The Kiwanis Club of Greenville’s October 6 meeting brought together fellowship, recognition, and a fascinating presentation from one of the club’s longtime members. Dr. Bobby L. Sparks received recognition for 35 years of Kiwanis membership before sharing his research on the Old Testament tabernacle through a handcrafted model, historical objects, and stories from decades of teaching and travel.
The program gave members an opportunity to celebrate Bobby’s commitment to the club while learning more about a subject that has become a central part of his life’s work.
Celebrating 35 Years of Kiwanis Service
Before the presentation began, Bobby was invited forward to receive his anniversary plaque. Because he had been unable to attend the club’s recent annual banquet, members took time during the meeting to recognize his milestone and thank him for his years of service.
The moment included plenty of friendly humor, including Bobby’s question about whether 35 years of membership came with a retirement check. While the award was a plaque rather than a pension, the appreciation behind it was clear.
Longtime members help carry a club’s history forward, building relationships and supporting its mission year after year. Bobby’s recognition offered a meaningful reminder of that enduring commitment.
Bringing the Tabernacle to Life
For his program, Bobby displayed a model of the portable sanctuary described in the Old Testament—the tabernacle built during Moses’ leadership of the Israelites in the wilderness.
His study of the subject began with doctoral research on the tabernacle, priesthood, and offerings. That work grew into a thesis of nearly 400 pages and later led to books, church seminars, and a video curriculum.
Bobby explained that his approach to teaching centers on telling the story. Rather than overwhelming audiences with measurements and technical details, he uses the model to help people understand the tabernacle’s layout, the activities that took place there, and the meaning he draws from its design.
The model itself reflects considerable craftsmanship. Its furnishings were carved from wood and enlarged in proportion to the surrounding structure so audiences could see them clearly. Bobby also shared the story of finding a company that could plate the wooden pieces, giving the furnishings their metallic finishes.
Exploring the Meaning Behind the Model
Bobby guided members through the courtyard, the altar of sacrifice, the basin used for washing, and the rooms within the tabernacle. He described the lampstand, the table holding the twelve loaves of bread, the altar of incense, and the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.
Throughout the presentation, he explained how he connects these features with New Testament teachings about Jesus Christ. In his interpretation, the tabernacle provides a series of visual lessons about holiness, sacrifice, forgiveness, and approaching God.
During the question-and-answer portion, a member asked which connection was most significant to him. Bobby identified the Day of Atonement, describing how the high priest’s entrance into the Holy of Holies serves, in his teaching, as a picture of Christ’s work of atonement.
His presentation showed how a physical model can make a complex subject easier to follow, giving listeners a way to visualize the setting as they hear its story.
Objects With Stories to Tell
Alongside the model, Bobby brought several items from his teaching collection, including acacia wood, a reproduction metal mirror, Hebrew scrolls, a cuneiform object, pottery, and an unfinished stone cup.
Each offered another opportunity to connect the discussion with materials, writing, and daily life from the ancient world. He also described participating in archaeological work at Shiloh and shared experiences from his travels to Israel.
One particularly memorable story concerned an object purchased from a dealer during the disruption of tourism at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Bobby said that after returning home and learning more about its potential value, he sent the dealer additional money because he wanted the transaction to be fair.
The story added a personal dimension to the presentation, reflecting the importance he places on treating people honestly.
Members also heard about the books and study materials Bobby has developed, including a fourteen-lesson video series with a workbook and leader’s guide.
Upcoming Programs and Fellowship
The meeting concluded with reminders about the club’s next two programs.
On Tuesday, October 13, members will meet for a tour of Greenville’s new fire administration facility rather than gathering at the usual meeting location. The facility is on Monty Stratton Parkway, behind Paris Junior College and near Greenville High School. Members were reminded that the building sits back from the road and may require a little extra attention to locate.
The October 20 program will focus on the hobby of collecting sports cards, with discussion of collecting, buying, and online marketplaces. A card giveaway is also planned.
Thank you to Dr. Bobby Sparks for sharing his knowledge, his collection, and his stories—and congratulations on 35 years of Kiwanis membership. Programs like this give our members opportunities to learn from one another, strengthen friendships, and celebrate the people who help make Greenville Kiwanis a welcoming place to serve.
