Final Promotion Granted at Age 104

Robert Lawrence Fischer was born in Hoboken, NJ on March 6, 1906.  He spent his early years there with his Mom and Dad and older sister Trudeau.  His Dad was the manager of the New York City Chemist Club.

As a boy, our Dad developed a love for ham radio.  In the early 1900’s he put together his first crystal radio set which was a gift from his mother. At 16, Dad became the youngest member of the American Radio Relay League, which proved to be the focus of his later life as a Radio Engineer.

During his high school years, Dad attended the Peekskill Military Academy.  He spent the summers with relatives on Long Island pursuing his other favorite pastimes — fishing and baseball! After his mother passed away when Dad was only 17 years of age, the family moved to Larchmont, NY.

At the age of 24, Dad joined the Naval Reserves as a Radioman 2^nd class.  It was during these years that he began a hardware business that grew to three stores in the Scarsdale area of New York.  He was once the proud owner of a 1932 Chrysler Roadster.

When World War II broke out in 1940, Dad was called to active duty and promoted to Navy Ensign. He served during the war as an electronics engineer in the 8^th fleet located in the Mediterranean, serving in Algiers, Casablanca, Naples and southern France. He was responsible for setting up the communications for the Yalta Conference with Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin.

When Dad returned home from the war in 1945, his best friend George Bisset encouraged him to come to Oneonta, NY for a visit. It was here that George introduced Ruth Dean to Dad on a blind date. After a whirlwind courtship they were married 1 ½ weeks later in Grafton, West Virginia, Mom’s hometown.  Dad was 40 and Mom was 31.  Immediately after the wedding, Dad left for his assignment in Oakland, California, at the Naval Shipyard there. Mom had to stay behind for several months to collect war stamps to be able to make the cross country trip to meet back up with Dad.

Their honeymoon consisted of a cross country trip from California back to New York in 1946. The following year, Larry was born, and 18 months later along came Alan.  At his point, Dad was stationed at the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard.  The boys became the center of mom’s world.  They even wore outfits Mom made for them from Dad’s old uniforms.

In 1950, Bob was born and our family headed for Houston, Texas, where Dad was assigned for duty. There are wonderful memories of these days as the Fischer family grew. In 1955, Dad was promoted to Commander and was transferred to Washington D.C. as the Assistant Director of the Shore Electronics Division of the Bureau of Ships. It was here that Dad retired in 1962 after spending a remarkable 32 years in the Navy.

The crystal radio set given to him by his mother charted the course for his life.

Our family moved into their new home in what was then the rural area of Fairfax, Virginia. This became their true family home for the next 50 years.  These were special years with lots of wonderful memories.

A most important, life-altering event came in 1960 when our Mom was introduced to the Gospel of Jesus Christ by a 5-year-old boy in her Sunday School Class. She had been in church all her life, striving to serve and please God by her good works, but without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and the acceptance of His death on the cross as forgiveness for sin.  In the weeks that followed, that little boy’s mother, along with her pastor, Ed Carmichael, showed Mom how she could have a personal relationship with Christ.  Dad’s decision to become a Christian followed several weeks later and both were baptized in May of 1960.

Dad continued working after his retirement as a civil engineer until his mandatory retirement at the age of 70.  It was at this point in their lives that they were introduced to Shaklee nutritional supplements, and they began a new business venture which continued for the next 30 years.  Together, they achieved the rank of coordinator, a position in the company that Dad held until the age of 100. Dad also held many positions at Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, Virginia where he and Mom were active members for 40 years.

Dad and Mom never started a day without having their quiet time together.  They would read the Daily Bread and scripture and then pray around the world for their children, grand kids, missionaries and friends that they had made over the years. They prayed especially that God would allow them to be a witness in all they did.  They were always ready to give an answer for the hope that they had found in Christ!

Soon after his beloved Ruthie passed away in 2001, Dad finally agreed to hand over the keys to his car and sell the family home in Fairfax.  He moved out to their cottage at Shiloh Farm in Nokesville, Virginia to be cared for by his loving family.

Dad never stopped working and planning ahead for what he would do next!  He never stopped learning and growing as a person. At the age of 101 he was taking golf lessons! His zest for life was contagious, and many of us, many years younger, often had to struggle to keep up with him!

Dad was a pioneer, inventor, patriot, business owner, church member, and a faithful, loving and supportive husband and father. His final days were spent doing what he liked best when he could — working outside, riding the tractors and enjoying the peace and tranquility of the farm.

