The craft of woodworking using hand tools began to decline at the end of the first world war. It was inevitable once the industrial revolution of the late 19th century began. After World War II the building trades including furniture making needed to replace the work places, homes, and furnishings that had been destroyed during the war. The only way to do so quickly was to turn to power tools and factory automation. This accelerated the demise of traditional programs that taught carpentry and woodworking in systems of master and apprentice. Braces, chisels, hand planes, and handsaws were put aside for power drills, electric routers, and table saws. There was a further decline as programs that taught woodworking and other traditional craft were dropped from most secondary education programs. The value to our culture had become machine made products done quickly and mass produced.

The value of a handmade piece using older working methods had been lost and it impacted our relationships. Our reliance on others for these basic needs had help solidify our neighborhoods and the bigger community. No one hired a contractor to build an addition to a house, repair a table leg, or hang a door. The value of the work was felt and treasured in memories of shared experience.

A house addition that my Dad and Uncle built along with neighbors has been used for over 60 years as a gathering place for all. The one place each year that all of our family and most of our neighbors could say they would be, is in that house on Christmas Eve.

This home became a special and sacred space for everyone. It was an example of what Christ meant when he said “love God and love one another.” He meant not only thoughts and words of love one for another but caring work together in service to all as true worship of Him.