Asheville author Thomas Wolfe’s last novel, published posthumously in 1940, was entitled “You Can’t Go Home Again.” The story is autobiographical and chronicles the protagonist’s journey from his small hometown to New York City and Europe as he rises to literary fame. It explores themes of belonging and disillusionment with one’s roots, as well as broader issues such as the rise of Nazism in 1930’s Germany. But the theme most associated with the book is its realization that the past is irretrievable.
The novel was, and continues to be, so powerful that the observation that “you can’t go home again” is considered a universal truth.
Some who have analyzed the content of Wolfe’s writings say that the point was that things change after someone leaves a place, and that exposure to other people, places, and events changes one’s perspective of where they came from. That is certainly true. However you can go home again, and that return can be joyful.
One of the most joyous occasions for me was in the sanctuary of FPC, Sylva the day of Blake’s last sermon. And no, no, not that it was his last sermon and that his family and he were leaving the Church and Jackson County. It was what I witnessed and how I felt.
As you’ve likely learned by now, I grew up in Sylva and my grandparents, my parents, my siblings and me were long-time members of FPC. I ran down the upstairs hall, sat in the organ pit turning pages for my organist grandmother, played in the yard (and later mowed it! Ugh.), attended many, many Family Night Suppers on Wednesday nights, and sat in the balcony like the teenagers did back then. The three pastors from my youth were a tremendous part of my life. Their sermons guided me to grow closer to God in my faith, and their personal friendship and love strengthened me on life’s journey in my early days. These pastors, and the members of the congregation were truly like family; not only did we worship together but we were neighbors and dear friends. I knew everyone in the Church and they all knew me.
I cling to those days in my heart. The memories are precious.
Yet 40 years later I was standing at the back of the sanctuary as a group photo was being taken of everyone with Blake. I suddenly realized something that stirred my soul. I knew very few people in the congregation. Only a handful of members from my youth remained. Albeit there is sadness in the loss of so many that I have loved over the intervening years, my soul was stirred by the realization that First Presbyterian Church in Sylva was alive with new members, a vibrant body of Christians gathering in worship and community sharing the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Unlike Wolfe’s fictitious character in his book, I realized that change is inevitable, and change and growth, especially in a church, should be celebrated.
I will see you on May 10th.
It will be good to be home.
-- Jeff Gray