Woodrow Nichols

Elder Woodrow Nichols
Ordained – 1983

Woodrow Nichols Jr.

1951 – 2009


1984 – 1985    Served as Assistant Pastor at Union United Baptist Church   

1986 -2009    Served as Pastor at Union United Baptist Church

Sept 12, 1986 -1989 -Served as Assistant Clerk in the Old Zion Association

September 7, 1990 – 2002 Served as Assistant Moderator of Old Zion Association

Elder Woodrow Nichols Jr. was born September 10, 1951, and entered into eternal rest November 25, 2009.

Where do we begin?  Well…The Dash of course! 

“The Dash” is a touching tome which refers to the hyphen that appears on almost every tombstone. The hyphen that is placed in between a person’s date of birth and the date of their death which, when you stop to think about it, covers a person’s entire lifetime… Woodrow spoke of this often.  He would say what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time that we spend alive on earth… What memories will we leave behind?  In this tribute to Woodrow Nichols Jr., we attempt to write about the dash he lived here on Earth.

Woodrow was born at Holden Hospital in Logan, West Virginia, to the proud parents of Woodrow and Mildred Nichols.  At the very young age of twelve he met and fell in love with the woman whom he would later marry.  Their very first date was spent at a church.  

In 1966 Woodrow worked at Burger Boy in Columbus Ohio and In 1968 Woodrow worked at IGA and Coca Cola in Columbus Ohio.

At the youthful age of 18 on Sunday, September 14, 1969, Woodrow took Ima Jean Murphy to be his lawful wedded wife in holy matrimony.  Woodrow and Jean where later on blessed to have two wonderful sons named Mike (1971) and Timmy Nichols (1978).

In 1970, Woodrow worked at Waupaca Construction Company until Shell Coal at Wolf Creek Collieries hired him 1970.  Woodrow worked for Wolf Creek for 25 years.  He worked from September 1970 until October 1995. He was a shuttle car operator, loading machine operator, maintenance operator, roof bolter and hoist operator at the mines. Woodrow has stated many times to Jean before the Lord had saved him that he thought a coal miner couldn’t live a Christian life.  But Woodrow soon found out all things are possible with the Lord, Jesus Christ. I remember him saying, “Like the song – I went there to fight but oh my something really got a hold of me.” 

On March 3, 1988, Woodrow became a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) where he worked as an EMT with the ambulance service in Martin County.  He also was on the EMS – 911 Board in the 1990.  From October 1995 until July 2004, Woodrow was the Maintenance Supervisor at the Martin County Board of Education. On December 14, 2004 Woodrow also completed an Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course for Ham Radio.  An amateur radio operator is an individual who typically uses equipment at an amateur radio station to engage in two-way personal communications with other similar individuals on radio frequencies assigned to the amateur radio service.   

In September 1975, Union United Baptist Church was holding a revival and Jean had asked Woodrow to come with her to the revival one night.  Woodrow promised her that he would go one night to church with her. On the very last night of the revival Jean said to Woodrow, “Jr., all the time we have been together you have never lied to me and you promised you would go with me one night to the revival with me and if you don’t go to the church with me tonight that means you have lied to me.”  Woodrow stated to her “If this will get you off my back I’ll go.”  Woodrow went to church that night and sat in the very last seat in the house, but he didn’t get saved that night.  However, when Columbus Tiller asked the question, “If we go one more night with the revival will anybody come back?”  Woodrow raised his hand. The very next night which was Tuesday, September 23, 1975, Woodrow Nichols Jr., accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ in his life. He told his wife later on that night he thought the moon was shining so bright and all the fall bugs was singing because they were happy he was saved.  Everything sounded and looked good to him. He stated many times, “Jean got a brand new Husband and Mike got a brand new daddy.”  Later on down the road a man at the coal mines bet him he wouldn’t last 6 months serving the Lord.  Woodrow said, “That man didn’t realize a bigger power then me got a hold of me.”

Woodrow became a member of Union United Baptist Church on June 24, 1976.  While under the ministry of Columbus Tiller, Woodrow became passionate about Kingdom building and was ordained a Deacon on March 17, 1979.  December 17, 1983, Woodrow accepted his call to the ministry as an Evangelist and was ordained to preach. Here are some scriptures he would quote.

II Timothy 2:19

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time pluck up that which is planted;

 

John 10

I am the good shepherd”, He would often put emphasis on John 10:5 “And ne beware of wolves dressed in sheep clothing.  He would then say, just watch their lives and they will leave a wolf track somewhere.    From this point he would begin to preach about Mathew 7:16 know them by their fruits.

 

 John 10:10

“The thief cometh not but, for to steal, and to kill……….”

