The Rev

"HI LARRY"! That's the greeting I could count on anytime I came into Rev. Campbell's presence. That and a big bear hug. That was his personal spin on my name and even though it's been quite a few years since I've seen him the thought of his greeting still puts a big grin on my face.

Yesterday the news came that Rev. James Campbell left this place and joined his beloved wife Chris in the Lord's House. What a reunion that must have been.

Just the mention of the Campbell name awakens a riot of fond memories for me. Many of my most treasured teenage memories involved the Campbell girls. We were all part of a rowdy MYF Group. Rev. Campbell did his best to keep us in line and for the most part was successful. I think he even secretly enjoyed the times when we were mischievous because he always found a way to get in on the fun. Like the time the MYF boys decided to paper the parsonage. The SA parsonage had a huge screened in porch on the front. It was heavily shielded with louvered blinds. In other words, we could see and hear the boys but they didn't know we were there. We (Karen, Cindy, Rev. Campbell, Mrs. Campbell and I) watched and listened as the boys got to work. When they were about half way done Rev. C said in his biggest pulpit voice "Chris get my gun". Their first reaction was complete stillness. Then they looked around at each other and boys began to run in every direction imaginable. I still laugh thinking about it.

I know there are hundreds more stories like this one. My dearest hope is that they continue to be told through the family for generations to come.

Rev. and Mrs. Campbell bestowed the title of honorary Campbell Kid on me and so many others who's lives they touched and even though none of us are "kids" any longer, it's a title I will always cherish.

CAMPBELL KIDS RULE!!!
Hillarie