Christian Living

---

Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday October 25, 2005

Talk about getting around to interesting, quaint and historic places, yours truly does just that. Most of my encounters with historic places and people are the result of saying, "Yes, I will come on the dates you suggested." Most of the time accepting invitations to preach at some small church in the boonies is a wonderful opportunity to encourage people in the faith of Jesus Christ, and that is a noble cause whether such efforts be directed at huge throngs in Madison Square Garden, or tiny Littleton, New Hampshire, 'nestled' in the White Mountains. Littleton is cozy, quaint, nestled and historic in the same breath.

The great preacher, George Whitefield, personal friend of John Wesley and Benjamin Franklin preached there in the long ago. Many slaves found a hiding place in the area while on the underground railroad on their way to freedom in Canada. The actress Betty Davis lived over the way, and 'How Much Is That Doggie In The Window' songstress, Patti Page lives just down the road.

I have been to this tiny village 7 times in the last 6 years for the purpose of preaching to the saintly people at the Littleton Bible Baptist Church where a young firebrand pastor, Tim Cronin, holds forth the word of God. In the past times I have stayed in the homes of members and friends of this dear pastor. For reasons planned by the Deity, this time I was quartered in the historic Thayers Inn, a lovely hotel built in 1843 in the grand style of that era. The list of other famous guests is very long.

Some of the luminaries who have graced the premises are: General Ulysses S. Grant the infamous Yankee. Presidents Franklin Pierce, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter and the Elder George H. Bush. Lesser lights have included Barry Goldwater, Estes Kefauver, Bob Dole, Patrick Buchanan and Henry Ford. P.T. Barnum and General Tom Thumb also slept a few nights away as the Ammonoosuc River rushed by, whispering the song of mountain streams.

The beauty of staying is such a nice place is that you have the experience of memory association with some of the finest heroes and also association with scoundrels, depending on your political persuasion. When I showed the list of luminaries to a friend he suggested that they get one of my old photos from the post office and donate it to Thayers Inn. I think I know in which classification he is placing me.

The point in the above aside concerning heroes and scoundrels is simply this; no matter what you accomplish in this life, no matter what you believe is important, you will never reach a consensus that you are entirely wonderful. Some years ago I mentioned that as a child of around eleven I shook the hand of Richard Nixon who was then campaigning for Vice President. I was told that I should cut off my hand!!

You should make it a point to visit Littleton, New Hampshire and breathe in true Americana via this quaint mountain town. Stop in and visit with Pastor Cronin, he will tell you all you want to know about Jesus. Probably more.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2005 Use with credit

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE