One of the earliest members of Sharon Church (Portland, Ore.), Marie Crane, enjoyed the company of nearly her entire family on Sabbath, April 14, as they honored the exemplary Christian life that she has led and for being the light on the light-house, guiding her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren back to Christ.
Her daughter Beverly presented her with a large bouquet of spring flowers and thanked her for providing a Christian home and Christian education. Crane, 91-years young, has fond memories of attending earlier church services and camp meetings. As a young person, she had to walk seven miles to get to church and was often called upon to sing up front, along with her other siblings and the Henderson family children. Although she says she didn't appreciate it then, the songs they sang are etched in her mind and bring back wonderful memories now.
Asked if she had any words of wisdom to share with our youth today, she said, "God is so good. If I knew then what I know now, I would be on my knees every day to tell the Lord how much I love Him and ask Him to guide my life's direction."
Today she enjoys listening to the subjects of the pastor's sermons — so much so that she takes notes, writes down what was spoken that Sabbath and applies those lessons to her life during the week. Church members, in turn, appreciate her smiling face and her humor as she shares a wealth of life experience, Portland Adventist church history and wisdom.
One of Sharon Church's earliest members, Marie Crane, is celebrated by church leaders and her daughter, Beverly.
