>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

ELGIN — With approximately 50 passengers filling the car, the Gospel Train made its way through Minam Canyon Sept. 29 featuring gospel music, mini-sermons and testimonials from a variety of denominations.

The five-hour trip also included faith sharing, uplifting stories and fellowship. When completed, many of the passengers asked if the gospel train ride could become an annual event.

Pastors Kaye Garver, Sally Wiens and Delbert Durfee gave mini-sermons during the day. Jon Holmes and Bob Wiles gave several musical renditions on the guitar and harmonica while Ruth Ulrig played the keyboard the entire trip. Duets and solos were sung by Mary Hopkins, Pauline Terry, April Simpson, Kayla Durfee, Delbert Durfee, Martha Hug, Gerald Hopkins and Sally Wiens.

A special mini-sermon was given by Becci Scott, in which people were asked to string beads with each representing freedom from worldly contaminants, the meaning of sin, the blood of Christ, the bread, baptism, the Shepherd and promise for the future.

Ann Warren followed with a special event of passing boxes with sayings to the music.

The closing song, led by Martha Hug, was "Cum Ba Ya," which seemed fitting after a day of fellowship, beautiful scenery and wildlife on the Eagle Cap Excursion Train.