On April the 21^st, 2010, at the age of 104, God called Dad into His eternal Home, surrounded by his loving family in the place where he had found such great contentment and joy.

Well done, good and faithful servant.  Enter into the joy of your Lord.

Submitted to honor the life of a man who left us all a legacy of faith and faithfulness, our earthly father, Robert L. Fischer.

Larry, Alan and Bob Fischer
July 2010

Deacon Frank E. Grier served as an Elder and Deacon of First Baptist Church of Glenarden (FBCG) located in Landover and Upper Marlboro, Md. He gave his life to Jesus Christ at an early age in Belmont, N.C. Later, he moved to Washington, D.C. where he attended various churches, and rededicated his life to Christ. In 1973, he joined the First Baptist Church of Glenarden where he worshipped and served diligently. In God’s perfect timing, Deacon Grier transitioned to be with the Lord on February 1, 2010. Over his 88 year lifetime, he touched and impacted many lives for the kingdom of God. He will be truly missed, particularly because of the way he showed his love for the FBCG men’s ministry through his words, actions and deeds.

Deacon Grier had a heart for men that was clearly evident through his involvement with numerous ministries that enabled men to grow deeply in their relationship with Christ. The monthly fellowship gatherings, the annual men’s conferences, prayer breakfasts and retreats, the men’s discipleship classes, visits to prisons and nursing homes and more. He served everywhere.

On retreats, he loved hosting fellowship receptions in his room where men could relax, share and open up with one another. His wisdom and transparency in sharing his life stories was a model for the men who listened attentively to their father and grandfather figure. He shared his testimony openly and wasn’t ashamed when a tear came down his cheek. This not only opened the men’s ears to hear of God’s mighty acts from a seasoned veteran, but it also opened their hearts when they saw the emotion and compassion behind the testimony. Deacon Grier spoke words of life to the men in order to help them in matters of family, work, leisure, spirituality and all other aspects of their lives. He cherished participating in these events as evidenced by the photographs, mementos, T-shirts, handouts and brochures he kept of the events over the years. The men cherished his presence and appreciated him for showing them how a godly man should carry himself. He was skilled in producing excellence in the deacons that he trained. He faithfully served his spiritual leaders, Pastor John W. Johnson and Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr.

“Daddy Grier”, as he was affectionately known, was also a loving family man. As head of his household, he was a devoted husband and father who was larger than life. He was married to his sweetheart, Naomi, for more than 61 years. He raised his children to know, love and honor God.

Deacon Grier loved God, his church, his family and his Pastor. He was a front line soldier in the Army of the Lord. Today, First Baptist Church of Glenarden is reaping the benefits of many seeds planted by Deacon Grier.

The ministry of Deacon Frank E. Grier has touched many lives and will continue to do so through the legacy that he embodied in those of us who knew him.

This tribute echoes a testimony that is common among many men throughout the Washington, D.C. area as well as around the country and around the world. We are grateful for knowing Pastor Jenkins and having him in our lives as pastor, mentor, teacher, father, brother, colleague and friend. For some of us, God ordained our paths to cross with his only fairly recently while for others it was years ago. Whatever the case, we all have been able to live a changed life ever since. Whether we were a non-believer, a babe in Christ, a mature Christian or a seasoned saint, upon knowing Pastor Jenkins and following his leadership and counsel, we have been able to grow and mature both spiritually and as men.

Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr. serves as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Glenarden (FBCG) located in Landover and Upper Marlboro, Md. Dedicated to the truth and instruction of the Bible, Pastor Jenkins has lead this preaching, teaching, outreach ministry since 1989. He formerly served as the senior pastor of the Union Bethel Baptist Church in King George, Va. At a young age, he developed a true relationship with Jesus and desired to share the saving message of Christ with his peers. Through this yearning, he was licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1973, at the early age of 15. As a teenager, he regularly ministered God’s word as a much sought after youth preacher.

Humility, compassion and integrity best describe the ministry of Pastor Jenkins. Since his installation, FBCG membership has grown from 500 to more than 10,000 members. Under his leadership, the church has over 100 ministries that meet the diverse needs of the congregation and community. Among these ministries are several that focus on helping men grow and become empowered in their walk with God.

