By Linda Elissalde
Bav Vue Methodist (BVM) Church begins each Sunday service with George Strong’s strong greeting, “Good Morning, Church!”. The congregation lustily responds, “Good Morning, George!”. Sunday, August 4, 2024, was the last time for this joyous opening. George leaves Crystal Beach to start a new adventure at The Crossings in League City, Texas. Bay Vue bid him farewell with special festivities on his finale Sunday.

Good Morning, Church –  Good Morning, George

Pastor Valerie Hudson gives a blessing to Lay Minister George Strong as he moves on to a new destination.

George’s gift of a “warm” blanket from Bay Vue Methodist Church

George Walter Strong was born June 8, 1937 in Rapid City, South Dakota. He graduated from South Dakota State University in 1959. George was a US Army 2nd Lt. From 1959-1961. He earned his MPA from the University of Denver in 1963. George’s career included serving on US Atomic Energy Commission from 1963-1968, Executive Assistant to Houston Mayor from 1972-1974 and as political consultant and lobbyist 1974-2003.

Mr. Strong was an active member of many Bolivar Peninsula organizations. These included Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as Treasurer, Bolivar Special Utility District Director for 17 years, Commissioner of Emergency Services District for 10 years and 15 years on the Crab Festival Board. He has won many awards from these groups. George has been a members of Bay Vue Methodist for 17 years and served as Advisory Council Chairman and Church Lay Leader.

Mr. Strong has multiple talents. For 7 years The “Mother of Texas” Jane Long Festival showcased him as Mirabeau B. Lamar in their theater productions. He recreated this role in many more Way Off Broadway Ensemble shows. George featured in all of BVM’s dinner/just dessert presentations. Among his notable roles were bartender, stage producer and The Wizard of ODD. That man can act.

While his skills on “the boards” are remarkable, his Sunday morning greeting and announcements are woven into Bay Vue’s service so deeply that it is hard to imagine church starting any other way. Pastor Valerie Hudson, Marsha Fredenburg, Elinor Tinsley, Sherry Morgan, Sandi Covington, Rita Moseley, Linda Cressor, food groups, Paulette Layfield, Gary Huebel and the entire membership made sure that all was ready for a spectacular good-bye event. There were tears, hugs, laughter, and of course, copious quantities of food and drink as present and past congregants bid him farewell. Everyone knows that he will soon be a leader at his new home. In no time at all, George Walter Strong will robustly welcome folk to an early gathering, and they will happily respond with a rousing GOOD MORNING, GEORGE!

[LCE: Aug-6-2024]