Exodus Bay Shore
In 1963, David's family was part of Exodus Bay Shore, a nationally-recognized group of some 80 families who moved from the southern United States to Bay Shore, Long Island, New York to begin a Church of Christ there. After meeting for several months in a store front in Bay Shore, the group built a building in West Islip and became known as the West Islip Church of Christ.
Reunion 2012
On April 20-22, 2012, over sixty current and former members of the West Islip church met at the Hilton Homewood Suites on the outskirts of the Dallas Forth Worth Airport for a reunion.
- Slide show. Several members contributed pictures and memories to a slide show, which ran as members were gathering.
- Hodgson video. Margaret Hodgson brought a video.
- Collier memoirs. Wally Collier brought his collection of memoirs, entitled My Journey, for the memory table.
- Dwain's address. Dwain Evans' notes from his address on Friday evening.
- Five Theological Worlds. On Saturday morning, Jeff Christian of Bering Drive Church of Christ in Houston introduced us to W. Paul Jones' Five Theological Worlds.
- Memorial Sermon. Current West Islip minister Jesse Pettengill delivered a moving sermon on Sunday morning, April 22.
- Honorees. A candle was lit for each of 60 members who have gone on before us.
- Dwain's email. Dwain Evans summarized the event in a follow-up email to the group.
- Pictures. Pictures of the reunion.
Day of Remembrance 2012
- Annual Day of Remembrance 11-4-12. Jesse Pettengill recounts the outpouring of service at the West Islip church following Hurricane Sandy and ties it to the West Islip believers who came before.
Reunion 2013. 50th anniversary.
On June 28-30, 2013, current and former members met at the church building in West Islip to celebrate what God had done in 50 years.
- Welcome packet. Handout for reunion attendees.
- Photos. Maggie Springall's official pictures of the event.
- Sermon. Jesse Pettengill's sermon on Sunday, June 30.
- Communion Meditation. David's communion meditation two weeks later. Vandelia Church of Christ, Lubbock Texas.
Remembering Rod Spaulding. November 13, 2014.
Rod Spaulding, who helped Dwain recruit members for the Exodus, went to his reward on November 7, 2014.
Other resources
- Membership Directory 1966. Church directory dated March 15, 1966. Includes elders, deacons, staff, family photos, and program of work
- Letters from Avanelle 1963. David's mom writes her in-laws in July, 1963 and describes their move from Dallas to Long Island and the search for a place to live and a new car.
- Roger's memories. Roger responds to a questionnaire about his time in New York.
- Ava's memories. Ava's responses to the same questionnaire.