I once had an invitation to sing at a large Veteran’s Home, when we still lived in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The chaplain there, a retired Methodist minister related to me the story of meeting one of his old congregants. Their conversation went something like this, “Hi, pastor> It’s so great to see you. what are you doing these days?’
“I am holding chapel services at the Veteran’s Home these days.” he replied
“But aren’t you working somewhere at a real church?” the congregant asked.
“And just what would a ‘real church’ look like?” the pastor asked with a grin.
I love the song, “Little Brown Church in the Vale.” because it reminds me of the little white church in the valley, we used to attend and where we served on staff for many years. But as has so often been pointed out a “real Church” is not a building, whether small or large, picturesque or in need of repairs. A “Real church” is not just in the wildwood, it is in any neighborhood, nursing home or store front chapel where God’s children meet together I do hope you will enjoy the simple rendition of this classic hymn which we sang at our “Real Church” where we met for worship this Friday at Life Care Center!
praise2worshipdotnet 
I remember this old song! My grandparents attended a little white church in the prairie.
I love it, but always considered it a much newer song till I read anout its interesting story
Yesterday, we followed through on the inspiration to visit the nursing home. Your post today reminded me that our visit to the nursing home brought church to the man and wife, shut in my his recent fall and her memory decline. We met the couple’s son, whose frequent two-hour trips to aid his parents had taken a toll on his life. Our offer to help gave him a sense of relief. While we thought we were going to sing with the husband and wife, it turned out that our actual mission was to minister to their son. Thanks for inspiring by example. You’re making a difference!
We publish a free weekly newsletter and hand them out at various facilities. If you would like to get on the email list, let ne know. We don’t charge or even take offerings, but several of us contribute our articles and another man does the graphic art. Let me know.
Will do!
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