Talent Night Was Exciting

I want to tell you about the success of our small venture on Saturday night at White Rock Baptist Church.  It was a real success socially as well as financially.  The venture made over 600 dollars. There were about 150 people at our Talent Night, and many graciously contributed to our youth program, knowing it would provide for bus trips and skiing expeditions.

With the pipes, I opened the program playing "Highland Cathedral" and everyone’s favorite hymn, "And Can It Be."  In fact, everyone was singing.  That was indeed thrilling and they were calling for more.  We followed immediately with the Highland Fling, which Ruby, my wife and Julia, our granddaughter danced to my accompaniment.  Those who organized the program said we got it off to the right start.

Many individuals performed, either singing, playing the mouth organ, or the piano, or by doing acrobatics or reciting.  Some displayed their paintings, their framed paper tole, photography or knitted shawls.  I showed the Church Piper music books that I had published over the years.  We enjoyed some nice desserts at half-time, and everyone was in great spirits.  I'm sure we’ll have the event again next year and new talents will be presented such as a magic act, maybe some furniture and more instrumentals by both young and older people. It was a pleasure to play because the pipes responded like an extension of my own breathing.  Pipers know the excellent feeling of having their pipes respond to the expression intended.  It's great.  People loved seeing the Highland dancers, especially when they knew they were a grandmother/granddaughter team.

I would like very much to suggest an evening like this one that we experienced.  Many displayed the activities that give them a pride in accomplishment and in showing the things that interest others, that cause them to ask how they’re done.  They want to talk about the hobbies that caught their attention.  For each of us, it was an opportunity to demonstrate our skills for the appreciation of our friends.  Even more especially, it afforded a way in which people could get to know one another better.  I hope other churches will plan an event like this every year.