The excitement was evident. A full two hours before the doors were scheduled to open, people were lined up waiting to get in. An hour later, the lines were wrapped around the building and far down the street. Buses with church logos on their sides lined up near the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, after discharging their passengers. Choirs from three churches, along with Charles Billingsley and the group Veritas, were inside preparing to perform for a crowd of more than 8,000 people from 22 states and Canada, and a special guest: former president George W. Bush.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for all of us,” enthused Clint Kimmel, worship leader at Central in Decatur. “Singing for that many people and a former president … that’s huge.”
After getting the invitation from Phil Waldrep, president of Phil Waldrep Ministries, Kimmel invited fellow worship leaders Matt Rouse from First Baptist Church, Decatur, and James Kimmel from Tabernacle Baptist in Carrollton, Georgia, to join their choirs with Central’s to make a total of 150 voices and orchestra members. The three ministers of music planned the music together, then took turns leading the choir and orchestra in 30 minutes of sacred music, followed by patriotic songs during the main service.
The Celebrators Conference is an annual multiday event sponsored by Phil Waldrep Ministries for senior adults. This year’s conference was held in Pigeon Forge on Oct. 22–25. The final evening session Oct. 24 featured a patriotic celebration honoring veterans and a “chat” with the former president. President Bush has spoken at Celebrators before, in 2009, 2011 and 2013, but this was his first time in Pigeon Forge.
“It’s a unique opportunity any time an organization gets to host a president, especially when a former president is joining you to honor those who served our nation,” said Waldrep.
The evening was planned with “no politics and no policy talk,” according to Waldrep.
‘Unifying event’
Speaking before the event, Waldrep said, “Politics can be divisive. We want tonight to be a unifying event. We want to talk about what we can agree on: that this is the greatest country in the history of the world. We want to talk about what’s good and right and honor those who served.”
After Blake Kersey, pastor of First, Decatur, opened the service with prayer, the choirs and musical guests performed songs like “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America.” The service included a tribute to the armed forces, a presentation of medals to veterans and recognition of attendees who had served in each branch. Challenger, the bald eagle used at presidential inaugurations and other historical events, was present for the celebration.
Instead of giving a speech, the former president suggested an interview format. Waldrep and Bush sat in comfortable chairs on the front of the stage and talked for about 45 minutes, covering topics ranging from the former first ladies (his wife and his mother) and the influence of his father to the impact of 9/11 and his newest hobby — painting.
Bush entertained the audience with humor interspersed with serious observations. When asked about a typical day in the presidency, Bush said he always started his day by reading the Bible.
“Serving God is important in life,” Bush said.
Graham’s influence
Bush also talked about the influence of Billy Graham, who helped him quit drinking more than 30 years ago. He said what he missed most about the presidency was the pampering, which included valets tasked with making sure the president was well cared for. He noted that the pampering stopped the day after he left the White House.
“I was waiting for someone to bring my breakfast when Laura told me to make the coffee,” Bush said.
Phil Waldrep Ministries, based in Decatur, also hosts Women of Joy, Gridiron and Pastors’ Encouragement Retreats.
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