The assertion that I attend meetings of the South Central Iowa Chapter of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa when held at St. James Church in Oskaloosa only to check the status of this magnificent beast --- the 1882 McMullin House --- are exaggerated.
But that is a bonus, and the good news late Wednesday was that this landmark is getting a fresh coat of paint.
She was looking a little frayed around the edges when I last checked --- during February of 2017. If interested, you can read more about the background of the McMullin House here.
Just down the street was this magnificent display of magnolia, framing a Tudor revival in a pretty neighborhood at and east of the intersection of South 3rd and 1st Avenue East.
Sorry about the light, but dramatic thunderstorms were just beyond the west horizon and rolled over us once the meeting began. A little sunlight would have been appreciated.
Here's St. James itself, possessor of the tallest bell tower in Oskaloosa --- a fact that makes it easier to spot when figuring out where to turn south off Highway 92. Fred was driving; I was navigating.
Inside, it was inspiring as always to visit with the Rt. Rev. Alan Scarfe, our bishop, accompanied Wednesday by the Rev. Lydia Kelsey Bucklin, diocesan missioner for leadership development and new initiatives.
Sadly, Lydia will be leaving the diocese after 10 years on the bishop's staff to accept on May 1 the same position in the Diocese of Northern Michigan, headquartered in Marquette, where she grew up.
Yes I know the bishop has his mouth full --- we were eating pizza. And I'm sorry about that. But I wanted you to see Lydia's smile, which lights up a room. She'll be missed!
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