Pastor Jenkins’ ministry extends beyond the walls of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden, touching the lives of those in the neighborhoods and business community throughout the metropolitan area. He is chairman to Project Bridges, a coalition of churches devoted to improving the quality of family life. He is a trustee for Bethel University. He also serves on the board of directors for Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable, National Association of Evangelicals, Skinner Leadership Institute, Teen Challenge, Vision 360 and a local bank. When serving in these capacities, God’s anointing is with Pastor Jenkins and this has a meaningful impact on his relationships with people.

Pastor Jenkins travels extensively around the United States and throughout the world preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His overseas travel has included: Guyana, South America; Ghana, West Africa, Trinidad and South Africa. His ministry also supports work in Havana, Cuba; Trelawny, Jamaica; Sierra Lione, West Africa; Dubrovista, Ukraine; Midrand, South Africa; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Uganda, East Africa.

Pastor Jenkins and his wife, Trina, are the proud parents of six children and one granddaughter.

“Franklin”

As he grew into his teen years, now known to most of his friends as “Chris”, he was more often seen in a football helmet or baseball cap.  It was during these early days that the farm boy met a town girl named Gloria.

While at the University of Nebraska word came of the beginning of the second world war. Chris signed up for the Army.  He was soon selected  for the Army Air Corp and began flight training as a pilot of the B-24 bomber known as “The Liberator”.   He earned his wings in 1944 and shipped out to his assigned airfield in Italy.  Just before he left for Europe, he married the town girl that had stolen his heart.  He and Gloria wrote to each other nearly every day that they were apart.  They have kept all of these letters in a box to this day.

From that airfield  in Italy “Lieutenant Christensen”,  now wearing a bomber pilot’s helmet, flew nearly 30  missions over Austria and Germany.   Lt. Christensen brought his crew back from every mission – sometimes with a severely damaged plane – but he got them back.  He returned to Nebraska and to Gloria in 1946.

He and Gloria were soon off to Iowa where “Mr. Christensen” now wore a fedora to work as he embarked on a long and successful career as a jr. high school teacher and school administrator.   His career eventually brought him to Maryland where he finally settled in, eventually retired, found Cedarbrook Church and became fondly known as “Grandpa Chris” to the young folks and “Mr. Chris” to the rest of us.  These days a Chicago Cubbies Cap often sits on his head.  At Cedarbrook Church he is the first face many see at the church door every Sunday.  He is an honorary Grandpa to hundreds of children and young folks and a faithful and proactive friend to all of his beloved Cedarbrook family.   He is a man who knows how to love well and is well loved by all.  He is a man of faith, humility, kindness, sincerity and the kind of Godly example that has made many men muse, “When I grow up I want to be Grandpa Chris”.

Franklin Christensen – a loving husband for over 65 years, an honorary grandpa, a great friend, an example, and a hero to all.  It is with great respect and love that we, his friends, present “Franklin, Chris, Lt. Christensen, Mr. Christensen, Grampa Chris, Mr. Chris” as a man well deserving of this nomination to The Wall of Honor.

The Men of Cedarbrook Community Church
Clarksburg, Maryland
November 7, 2009

Mike’s church family, as well as his many friends, have all benefitted in one way or another from his joyful willingness to live out the call of our Savior on his life.  Whether it’s arriving every Sunday morning hours before anyone else to make sure the sound system is up and running, assisting another worship team rehearsal, responding to an emergency plumbing repair, or gathering with a handful of men early Saturday morning to pray for his church and his community, countless people have a story to tell about Mike Johnson.  Those who know Mike best know he views all this as a privilege, not a chore.

This tribute will be difficult for Mike, but he’ll receive it – because that’s what Mike does, he does what others need him to do – so he’ll accept it, then point his finger upward and remind us that Jesus is the one who deserves the honor for changing Mike’s life.

Given the chance, Mike would tell you how down on the national Mall one July Fourth, Jesus forever changed his life.  And He did.  Thirty years from now, Mike will still be praying for his community early Saturday mornings, or arriving at the church Sunday mornings hours before others to make sure the sound system is ready to go, or climbing under someone’s sink because they called late one night saying, “there’s water coming from everywhere.”  Neither Mike, nor his Savior, would have it any other way.

