Though this RE service celebrating Forrest's life took place in Reidy Friendship Hall at 11:15 a.m, it really began at the 10 a.m. service in the Sanctuary with the Call to Worship performed by the Children and Youth Choir.

They performed the song Shenendoah and the Tracy Chapman’s song Change. Galen then shared a story with the children about what special meaning the song Change had for Forrest and that it was one of the last songs he listened to at home on his last day.

At 11:15 a.m., children, parents and congregants gathered in Reidy Friendship Hall to celebrate Forrest's legacy. Mary-Ella Holst started things by sharing stories about Forrest’s early days at All Souls and how, even then Forrest was always up for trying something new to make All Souls a better place.

The RE classes had spent several weeks talking about Forrest and his contribution to All Souls and to Unitarian Universalism, this led to many an interesting classroom discussion about what it takes “to live a life worth dying for.” The outcome, as presented at the service, were absolutely wonderful. First grade through high school made remarkable presentations comprised of song, poetry, art and Forrest’s theology. In my twelve years at All Souls I was never so impressed by or prouder of our young people and our teachers. They worked hard on their presentations and had clearly given them a great deal of thought.

Finally, Nina Church-Adams and Frank Church spoke about forrest as a minister and as a father. A man who guided our congregation and his children to a deep understanding of what it means to be alive. I know that wherever he is, Forrest was proud of all his children yesterday: Nina and Frank and the youth and children of All Souls.

We ended the service with the choir singing Change again, with everyone joining in at the end of the song. Nina then closed the service with the All Souls benediction.

There was both laughter and tears at the service—certainly tears at the end, but they were tears of joy for the inspiring life and death of our beloved Forrest.

—Melaney Mashburn
Director of Religious Education