That is cool.

It got me thinking too. If it is an old beekeeper, it's possible they miss being around the bees, and seeing you brought back wonderful memories. How about speaking to the pastor of the church and seeing if they think it might be one of the congragation?
If you found out who it was, you might make a nice new friend - possibly one who had alot of experience with bees that could teach you something. Or you may simply make an old man happy by letting him visit your hive, let him tell you about "back in the day", and give him some honey.
Beth