At 95 years young, Lloyd Penley is
one of FAUMC's oldest active members. When he was an
infant, his family's house in Asheville burned to the
ground and he was rescued from the blaze along with a 5
lb. can of coffee. Just after the turn of the century,
the Penley Family moved to the corner of Liberty Road
and Monte Vista road where Mr. Penley lives to this day.
Mr. Penley's wife, Laura Fulton Penley, died in October
2004. They were married on Valentine's Day more then 75
years ago. As members of FAUMC, Mr. and Mrs. Penley
raised four daughters, a nephew, eleven grandchildren,
and twenty great-grandchildren; many of which are active
members of FAUMC to this day.
What is your earliest memory of FAUMC?
Mr. Penley: "As a young child, my family
attended Liberty Baptist Church because we did not have
a car and the trip to FAUMC was too far to walk or ride
in a carriage. However, when I was eleven years old my
mother and father took us to Francis Asbury. My first
memory is of learning to say the Lord's Prayer. Mrs.
Cole had a contest in Sunday School and I won. She gave
me my first Bible. I'll never forget it."
Over the years, what jobs have you held as a member
of FAUMC?
Mr. Penley: "It's hard to remember all the jobs
I've had over the years. Mostly because they weren't
really official positions. Back in the old days when
things needed to be done, we all just pitched in
together and got it done. I've worked with some of the
finest men in the whole country. Men like Glenn Penland,
Bruce Roe, Kermit Fincher, Mr. Phelps, Fat Swangum, and
Mr. Rogers were always around doing for the church.
I did have two jobs that really stand out. Choir
Director and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. I really
enjoyed working with the Trustees for all those years.
I've never met a harder working group of folks. Mrs.
Early, Ann Brinkley, Chip Miller, Dot Peebles, Mr.
Russell, and Jim Harkins. I'm sure I'm forgetting
somebody, but everyone was always willing to help out.
Vance Ashe is one of the finest men I know. It takes a
lot of hard work and prayer to keep a church operating.
I was so lucky to serve with such wonderful people for
all those years."
What makes FAUMC special to you?
Mr. Penley: Over the years, I've seen a lot of
families start and end. Together we've been through the
good and bad times. While we've been going to Francis
Asbury, I've seen the Great Depression, World Wars, and
terrible events like 9/11 and the recent flooding in
Asia. I have prayed to Jesus. I read the Bible most
every day. It is during the hard times that you need
Jesus to help you through. It's nice to be part of a
church. "
What are your hopes for FAUMC during the next 100
years?
Mr. Penley: "During the next 100 years, I hope
that the things that make this church so special never
change. Our Church is God's place for our community to
come together and do his work. There is so much to
learn from reading the Bible. This Church needs to
continue to help people understand the Bible, especially
the children. I hope this church in 100 years is full
of children and young people."
Thank you, Mr. Penley for giving
us your time today to talk about your life-long
experiences at FAUMC. You have and continue to be an
important part of the FAUMC family. We really appreciate
all you have done for our church, and we'll see you on
Sunday!
|
