Forty five years ago, the famous movie “Somewhere in Time”, starring Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour and Christopher Plummer was filmed at the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island, Michigan. The film was a roaring success and even though the Grand Hotel was already famous, a new reason to visit this iconic resort was born with the release of this generational movie. To be sure, it was a fantastic love story that instantly imbedded itself into the American culture, virtually overnight.
In fact, to this day, the hotel still celebrates a weekend each summer season devoted to period dress and all things movie related. Although we have never been to the Grand Hotel, we have always wanted to spend a few days there. Three years ago, for our 50th wedding anniversary, Janet and I had reservations to celebrate our milestone anniversary at this very famous place in upper Michigan. However, as some of you know, Janet suffered a series of strokes the summer of 2023 and our trip had to be cancelled. We have been trying to get back there but so far it just hasn’t fit into our schedule.
If anything, our desire to visit there has increased. As you may already know, we love the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV and it turns out that Dorothy Draper and Carleton Varney, decorators of the Greenbrier, are also the folks who did a simply magnificent job at the Grand Hotel as well. In fact, an employee who had worked at the Greenbrier for thirty years was asked by Mr. Varney to accompany him up north for a season during a project. She ended up working at the Grand for another twenty years and has finally retired. More than half a century at these two unbelievable properties.
I tend to get quite a bit of information about the Grand on social media, especially since our cancelled trip there. Although I have followed the property for a while now, I was mesmerized by a post that I received from them earlier this week. In fact, the hotel is open from late April until late October each season when it closes for the winter. There are no cars allowed on the island, with the exception of first responders, and with winter on the way, things shut down last weekend, closing the property’s 140th season. A small contingent of folks live there all year around and it is my understanding that there will be more than $15 million of work done on property during the off season. This is in addition to the $125 million spent since 2019 on maintenance and upgrades.
There are families who have been a part of the island activities for more than five generations and there is clearly a deep sense of pride among the employees of the Grand Hotel. It truly seems like a family and I was surprised when I found out that there is a closing ceremony at the end of each season. I almost felt as though I was eavesdropping as I listened in to the live celebration on FaceBook.
There was a wonderful celebratory atmosphere, recognizing outstanding efforts by employees and the fact that more than $160,000 was raised to assist the families of Jamaican employees who have suffered devastation in their homeland. More than 225,000 guests graced the halls of the Grand Hotel this season and there was even a bell ringing tribute celebrating the closing of the season. A bell was rung as it was carried throughout the halls and floors of the hotel, similar to what we see when the Olympic torch is carried into the opening ceremonies every four years.
I wished that we had been there in person – it was truly an emotional experience that has been carried on for years. The president of the hotel was the emcee for the closing ceremony and it was incredibly well done. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, the president asked a Jamaican employee, who happened to be a pastor as well, to close the hotel in prayer! And his prayer was awesome.
The entire staff was excited and his prayer was excellent as he thanked God for the blessings that had been bestowed upon the guests, staff and families of all. He thanked God for the blessing of families back in Jamaica and for the feeling of family among the staff of the Grand Hotel. It was a wonderful prayer and I could hardly believe the warmth and support his received by the entire assembly of folks gathered there for the ceremony. What a testimony for someone to stand before a large group and PRAY. Everyone was in silence and attentively listening as this gentleman prayed his heart out thanking God. It was so impressive – I loved it…
And then, after hugs, handshakes and well wishes, it was over. Final guests and staff boarded the ferry for the trip to the mainland and even the horses from the Grand Stables were loaded up for their trip ashore over the winter months – getting ready to return in April.
Our verse for tonight is from Paul’s letter to his young friend, Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:1-6, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.”
This verse is so appropriate for the spirit of the moment on Mackinac Island. My encouragement this evening is that we all have the opportunity to spread the good news of the Gospel wherever we are. My prayer is that we will have the courage to profess our faith in public and do it with gusto – thanking God in devout submission to Him. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…