During last Sunday’s morning worship at Central Christian Church, actor David Tinney narrated the sermon portraying Stage Manager from the Thornton Wilder play, “Our Town.” 

That may not seem like a typical delivery of a sermon, but as Rev. Dr. Ken Crawford shared,” “Theatre both expresses and forms our feelings, beliefs and ideas. Whether about ourselves, the world, or God, we engage in this drama to re-member and re-create God’s work in and around us and convey our hopes and fears.”

Sunday’s service was in part a celebration to remember the late Ed Delatte, who revived and directed Central’s drama troupe, the Westside Players. The drama company was originally founded by former pastor, Rev. Dr. E.C. Rowand, his wife Mary Louise, and Mary Ellen Cunyus during the 1960’s.  When Ed joined the church in 2000, he developed new interest in the theatrical ministry and presented plays like “Our town” and “I Remember Mama” on Central’s stage in fellowship hall.

Ed was an actor in movies and television commercials, founder and artistic director of the NorthPark-based Dallas Repertory Theater, Associate Professor of Theatre in the Department of Dance and Drama at the University of North Texas, an instructor of drama at Hockaday School and El Centro College, but it was as church elder and friend to everyone at Central that Ed most wanted to be remembered.  

In addition to fond memories of theatrical productions, Ed left a monetary gift to the musical ministry of Central.  The sanctuary’s beautiful grand piano is a result of Ed’s generosity and love for the church and a plaque honoring his gift was unveiled and placed on the piano during Sunday’s service.

Following the service, a reception in fellowship hall re-united many of the original members of the Westside Players and memorabilia like costume books and photo albums were displayed.

If you or your child has an interest in theater, please contact Lois Leftwich at Central for more information on productions and performances.