things set up. I gave my Dead Sea Scrolls [lecture]. The discussion following was quite stimulating. We were able to leave for home about 10:45—I was having chills. Went right to bed when I got home; temperature 102.4° —a restless night.

Thursday, 30 April 1970

The swelling was worse when I awoke. There seemed to be no doubt now that I did have mumps—all day long I didn’t get out of bed more than 5 or 6 times. And Bonnie was on the phone a good part of the day making various arrangements. She contacted Tom Raper—asked him if he wanted to do the preaching this coming Sunday—he agreed to. She also had to contact Milton Fuller to alert him that the program this Sunday evening—the Black History film—will all be in his hands. During the day my fever decreased and I was feeling well enough to do a little reading—started on Bury’s History of Greece. Early in the afternoon Bonnie called the Lahey Clinic in Boston to reach the Stoners. They weren’t there yet. About mid-afternoon Dorothy called—I had to get it since Bonnie was tending to Debbie (she’d been investigating her dirty diapers again). I told her what the problem was—I knew they wouldn’t want to expose Joe to any sickness. We had made arrangements for Joe to stay at the Patriquins—but in the early evening we got a call that they were on their way home—didn’t want to take the risk. I slept during the evening; watched 11:00 p.m. news—Nixon’s invaded Cambodia —

David’s Diary – April 24, 1970

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Friday, 24 April 1970

A very lethargic day for the most part. Got up about 8:45. Had breakfast—about mid-morning I ran some errands. Walked to the library, dropped a book in the slot, went to the P.O. (ordered some qualifying books from Blackwells) and changed the wayside pulpit at the church. Came home, puttered at my desk. When the mail man arrived I spent some time with the mail. Bonnie’s morning was spent getting the carpet squares in her study firmly anchored down. She was pushed for time, so I got lunch. She left for work about 12:45. Debbie went down for a nap and slept almost all afternoon. I did some desk work, tried to get my sermon underway—finally gave in to drowsiness and napped. Late in the afternoon I returned to working on the sermon and had a little done by the time I stopped to work on supper. Bonnie was late in getting home and I had supper well under way. We watched CBS news—then about 7:45 we went to see Jerry + Carol Lewis—and their new baby—we spent the evening with them—playing a new game: RSVP—a scrabble type game played with cubes—Jerry + I lost to Carol + Bonnie; came home about 11:00; I worked more on the sermon til about 12; OBLO, 12:05.

Saturday, 25 April 1970

Up about 8:45—shaved, had breakfast, worked on the sermon. About mid-morning I walked down to the library to check Books-in-Print—I wanted to check on qualifying books which I have yet to buy. When I got home Eddie Garcia was here—the owner of the house next door who lives in NYC. After chatting a few minutes, he left. I got back to work on the sermon—finished it—typed the bulletins. Had lunch, then about 1:00 I drove over to see the Hannibals—came home about 2:00—the mail man had left a package: Pritchard’s, Ancient Near Eastern Texts. We got ourselves gathered together—all three of us—and drove to the garden at Fisks—spent from 2:00 to 4:00 working in the garden. I did some fertilizing of the holes for potatoes, helped erect a wooden sign for posting the weeding plan, and did some turning of the earth with a pitchfork—to get out the witchgrass. When we came home we visited briefly with the Garcias—Bonnie began working on supper—I puttered—ran off the bulletins. After supper (watched NBC news with supper—the Chinese have launched a earth satellite) I practiced the sermon, did preparations for the service, did some phoning—and prepared my Sunday school lesson: i.e., read a few chapters in Romans—ugh! Bathed about 10:30—we lose an hour tonight; off to read in bed. LO, 11:08.

Sunday, 26 April 1970

Up about 8:30. Shaved, had breakfast—went to Richdales for pineapple for Oriental Chicken for lunch. Karen Haskell came for Sunday School—we discussed St. Paul, Romans—she has been greatly influenced by fundamentalism. Left for church at 10:30—preached on the Dead Sea Scrolls. Home by 12:30. Started work on the strawberry patch—with Eddie Garcia helping. Had lunch—then back to work on the strawberry patch—we had to start from scratch—i.e., turning the sod over. This occupied me til about 2 o’clock—by which time it was pretty well ready. JYF steering committee meeting 2:30–3:30. 3:30–3:50 conferred with Nutting and Bamforth on committee for discussing common problems. 4 o’clock met the train—picked up Tom Raper. Came home—planted the strawberry plants which Amelia Fisk had given us. About 30 of them. Did some other yard work. We had supper about 5:45—had a chance to get to know Tom a little better. He left for the youth meeting 6:20. I then wrote the article for the newspaper on the Black History film. 7:20 left for the Methodist Men. This met from 7:30–9:30. Took the article to Mr. Drake. Went to Patriquins to get Bonnie + Debbie. We were home by about 10:30. Relaxed, read, bathed together about 11 o’clock OB—read; LO, 12:05.

Monday 27 April 1970

Up shortly before 9:00. Even before having breakfast I left immediately for Gloucester—to order signs for the Black History film. Had breakfast when I got home, shaved, then took my shoes down to George Marr to be repaired. Got home just as the mail man was arriving. Looked through the mail, puttered at my desk, straightened up my study somewhat. I wasn’t hungry at noon time, so we didn’t fix lunch. After Bonnie left for work Debbie and I had lunch. Early in the afternoon I did some work in Debbie’s room. Put a second hook on her window—so that it won’t come crashing down if she’s happen to get it unhooked. Also nailed some blocks in place so that she can’t get the screen open. In mid-afternoon I washed the living-room window facing west. This hadn’t been done since we moved here since it requires unscrewing the storm window. Late in the afternoon I returned to me study and worked on my annotated bibliography for seminar. After Bonnie got home we found footprints in the strawberry patch and warned the kids playing in the yard to keep away from that corner. Had supper about 6:30—watched CBS news. Most of the evening I devote to work on the annotated bibliography. But then after 10 o’clock we did some planning for the fence to enclose Debbie + the Garcia children this summer; bathed at 11:00; watched TV; OBLO, 12:45.