Harvey Rutherford: A man who served his generation

 

In days gone by, his hands were strong,
With hammer and nails, he'd craft a song,
A stalwart man, who stood so tall,
For Within the church body, he gave his all.

In every task, he chased his dreams,
For his family, he toiled with pride,
With love and strength, he did provide.

His wife, his children, they all knew,
The depths of love that always grew,
In every board, in every stone,
His heart, his soul, his love was shown.

He'd lend a hand to one in need,
In every deed, in every creed,
A willing heart, so kind and true,
For anybody, he'd see it through.

But time, that thief, began its creep,
Through memories, it sought to seep,
The names, the faces, blurred in mist,
Moments of joy, and sorrow that now he'd missed.

His mind is bound in chains, yet free,
His soul released by His decree,
His Savior's love, a guiding light,
Through darkest days, through longest night.

His faith in his Savior was ever strong,
A guiding light, a sacred song,
And though his memories may drift away,
His God remembers, come what may.

For in the sanctuary, those walls still stand,
A testament to his strong hand,
And in each heart, his legacy,
A beacon of his love set free.

An example of Christ, he will leave behind,
In acts of love, so pure, so kind,
He lived his faith through every deed,
A servant’s heart, to those in need.

Though words may falter, and thoughts may stray,
In his family's hearts, he'll always stay,
A man of strength, of love and grace,
Whose memory time cannot erase.