Alma Kuhn celebrates 105th birthday at church
By PASTOR DAVID RAWLEY Otterbein United Brethren Church Special to the Echo Pilot

Alma Kuhn

On Tuesday, Oct. 16, Alma Kuhn celebrated her 105th birthday. Part of her birthday celebration was returning to her church in Greencastle to greet her many friends. Alma was born and raised in Greencastle and attended Otterbein United Brethren Church all of her life. She was dedicated to the Lord as an infant in 1902. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and remained very active at Otterbein for the next 100 years! In those years, she never missed a summer "Camp Meeting" at Rhodes Grove Camp, a place she has loved.

Alma's mind is very keen and her memories stretch back into 1906. One traumatic memory is from 1908. Her family moved off their farm (on Kuhn Road) into the town of Greencastle. They couldn't take the dog with them, so…they shot the dog. She remembers stories that her father told her about the Civil War. He was seven years old when the war began. Her mother was born during that war and was given five middle names, the names of five southern soldiers who stopped at the house and visited this new baby.

Alma is a walking encyclopedia of the 20th century. Her life has been full and eventful. She has friends around the world. The most exciting event of the century, to her, was the ending of World War II. She remembers how people gathered in the town square, waving flags and singing hymns. She has voted in every presidential election since 1920. The fact that she just happened to vote for Republican candidates each time recently landed her in the White House. When President Bush heard about this remarkable woman who had never voted for a Democratic presidential candidate, he said "I would like to meet her." So, in August 2007, Alma was taken to see him. When she got to the door of his office, she said, "I can't breathe!" But she held it together and got a hug, kiss, and picture as a reward.

Alma Kuhn received 105th birthday greetings from the members of Otterbein church, including Wib Bear.

For many years she rented a house in Chambersburg. Several landlords owned the house then passed away. The last one said, "Stay as long as you want," then they died. Finally when she was 102 she moved…to a private home where she is able to receive care. What is her longevity secret? "I never got married…never had a man to fool with!" she laughs. Also, a little peanut butter and oatmeal each day. That is the formula that has worked for her. Who can argue? Alma says that she doesn't know why God has allowed her to live for so long. She has long been prepared and ready to join her friends and family in God's glory. Perhaps it is simply as an inspiration to the rest of us that He allows her to remain. Her love, laughter, and enthusiasm are inspiring to everyone who knows her.

In 1999, when the new millennium was about to begin, the Y2K phenomenon was all the rage. What would happen to the computers, airplanes, and national security when 2000 officially began? Alma was 97. I said to her, "You may live to be 100." Her reply was classic. "I don't want to live to be 100, but I would like to stick around a bit to see what this Y2K thing is going to do!" That curiosity and spirit of adventure has always given her a sparkling attitude. Now it keeps her going as she enters new territory at 105.

All your friends at Otterbein Church congratulate you, Alma. All your friends in Greencastle and elsewhere have just one thing to say… "Keep doing what you're doing!" You have accomplished a remarkable achievement and we're all very privileged to know you.