Public Viewpoint: Alspaugh Made A Big Difference

The newspaper obituary page said that John T. Alspaugh, 81, died in a car crash. John was a passenger in a car crushed in a multi-car collision on U.S. 71 near Kingsland Road in Bella Vista. The obit said he was a father, grandfather, veteran and engineer. Most people would not recognize the name. John Alspaugh was probably like many of us whose name gets in the paper twice in a lifetime, at birth and death, with nothing considered newspaper-worthy over 81 years.

Nothing, except for those of us who knew him as Big John at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bella Vista. At St. Bernard church, Big John was the essential servant of God, making sure everything was ready for every church service: the altar, the liturgical books, the lights, candles, sound system; everything else including making sure that Father Barnabas had his garments perfectly arranged.

John Alspaugh was on his way for an early morning medical test when he died, so he had called several people the night before to make sure all would be ready for 8:30 mass. And he called someone to fill his adoration hours between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. that Thursday morning. John was one of the people who started the St. Bernard Perpetual Adoration on April 1, 1999, and he had filled those two hours and sometimes others virtually every week for the last 15 years.

Many people thought the idea of Perpetual Adoration was an April fool's joke 15 years ago, but John and a few others were sure that many of us would learn to experience and love the peace and spiritual joy that comes from a silent hour with the Lord every week. He was right. Some joke! In 2014, more than 250 people participate in Perpetual Adoration, most doing an hour each week. The adoration chapel is open 24/7, and people kneel, sit or stand in front of the Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament.

Before daily mass, Big John would frequently lead the rosary. During mass, when Father asked for prayers of the faithful, John would always start: Thanks to God for our daily blessings. Later he would ask for safety for our military in harm's way, and often ask God for more adorers for Perpetual Adoration.

He needed no microphone. Everyone recognized his booming voice, hearty laugh and quick smile.

We miss him. One parishioner noted that the candle over the tabernacle was burned down and started to call John and ask where to find a new one. But we know we will figure it out and see how more of us can learn to be better servants of God. As for John Alspaugh, he is probably telling St. Peter his altar isn't set up properly, smiling all the while he fixes things. That is Big John, still fulfilling God's will for him.

Tom Murray

Bella Visa

Commentary on 03/22/2014

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