Celebrating Sixty

Her mother is said to have vigorously opposed the wedding—she believed her daughter’s fiancé to be unsuitable. He had few financial resources, his family was Greek Orthodox (and the bride was staunchly Anglican), and he had a reputation as being something of a, well, let’s just say, he was thought to “play the field.” On the plus side, though, he was simultaneously both a prince of Greece and Denmark and was a third cousin (that’s a plus?)—both the prospective bride and groom shared the same great-great-grandmother (her name was Victoria). The bride, of course, was none other than the Princess Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, soon to become Queen.

The royals celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last week—the first in British history to do so. It has been an eventful 60 years, what with the shrinking empire, domestic dust-ups, Diana and Camilla and all of that, but, in the end, the ancient pledge of a lifetime repeated by Elizabeth and Prince Philip way back on November 20, 1947, has stood the test of time.

But then, London wasn’t the only place on the planet marking a 60th wedding anniversary last week. Madison Park’s own Burt and Jeanne Blocher celebrated 60 years, too. Family and friends from far and near gathered to enjoy the goodies, hugs, and great company in the Crossroads Auditorium.

Sixty years is a long time. The Blochers together raised two extraordinary daughters and have doted on two elegant granddaughters (and some great-grandchildren, too!). Some years ago, their oldest daughter, Wanda—a bright and beautiful college student—lost her life while crossing the street adjacent to the Anderson University campus. Tragedies like that often unravel promises made to each other and to God. But, Burt and Jeanne held steady.

Successes and joys came to them, as well. Still, they held steady. Whatever their circumstance, the Blochers have worked tirelessly through the years for the Lord. Serving here, giving there, encouraging, sacrificing, loving all along the way. The Blochers are today, as they have always been, integral to what we call “the kingdom work,” advancing the cause of Christ wherever, whenever possible. They are the kind of folks of which every pastor dreams—faithful, steadfast, and true.

While talking with their daughter Greta at the anniversary reception, she told me of how excited she was to see her parents still dreaming for the Lord. “They’re so excited and positive about the church,” she said and then continued, “they’re full of life and energy, engaged and involved.” They’re still devoted to each other, standing side-by-side.

At the reception, someone asked them, “Why don’t you take a cruise or something—it would be wonderful!” “Yes, we’ve thought of that,” they replied with characteristic modesty, “and we have been saving along those lines, but, we’ve been able to travel a bit before and now, well, we’ve just decided to invest it in the church instead—God is doing so much good here.”

I want to grow up and be like that.

Burt and Jeanne enjoyed a simple gathering of precious souls at the Madison Park Church on November 17. The next morning, they got ready for church as they always do. Burt greeted me in the Commons on Sunday morning, introducing me to new friends and faces, as he always does, with a word of encouragement. As I walked away I glanced back at Burt and Jeanne at church, a handsome couple, always.

What a privilege to be surrounded by such a community of great souls! It’s not Buckingham Palace, but this church has a treasure store of riches that cannot be matched, anywhere. Thanks for being a part. And, happy anniversary, Burt and Jeanne. May the Lord bless you as you have us.