 

2 Kings 5

When preaching about Naaman and his leprosy, Woodrow would preach about Naaman coming up out of the water after each dip in the water looking at his skin.  He was looking for that change.  Nothing happened until that seventh time.

 

John 8

 Woodrow would often preach about the woman caught in the very act of adultery, he would preach about her hearing the thump of each stone as they were dropped one by one. 

In 1984 Woodrow became the Assistant Pastor of Union United Baptist Church.  Many times he stated “I’m just a messenger for the Lord.”  Then in 1986 Woodrow was elected to serve as Pastor of Union United Baptist Church where he diligently witnessed to the lost and was a man who never wavered from his appointed task to lead the sheep in his flock. He set a standard of how to live a life that is consistent with Biblical principles.  
 

Brother Woodrow walked a path in his spiritual life that few attempt, characterized by a relentless and loving pursuit of God.  He was a wonderful example for all to follow. He was a loving father, wanting only the best for his family, a devoted husband, wonderful friend, teacher and guide. He served the church through good times and bad.  He was truly a faithful servant for the Lord Jesus Christ.  Here are some of the songs he would sing himself, The Old Ship of Zion, God Leads Us Along and The Feet Washing song he would sing at the Communion Services.

In October of 1986, Woodrow was bonded so he could perform Holy Matrimony Services for those who wanted to wed.  When it comes to marriage, the Bible’s first book says 1 + 1 should equal 1.  It tells us two “I’s” must become one “we” if a marriage is to thrive according to Genesis 2:24.  A real bond exists between a truly happily married couples’s.  In fact, this God-created relationship must be present and growing if the marriage is real, and if it is to work.  Before he would perform the wedding ceremony he would sit down with them and offer advice.  Actually, this was a requirement before he would marry anyone.  He would explain that a husband is to love and respect his wife even as Christ loves the Church.  He would also tell the wife that she was to love and obey her husband.  He said, he would always instruct the husband they were to be the spiritual leaders of their home.  His instruction would never end without instructing the young couples to attend church and to remember that this was a lifelong commitment and no man was to put asunder what GOD puts together.
 

Woodrow and Jean started a Youth Group back in 1976.  This provided an opportunity for the young children in the community to come and learn about the Love of the Lord Jesus Christ. The theme song was “I shall not be moved.”  The Youth group continued for eight years with services conducted on Wednesday nights.   The very first Christmas program was started by the Youth Group when they preformed the Christmas Skit of “The Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” Woodrow would often reflect back to his days as a Youth Group Leader.  Many of the youth would later ask Woodrow to perform their marriages, as well as, become born again members of Union United Baptist Church.   He was so supportive of Brent and Jeri Dawn starting the youth group.  Most would say that the future of the church is the youth, but Woodrow would say they are crucial to the church now.  

 

Our church began giving out fruit baskets at Christmas time in 1976 to Nursing home patients at Louisa.  The church wanted to show them love and appreciation. Woodrow always showed extreme kindness to the elderly. Just a little of our time can mean so much to someone who believes they are forgotten.   There was a little woman at the nursing home named Elizabeth Nap, who was in a wheelchair because she had no legs and became very sick.  She called brother Woodrow and wanted him to come and see her.  During their conversation she had a very simple request that seems so amazing.  She told Woodrow that she was getting ready to leave this world and go on to heaven.  She went on to say, Woodrow when you get there I would like for you to find me by the river of life, then you can put your feet in the water with my feet.  What a wonderful thought that is today!

 

Woodrow also held services at the Inez Nursing Home.  He knew there were many elderly people living in the nursing homes in our area and he wanted to make a difference for them by going to visit them too.  Woodrow also started holding church services once a month at the Nursing Home in Inez because he knew many nursing home patients are mentally sharp, spiritually devout men and women, who do not have the ability to attend church.  He wanted Sunday afternoon church services to be a way for them to connect with something deeply meaningful in their heart.  He did this by giving them an opportunity to worship God and by giving them a chance to sing and testify of the great love they have for the Lord.   

There are many rewards to be experienced by visiting with the elderly.  When an elderly person receives a visitor in the nursinghome, their eyes light up and it is easy to see what a difference it makes for their mood and state of mind. 

Woodrow started working at the Martin County BOE and became acquainted with the staff at the Group Home in Inez.  He learned that the facility was a home for mentally challenged men and women and his heart became burdened for them.   He inquired, wanting to know what the church could do to help to lift some of the burdens of the men and women who lived there.   Brother Woodrow would often speak about the joy it brought him to visit with them.  He stated many times that going over and spending time with them, giving them Christmas gifts and singing Christmas Carols was truly his “Christmas Gift,” knowing that the Lord’s Church was making a small difference in the lives of those men and women at that facility.

