Rector’s Reflections

January 12, 2025

Dear People of God,

Many years ago, I was speaking with a woman in the midst of a divorce. She made a profound comment I’ll never forget. As I listened, she reflected upon her life and said, “In life, change is inevitable, but growth is optional.”

I have often thought of her statement over the years. We usually fight change – we want things as they were – don’t rock the boat! Yet, life around and within us is constantly changing. I share with you some statistics that were given to me. As we begin a new year together, enjoy the following…ponder…pass on…

The Year 1903

The year is 1903… what a difference 122 years make!

Here are some of the statistics for 1903:

• The average life expectance in the U.S. was 47 years.
• Only 14 percent of the homes in the U.S. had bathtubs.
• Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
• A three-minute phone call from Denver to New York City was eleven dollars.
• There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S. and only 114 miles of paved roads.
• The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
• Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each more heavily populated than California. With a mere 1.4 million residents, California was only the 21st most populous state in the Union.
• The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.
• The average wage in the U.S. was 22 cents an hour.
• The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year.
• A competent accountant could expect to earn $2,000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
• More than 95 percent of all births in the U.S. took place at home.
• 90 percent of all U.S. physicians had no college education. Instead, they attended medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press and by the government as “substandard.”
• Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were 14 cents per dozen. Coffee cost 15 cents per pound.
• Most women only washed their hair once a month and used borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
• Canada passed a law prohibiting poor people from entering the country for any reason.
• The five leading causes of death in the U.S. were: 1. Pneumonia and influenza; 2. Tuberculosis; 3. Diarrhea; 4. Heart disease; 5. Stroke.
• The American flag had 45 stars. Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska hadn’t yetbeen admitted to the Union.
• The population of Las Vegas, Nevada was 30.
• Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn’t been invented.
• There was no Mother’s Day nor Father’s Day.
• Only one in ten U.S. adults could read or write.
• Only six percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

As we live our lives, one day at a time, centering our lives in God, may our lives always reflect Gospel values rooted in Jesus Christ. Enjoy the gift of life — one day at a time! 

On the journey with you,

Fr. Greg

A Little Humor from the Rector