The Men of Cedarbrook Community Church
Clarksburg, Maryland
November 7, 2009

I recall, as a new Christian who just graduated from business school, sitting in the pew now ready to learn everything there was to know about the Bible.  It didn’t turn out quite that way.  Through Ted’s preaching, I quickly learned what is most important, how we can be a part of people coming to know Jesus Christ as their personal savior.  Since that time, I often find myself reminding myself of the lessons I learned back then about being prepared to share our faith with others and being able to clearly articulate the gospel and the hope we have  in Jesus Christ.  The lessons learned during that time have provided the appropriate perspective about “learning everything there is to know about the Bible” and living the example of Jesus Christ as presented in many sermons.

The biggest thing I have to thank Ted Holley for is getting me in the game.  At a men’s retreat several years ago, we were exhorted to “get into the game” if we had not already – that “game” being the Lord’s work.  Around the camp fire that evening, we were asked to share about someone who impacted our lives in our walk with Jesus.  It occurred to me then that I had Ted Holley to thank for “getting me in the game”.  I shared that evening that I owed a thank you phone call to the man who got me in the game.  Not sure why I never made the call, but maybe this will help make up for lost time.  Thinking back, I see how the combination of confidence and encouragement that Ted demonstrated in me resulted in me gettng off the bench.  As a new Christian, I felt ill prepared to serve God, especially compared to so many others who had known Christ for many years.  But Ted asked time and again for me to take on an increasing role in ministry.  While his confidence in me and personal encouragement is what initiated much of my response to serving God, Ted taught me that it was not me, but God, who accomplishes ministry.

There are many other positive qualities that could be shared about Ted, many of which others who know him better and for longer would be more qualified to share.  His journey from radio to the pulpit.  His perserverence in a church that was in transition when he arrived.  Raising a family of believers.  Loving a wife for many years, who has served faithfully beside him in ministry while having her own unique impact working in the public school system full time.  But for me, it is the impact that the man had on me in four short years.  An impact that helped God work in my life to form a pattern that has helped keep me from messing up all the good that God has poured out in blessings.  And for that, Ted Holley, you are deserving of being recognized as a man of honor.  Thank you for service to the Lord and your impact on many individual lives – especially mine.

One weekend she asked, “Can we go to church?”  Though I really did not want to since I had no idea what went on inside a church on Sunday morning, I relented.  She found a church a few miles from our home that she thought would a good one.  Well, it was a memorable experience because of how out-of-place I felt that day.

The next week, knowing I had a bad experience the week before, my wife asked if we could try again. She had found a different, but similar church closer to our home.  So we went.  The pastor of the church was Bob Burton, a man I came to love and respect in short order.  I liked Bob because he didn’t fit the stereotype of Christian men as I thought they were – weak, unsure, and unmanly.   We attended the church for three weeks, and though I don’t remember a thing he said from the pulpit, I do remember the moment at the back of the church when he asked me if I was a Christian.  I knew I wasn’t, but all I could think to say is, “I don’t know, but I would like to talk about it.  Can you come visit us?”

He pulled up to our humble dwelling (a mobile home) in an old VW bug – the same car I was drivng at the time.  I knew there was a reason I liked him! He loved to ski and played the trumpet, as did I.  So right away we had a lot in common.  As we talked together, he faithfully and patiently answered my questions and objections to becoming a follower of Christ.  Finally, when he asked me if I was ready to pray to receive Christ, I found myself on my knees, repenting of my sin and asking Christ for forgiveness.  Wow!   What a moment in time and eternity.

Bob continued to be my pastor for the next couple of years, and I can honestly say that he discipled me toward maturity in Christ from both the pulpit and his personal life.  He believed in Christ and invested in me.  His wife Lorraine and his children Tom, Connie and Greg are indeed blessed to have the legacy of faith and faithfulness he left behind before going on to Glory . . .

Gratefully,

Marty Granger
Springfield, Virginia

But Red’s true love was always the Lord, his dear wife Mike, his children Amy and Jonathan, and more recently, his three grandchildren. Red has always had a heart for the Lord. He and Mike were members of Bible studies at their different military assignments as well as being involved with the Post Chapel or local church. Red has a heart for discipling men of all ages. He has met weekly with individuals one on one and with a men’s group for accountability and prayer. Prayer is one of his passions. He has faithfully been a member of the Burke Community Church (BCC) prayer ministry for over 20 years that includes a weekly meeting at 5:30 AM to pray for his church and individuals. He and his wife Mike have led the Abundant Life Ministry for years at BCC. This ministry is based on Dr. Neil Anderson’s Freedom in Christ Ministry.

