Mark Killam & Chorus of Men in his Church

(TO LISTEN, CLICK ARROW ABOVE AT TOP ON PLAYER [NEAR HYMN TITLE] TO START)

With the blessing of our worship pastor, and with the desire to try something that was not an option during my working years, a little over a year ago I recruited a group of men to sing as a chorus. We had 28 singing on Easter Sunday. Even with the Independence Day holiday affecting us this past Sunday, we had 18 singing. The attached mp3 is the familiar Wilhousky setting of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. While I have limitations as a director that show up in the recording, I’m sure having fun with a great group of godly men who sing periodically. While I know enough about music to be dangerous, one can get away with a lot as a volunteer.

Ring All the Bells of Easter

On Easter morning, 1799, the Austrian citizens of Feldkirch awoke to find their peaceful village besieged by the army of Napoleon. Knowing that the town’s defenses could not withstand an attack, those in authority hastily called a meeting to decide if they should hoist the white flag in surrender to the enemy.

The dean of the church rose first and addressed the somber assembly. "This is Easter Day," he said in a trembling voice. "This is the day of our King’s Resurrection. We must have one moment of triumph. Let us at least ring the bells. If the town falls, it falls; but we must ring all the bells of Easter."

His counsel prevailed, and soon, from the church towers the bells rang out their joyous sound; the vibrant music reverberated through the valleys and hills of Feldkirch, filling the frosty air with gladness.

The invaders, massed outside the gate, were confounded. Why should there be such celebration? Concluding that the Austrian army had arrived during the night to relieve the town, the French broke camp and were in full retreat before the bells stopped ringing.

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This story was sent via e-mail from Mark Killam.

Reunion Greetings

Dear Classmates,

As you gather, please know that you are on my heart.

Someone once quipped, "Mark, you have a split personality, but not enough to go around." Could be. In any case, Carol and I have important prior commitments that prevent our being with you. I hope it will be a great occasion for each of you. Should your sojourn bring you the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, please call. Perhaps we can arrange a contact in this beautiful part of God’s creation.

Thank you to all who have worked to make the reunion possible and, in the process, have helped re-establish contacts and stir good memories.

Abundant blessing be upon each of you and yours.

Heartily,
Mark Killam

Mark Killam - Autobiography

Carol Jenkins and I married in 1961 following my junior year at Mississippi State. We have a daughter, two sons, four grandsons, and a granddaughter. Carol is a registered nurse and an accomplished decorator and gardener. We have lived in Kentucky, Mississippi, Texas, Minnesota, Georgia and Texas again. We retired to Nicholasville, Kentucky in 2006 to be near our daughter and her family who live in nearby Lexington.

During that junior year at MSU, I had an experience that shaped my personal and vocational life. In fact, it still does (if you’re curious, feel free to ask). Following graduation from MSU with a BS in business, I did graduate work at Asbury Seminary graduating in 1966 with an MDiv.

Serving congregations as a pastor for almost 45 years took us to all those states above. In addition, I’ve had the privilege of short term mission work in Korea, Ecuador and India.

In retirement, my activities include amateur guitar strumming, a growing love of woodworking, and a budding attempt at writing for individuals who have little or no experience reading the Bible but who want to.

The issues for us today are similar to our “working” years: how best to use our time, resources, influence, etc. The difference now is that we get to make and implement more decisions together. A good portion of our time is given through our Lexington church where Carol is a Lay Shepherd, I am Shepherding Elder, and together we lead a Life Group among other ministries.

While long-standing and important commitments will prevent our attending the reunion, I would be pleased to hear from any of you.