By David Hinton, The Rantoul Press (Illinois).
Rantoul Presbyterian Church
Gary Pugh dabbed away more than a few tears during a reunion service at The Rantoul Presbyterian Church.
Like many, Pugh spent a good part of his formative years at the church, attending worship services with his parents — Henry “Gib” and Marie Pugh, who were charter members. He even helped build the church.
The Collinsville resident was back with his wife, Cathy, plus some of his four children and nine grandchildren for a reunion service. They were among about 50 people who attended.
It wasn’t the last time worship services would be held at the church. That will come Sunday, Nov. 29. Then the locks will be changed, and it will possibly become home to a new group.
It was an emotional time, Pugh said of the service.
“Way more than I thought. I didn’t expect this,” he said. “It’s like the end of a generation.