5 /5 Matthew Range: At 15 in 1990 I moved with my parents to North Texas from New Jersey and attended Denton High School on Fulton. On the first day of World History / Social Studies class I randomly chose a seat. As I sat down the student seated in front of me turned around and introduced himself, followed by “What Church do you go to?” That’s a weird question I thought, but I introduced myself and said Saint Maria Goretti.
Saint Maria Gu-what? What kind of church is that?he asked.
It’s Roman Catholic I replied.
You’re Catholic?!? He exclaimed while looking at me as if I had 2 heads.
Now you have to understand coming from the Northeast everyone as far as I knew was either Catholic, Jewish, Hindu or nothing. There were other churches up there that I would see as a kid, but they were so small I assumed they were wedding chapels.
Since I was asked what church I went to, I thought it would be polite to ask him what church he attended.
I go to First Baptist of Denton he replied.
First Baptist? What’s a Baptist? I asked.
His eyes bugged out. You don’t know what a Baptist is?!?!
No.
You need to come to my church he said. I replied that I was ok but he would insist that I come regularly. Finally I did.
At the church service, I was berated for worship ping idols and was told I was going to hell if I don’t accept Jesus Christ as my savior among other things. It was amusing.
Still Catholic though.
