THE MILITARY PARADE
Another clipping reminds me of the military church parade, and the thrilling
challenge of presenting the Gospel to the Protestants of the Ammunition
Company 1st Corps Troops from Petawawa under the command of Captain John
Bell (later Col. Bell), a member of Calvary Baptist of whom the church was
justly proud. The church was jammed beyond capacity that Sunday morning.
The seas of faces, the military music, are unforgettable.
OUR BOYS
This brings to mind the boys of the church who enlisted and served overseas.
I feel saddened and proud as I picture in my mind's eye Eric Dewar, Kenneth
Dale, Wendall Clark and Charlie McKearns who were amongst those who did
not return. I cannot forget the solemn earnestness of Kenneth Dale, who,
on the eve of his departure, came to me for counseling and special prayer
.
SERVICEMEN AT THE SERVICES
Through the years since my pastorate at Calvary many men in many different
locations have re-introduced themselves to me and reminded me of their
regular attendance at our services when they were stationed in Ottawa
in the Army, Navy or Air Force, during those years of the war - 1940-
1943.One of them, Rev. Eric Crichton, who at that time was in the Air
Force, and is now Pastor of a large church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania,
wrote me on the occasion of my 30th anniversary in the field of evangelism.
In part of his letter he says -"It is such a joy to send greetings
to you at this time and to acknowledge with many others on this occasion
the evident hand of the Lord upon you in this strategic and significant
ministry for our Lord Jesus Christ . We thank God for a great company
throughout Canada and the United States who could rise up and cal1 you
"blessed" because you were God's instrument in bringing them
to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
If I may add a more personal note, I would like to express my gratitude
for your ministry years ago at Calvary Baptist Church in Ottawa during
the Second World War. It was my privilege to worship with you on numerous
occasions and always with blessing to my soul. I can still remember some
of the message which you preached in those days. "
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