Red also continues to be active in men’s ministry where he has nurtured and encouraged countless young men as well his peers in pursuing godly lives. Red has an accountability partner who he, Red, has accompanied to his presentations on spiritual issues. Red’s heart for the Lord has resulted in him being called to serve as an elder on BCC’s Council of Elders for three 3-year terms. He is currently serving on BCC’s elder nominating committee. Red also continues to be the co-leader of BCC’s annual summer mission project in West Virginia. When he is not pursuing one of the many ministries he is involved with, he is visiting hospitalized church members, working on church projects, and helping other men with home projects. He and his wife find time to pursue one of their favorite past times, jitterbugging.

He exemplifies a servant’s heart with his selfless service to and for others. When the Lord calls Red home, we believe that He will relish saying, “Well done good and faithful servant.” We are honored to honor, Red Calkin for the Wall of Honor.

Randy Brandt
Fellow servant in the Lord

John is a man of passion for the glory of His Savior, Jesus Christ. He has been married to his wife, Cheryl, for 25 years. They have a son, Greg, a daughter, Nicole, and a son-in-law, Jeff.

In 2004, John started having some troubles with cancer. The cancer first showed up in the form of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. The cancer was found quickly and had no more effect on his life once it was removed. A few years after the removal of his melanoma, he was diagnosed with Kidney cancer. God faithfully showed his presence and love for John when God allowed John and a doctor to find the cancer by complete accident. John had gone to the doctor for an aortal scan to make sure his heart was in good shape. When the scans came back, they found a large cist on his kidney. When the doctors went to remove the cist, they found a large cancerous mass hiding behind the cist. In God’s timing, the cancer was removed and John was cleared of all traces of cancer. Through his whole struggle with cancer and in his recovery time, John always depended on God, and never questioned his timing. John has a firm belief in God’s absolute sovereignty and is ever ready for what God wants him to accomplish.

Since he has been at Burke Community Church, John’s been a sitting elder for 2-terms of 3 years each, has spoken sermons on Sundays when the church was looking for a senior pastor in 2001, he teaches adult Sunday school classes, and has led Men’s Prayer Nights over 4 years in a row. John has made an incredible impact as he has mentored young men in leadership for the last 6 years.

We are honored to honor, John Andrews for the Wall of Honor.

Greg Andrews,
Proud Son

Jack was born in Western Pennsylvania and as a young boy attended church regularly with his grandmother. At the age of twelve Jack gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ with a commitment to become a minister of the gospel.

Dr. Morris did his undergraduate work at Central Bible College. He later attended New York University where he received an M.A. in education. He went on to complete a Doctorate in Pastoral Ministries and counseling at Luther Rice Seminary and obtained his D. Min. in Organizational Behavioral Management from McCormick Theological Seminary. Dr. Morris also received a Post-Doctoral Certificate in Family Counseling from Bowie State University.

Early on in his ministry Pastor Morris was the lead Pastor at a few denominational churches. However, God had a bigger plan for him! Young Pastor Jack took a leap of faith and left his lead pastor position to establish the Largo Community Church, “a church without walls” where there were no divisions or denominational agenda. On Sunday morning June 18, 1972 Largo Community Church was founded with $50.00. The first service had 38 people in attendance at the Largo High School in Largo, Maryland.

Under Pastor Morris’ leadership, Largo Community Church engaged early on in spreading the Gospel through missionary outreach and support in the community and all over the world. Largo Community Church supports missionaries from our congregation in Africa and Asia. Additionally, Pastor Morris personally participates in church planting in the Philippines and Ethiopia. Pastor Morris has now planted churches in three continents. He further trains and teaches new pastors in many countries of Asia through the Asia Pacific Theological Seminary where he is an adjunct professor, He also served as an adjunct professor with Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va.

Pastor Morris has a special love for the youth. He believes in sowing the seeds of God’s Word to the children early in life. This results in a heavy emphasis on Biblical youth education at Largo Community Church. Also he strongly believes that men should be the spiritual leaders in their home, church, workplace and community. They should exhibit a Christian walk that radiates their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Largo has a vibrant and thriving men’s ministry that equips men for church leadership because of the leadership of Dr. Morris.

It is with great respect and love that we present this nomination of H. Jack Morris, Senior Pastor of Largo Community Church, to The Wall of Honor.

Dwayne Hooper, Executive Minister
Largo Community Church
Mitchellville, Maryland