THEY EVEN HAND RANG THE CHURCH BELL TO SIGNAL THE START OF WORSHIP

This isn't quite the church we attended this Summer while stationed in Coronado. Well, we're not military, though a lot of the town of 23,000 are. And a whole lot more edging up to 1 million population for the Summer months.

There were two churches of our denomination on the island. One had an 11:00 Sunday morning start, much too late for morning folks like us. The other, a church we had tried earlier in the Spring, was not our choice for more than one visit.

So besides the ringing of the bell, what made us choose our Summer church? Nostalgia probably. Certainly along with the study of The Word. Without close attention to scripture, no church would have a chance.

What was nostalgic then? First, it was a beautiful old church built in 1890 by the same designer of the famous Del, the beautiful hotel of Coronado. Steepled, it was just a few blocks off Orange, the main drive of the island. Wood. Pews, sanctuary, stained to perfection, yet with an aged look.

Stain glass behind the alter, a beautiful Bible scene catching early morning sun. Plus, they even had the old wooden attendance plaque on full display announcing attendance numbers, Sunday School numbers that week, visitors from the previous week, and contacts made. It made me think of former Sunday School Director Russell Laur who would announce the figures in worship service and add, "You be in your place next Sunday, and I'll be in mine."

It still worked in Coronado. Along with some good old hymns mixed in with some new ones and special music. Great sermons by different pastors because the lead pastor was on sabbatical.

I'm glad we were led to that church. Sometimes it's good to get some of that old time religion once again.