LaGard and Ruth Smith
What a day we have had! The weather has been incredible — sunny and about 72 degrees and I haven’t felt any humidity since we left Nashville! Our day began with a visit to the Cotswalds one of the most beautiful picturesque places I’ve ever seen — like something out of an old English movie. The real treat came when we got to be guests at the cottage of LaGard and Ruth Smith. When we arrived, LaGard was out by the street waiting to greet us. Ruth had prepared some refreshments which were served out in the garden area and 
they were delicious! Wow! Their cottage and garden were absolutely stunning! So beautiful & so quaint. After visiting at the cottage for a while, we strolled down the lane to the church. While inside the church we sat and listened to some thoughts from LaGard, we sang and prayed and had a wonderful time together It was a very memorable morning in the Cotswalds! A perfect start to the day!
The church in the Cotswalds
We said our goodbyes to LaGard and Ruth and went to Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the loveliest villages in the Cotswalds. It was here that Benjamin Beddome (1717-1795) became the pastor at the Baptist church and he served for 55 years until he died. He was also a hymnwriter and wrote many hymns, the most famous being “God is the Fountain Whence.” The Manse House where he lived those years is beside the creek that runs through the village. No doubt he was inspired to write this hymn as he looked out his windows or walked beside the water on his way to the church each day. We all ate lunch and had some free time while there.
Bikes at Oxford
From there we headed to Oxford for a brief walking tour and time to explore the town. We were told by Ian, our guide, to be extremely careful and not only watch out for vehicles but to also watch out for bicycles since there are many bicycles in Oxford. That may be the understatement of the year! I have never seen so many bikes in any one place but they do provide a wonderful means of transportation within the city. We got to see the Martyrs’ Memorial and tour a portion of Lincoln College — a beautiful college with lovely old buildings and a beautiful library. Some visited the Ashmolean Museum while others shopped. There was something for everyone in Oxford! We had a great afternoon!
Then back to the hotel where we had dinner. After dinner, we all met in the lobby and had a book signing party — everyone took turns signing each other’s hymnals that were given out at the beginning of the trip and that have accompanied us throughout England — that would apply to both people and hymnals!
Today has completed the hymn sites tour portion of the trip. Tomorrow we head to London where we will spend our last two days. Hope you’ll join us on this last leg of our journey.
