The by-line under which I have written began back in Charleston, S. C. in the early 1960’s.  I have used this column to write about congregational activities for the most part and urge members of the congregation to be faithful in their participation in the work of the local congregation.  There have been occasional doctrinal articles as I sensed the need.  This will be my last “Minute” to be written here or elsewhere.  While I have not claimed exclusive use to or copyrighted the title, as far as this writer is concerned, this is the end.  With him going into semi-retirement, so will this byline.

We came to Central nineteen years ago this coming Monday.  Those 19 years have been the greatest of our lives and for such we are very thankful.  There have been many changes in those years – some good and some not so good.  There have been successes and also failures.  Wherein we have personally failed, we beg your forgiveness and trust it will not be held against us.  During those years we have been privileged to work with Elders that truly cared about the church and also supported the preaching of the gospel of Christ.  There have been secretaries that worked faithfully and with dedication in the church office and each was/is appreciated for their loyalty not only to the Lord, but to the work in the office as well.

For thirteen of those years I was blessed to be permitted to be a part time instructor with the Florida School of Preaching.  This was absolutely one of the richest experiences of my preaching career.  Preparing for my classes made me a better and more diligent student of The Word and I trust that made my work with the church more effective.  I have some warm and very valuable friendships with former students that I value very highly.  If there was anything unpleasant about the weekly trip to and from Lakeland, it was having to cope with the “going-home-from-work” traffic in Tampa each Thursday afternoon.  That will teach one to be patient or else you will be miserable.  I tried to be patient, listen to the radio and go with the flow.  I made it home successfully every time.

For your information, our new address and phone number after June 1 will be as follows:  (phone) 386-758-3687 and (address) 318 SW Twig Court, Lake City, FL 32024-5107.  Our place is five miles southwest of I-75 Exit 423 on State Highway 47.  If you are in that area, we would welcome your visit if possible, but at least a phone call to say hello.

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