Evan and Annamarie’s tale is an Old South love story—literally! They first met at a Young Adults Group event in 1988, and the rest is history. Annamarie has been a social worker for the past two decades, and enjoys the poetry of Maya Angelou and Mary Oliver and the art of knitting. An architect by training, Evan is a lover of music and the New England Patriots. They’ve been married for nearly 20 years, and live north of Boston with their children Amanda and Nate.
You’ve both been a part of this church for a long time. What drew you here?
Annamarie: I came to Old South in 1985 when I was out of school and supporting myself for the first time, primarily in search of a social community. I wound up finding so much more than that.
How so?
Annamarie: I arrived at Old South with some difficult questions in my faith. I grew up in a church that emphasized the humanity of Jesus, healer and teacher, whereas the dominant religious culture seemed to focus on the Jesus who demanded that we worship him and only him as a condition of salvation. Old South helped me to reconcile these images of Jesus. This is a church that preaches both the humanity and divinity of Christ. I’ve come to accept Jesus as the embodiment of God's compassion, seeking to reconcile a flawed, sinful humanity to God—not only through teaching and healing, but also through lived experience, including birth and death.
What brought you here, Evan?
Evan: Well, as an architect, the beautiful building didn’t hurt! I was raised in an American Baptist Church in Seattle, but I’ve never felt a great deal of denominational or creedal loyalty. To me, either a church's liturgy and culture feels comfortable, or it doesn't. Old South has always felt like a "spiritual home" to me. The people here have become my family.
You’ve experienced that sense of family in some pretty profound ways, haven’t you?
Evan: Yes, we have. In 1997, our daughter Amanda Grace was born 4 months premature and became the sole survivor of our triplets. Old South really became our major lifeline during that time. When she finally left the hospital after 4½ months, it was Old South that we celebrated with. Amanda was baptized 4 months later and Jim Crawford preached on "Amazing Grace." That was when we understood the full embrace and power of the church family.
Annamarie: When I first started coming here, I was very young and insecure, living alone in a big city, far from my family. Old South gave me leadership opportunities in the Young Adult Group and helped me to grow in confidence my in relationship to God, and to better serve God in my life.
This church has been really important to our family. Our children Nate and Amanda are involved in the church music program and have opportunities to participate in worship and service. It’s such a loving place that celebrates their gifts and encourages them in developing their talents to serve God.
What keeps you coming back after all these years?
Annamarie: Worship at Old South is the anchor to my week. It reminds me who I am—and whose I am—and why I am here on earth. When it is difficult to pray or to feel God’s presence, it’s comforting to know that there are others who can pray with me and for me. I’m not alone in the world, and I know that the community here will carry me when my faith falters.
Evan: In a few words: Great sermons, great music, great people, great architecture. As I said, this has always felt like home to me. I have some less “orthodox” beliefs and this has always been a safe place to be who I am. It helps my soul “grow toward God.” I’ve learned to recognize God’s presence in my life, and see God’s love every day in the eyes of my wife, my daughter and my son.
