RMCNews with Bob Reynolds – Denver, Colorado … Cowboys and cowgirls were welcomed at True Life Community Adventist Church on January 8 as the church celebrated its annual Western Sabbath.
The event, one that many members anticipate, coincides with the Western Stock Show, which takes place every year in Denver. The day is a chance to dress in appropriate outerwear that cowboys and cowgirls wore in the day. Members brought out their best country-western boots, shirts, blouses, skirts, jeans, and ties to liven up the ambiance and add color to the event.
Bob Reynolds, pastor of True Life Church, explains how Denver is connected to its Western heritage. “We try to emphasize the fact that Denver, and Colorado in general, was founded with the discovery of gold and silver. Denver has a rich history of country-western men, women, and incidents since its founding in 1858.”
One highlight that sets the Sabbath apart is that Reynolds and the TLC music coordinator, Jane Campbell, have included gospel music that fits the country-western theme for the event.
Reynolds presented a message about Denver and its colorful history. Reflecting on the history, he said, “Did you know, for instance, that downtown Denver was destroyed by fire in 1863, or that a grasshopper infestation occurred in 1875? Or that Denver was named after James Denver, the governor of the Kansas Territory, who had already resigned as governor? Denver could have been named after the succeeding governor, whose name was Samuel Medary. Our city could well have been called “Medary, Colorado!”
Reynolds adds that Denver also became a hub for many miners who traveled further into the mountains. Denver is also known for some colorful characters like Molly Brown, Dr. Justina Ford, and Mary Elitch.
Reynolds explains that the day was special, saying “We always enjoy talking about the wild west and the part Denver played in some of those Wild West Days.”
–RMCNews with Bob Reynolds, pastor at True Life Community Adventist Church; photos supplied
