C. R. Nichol
On July 7, 1961, I received a telegram from sister E. A. Priddy, saying her great father, C. R. Nichol, had gone to be with Christ. I have received many letters from brother Nichol during his rather long illness. He would tell of his progress toward physical recovery. Then he would ask a question concerning the Scriptures, for me to answer in my next letter to him. He said once, not more than a year ago, that he was now learning more than he had ever learned, and he was enjoying his studies in the Book. I shall collect all his letters to me, and keep them for future reading when I get discouraged, or need the strength that comes from such a brother in Christ.
To sister Priddy I wrote:
"In the language of Edgar Guest, with 'Nick' substituted for 'Riley,' I, who knew your great father, and loved him dearly, would say:
'There's a heap of sadness in this good old world today, There are lumpy throats this mornin' now that 'Nick' has gone away.
There's a voice now stilled forever that in sweetness only spoke, An' whispered words of courage with a faith that never broke.'
"I had hoped that he might recover sufficiently to come over to Alabama and preach for us again. I wrote to him that all I needed was just enough time to get a lapel 'mike' so that not one precious word of his masterful sermons might be wasted."
I think I loved C. R. Nichol most for the way he made me feel that I was his equal, though I knew well his superiority. "How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle!