“The Man At The Top Of The Stairs”
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
In the October-December 2011 issue of the Magnolia Messenger, pg. 17, is a tribute to brother Ray Gilbert, who recently passed on to be with the Lord (also see article from the Oct/Dec., 2010 issue, pg. 14). Brother Gilbert was a faithful member of the South Huntington congregation in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and at 88 years of age, was still very active in doing the Lord’s work.
Brother Gilbert would always stand at the top of the stairs as the designated “greeter,” greeting each worshipper, handing them a church bulletin each Sunday morning. He would greet everyone with a smile and a hug, always thankful to be “just a Christian.” Brother Gilbert also assisted in conducting services at the local nursing home, would open and close the church building, and filled glasses for the church fellowship meal.
Brother Gilbert provided a good example for both old and young alike. At his funeral service, brother Les Ferguson spoke the following words in tribute to this faithful soldier of the cross:
“Ray is standing at the top of the stairs to welcome each of us into heaven. Thank God that we knew Weaver Ray Gilbert, the man at the top of the stairs.”
Brethren, we don’t know what place or position of importance will be given to us by the Lord when we reach heaven’s portals, but this writer would be satisfied with just being a greeter, i.e., “The Man At The Top Of The Stairs,” as brother Ray Gilbert was.
Wouldn’t you?