TORCH Singles at Bible Temple

Singles from approximately 35-55 found a place to belong in Bible Temple's TORCH group. Led by Barry Brandt, an elder in the church, the group set about to build lives, friendships, and ministry within the setting of the dynamic local church.

Sometime during my Portland Bible College years of the early nineties I was asked to lead worship for a TORCH retreat. Not only was it a fun time to get away with my expenses covered but as an older student, I knew it was a chance to meet people closer to my age group than most of the student body.

TORCH 97 TORCH 98 TORCH 99 TORCH 2000

TORCH Singles & Gary

By the time I graduated I was firmly involved within the TORCH group, going from worship leading to being on the planning committee and finally writing the monthly newsletter. It's fascinating to look back on these times, not only in my life but chronicling seasons of one of the great churches of our day.

My biggest adventure centered around my fixer-upper house, visible in many of these pictures. This one shows a portion of the metal ceiling, at this point not much more complete than what you see here, and the hollow tower for the soon to come bookcase unit, sitting on an unfinished base.

Door and window frames were also down, although the walls had been rebuilt with new wiring and insulation, making the little house fairly snug.

More about Gary Hughes, here.