As the service began there were about sixty worshipers in the amphitheater. We did a “get acquainted” moment, sang hymns, read scripture, and I was reading a rather long biblical passage when I heard this great commotion among the assembled. I looked up to see everyone scrambling over the benches running out of the amphitheater as a large black bear came down the center aisle right at me. I joined the multitudes and, in biblical imagery, “fled with the multitudes”.

The bear wasn’t interested in eating Christians that day. I think his nose picked up the aroma of bacon cooking across the campground and went on his way.

Can you imagine how many times that bear-in-church story has been told? And the accompanying word, “Oh, yes it happened at the most exciting service of worship in Glacier National Park!” Priceless.

John L., Glacier National Park, 1957-1961; Resident Minister, Yellowstone National Park,1962-1967