Church Bench – Weekend Project

This church pew was something my Dad collected from somewhere, then stored in his barn’s hayloft for decades. I brought it home with me last fall. This weekend I cleaned it up, including removing a few long-deserted mud dauber nests, and brought it from my garage into the house. This spring I hope to take it to the back porch and giving several coats of wood finish- the current finish is all but worn down to bare wood.

As I washed away decades of Illinois farm dust, then polished it with lemon oil, I got acquainted with the piece. You know how it is: you work closely with an object creating or restoring it, and next thing you know, it’s your friend. (Or maybe your enemy, but that’s not the case here…)

I wish I knew more about the bench, where it came from or how old it is. I wonder what faithful families took comfort in this pew during the trials and triumphs of their lives. I’m reminded how fleeting life is and I rejoice in being a Christian. I hope this pew enjoys its time here in my home, and some good memories are made, adding to the secrets it already holds.