 

Brother Woodrow also had a vision of helping soldiers while they were overseas fighting for our freedoms.  Therefore, he would get addresses of soldiers and their platoons.  The church would all pitch in together and buy items and fix food to send to them.  We never really understood how this affected those soldiers, until his nephew visited us and thanked us for the boxes.  His nephew stated, “The deliveries were called the Baldwin boxes from Union Church” The boys would stand and wait for him to open all the boxes because they knew he would share them with his whole troop. We also had a letter read aloud at church from another group of soldiers letting us know how they appreciated the boxes.  Once again another example of how great God is.

 

God is willing and able to use us, no matter how young, and no matter how old we are. We should always remember that God wants us to care for, respect, honor, and value the elderly and our soldiers. 

Matthew 25: 34-40

34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.  

Woodrow also served as Assistant Clerk of the Old Zion Association from September 12, 1986 to September 1989.  Then on September 7, 1990, Woodrow was elected to serve as Assistant Moderator from September 7, 1990 to September -2002.   He loved the Lord deeply and wanted to continually share God’s love and God’s word. His service to the association was due to his relationship with his Lord and Savior.   Woodrow had a deep appreciation for the many which had trodden this gospel way before him.  At every association that he was asked to preach, he would always mention the many that had preached before us.  He would proceed to let people know it was good then and it is still good today.  Woodrow always stood for what he knew was tried and true.  He did not want to see things change and often instructed our church to hold dear to the old time path.  He loved the Lord deeply and wanted to continually share God’s love and God’s word.

His work for the association and pastor of Union United Baptist Church was not without great sacrifice.  On many different occasions his family would be packed and ready to take a vacation, the phone would ring and Woodrow would be needed in a meeting or for a funeral.  He would then have to break the news to his family.  Jean was always understanding but it would not be until later in life that his two boys would truly understand all of his sacrifices.  Mike and Timmy have both testified of their fathers’ commitment to serving GOD.  Woodrow never once complained about having to do the Lord’s work.  No matter what time of day or night someone one would call he would go.
When someone had a problem Woodrow would take the time to sit and listen and offer spiritual words of comfort.  When someone asked for prayer he would pray with them. Woodrow worked continually to share God’s love and God’s word. Woodrow truly put his life into serving the Lord, the church and his church family. 

Woodrow explained that one of his most proud moments as a pastor was the past association (2009).  No one knew what was ahead for Woodrow, but GOD.  The association was and always will be a very special association for ever etched in our memories.  It was an association where all of Union Church preachers preached.  Brother Woodrow also spoke and acknowledged Brother Forest Stepp while reminding us we never know wh0 will not be present next year!

Woodrow provided the wisdom, spiritual leadership and guidance to his flock while at his post of Pastor.  He was a good and faithful servant to the Lord.  Always praising, honoring and glorifying God, Woodrow was truly a teacher, leader, counselor and servant to the members of the congregation. 

The Dash was one of many spiritual messages that Woodrow conveyed in church and would reflect on at funerals.  The dash that is placed between the life and death of a person should serve as a reminder to all of us about the true purpose here on earth.  What will people remember you for?  Will you spend your dash serving the lord?  Woodrow certainly spent 34 year(s), 2 month(s), and 2 day(s) serving the Lord.

Naturally speaking in the flesh Woodrow had 2 sisters (Joyce and Lois) and 2 brothers (Buddy and Mike) while living here on earth.  But, there is no numbers that can be numbered that tell how many brother and sisters he has in Christ Jesus.

Revelation 7:9  After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Woodrow Nichols Jr., was a reverent man of prayer who loved the Lord and was a very loyal and faithful person who served the Lord with all his heart. The church seems a little emptier since Elder Woodrow’s passing. We miss his presence, his smile and his kind, loving and encouraging words. Nonetheless we know in our hearts that our loss is truly Heaven’s gain.  Many years ago someone gave Woodrow a magnet sticker that he placed on his refrigerator and it reads, “God has a plan for you!”  So, we ask you these questions: Are you allowing God to work through you?  What will you leave behind? What will your dash say about you? 

God has a plan for your Life 

“To the family, we know your loss is deep and your sorrow is great, but we want you to know that we share in your sorrow, but more importantly, we recognize that this loss is Heaven’s gain and now Our Pastor Woodrow Nichols Jr., rests in the fullness of God’s grace in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We would also like to thank you for the many sacrifices that you have made as a family.  The many lives and families that Woodrow has touched are truly priceless.  While he was a part of our lives, he was missing events in your lives.  We as a church family are what we are today because of his dedication to the church.”

                               Woodrow & Jean   


The following information was taken from the Zion United Baptist Minutes:

While in the stand Woodrow Nichols preached the following messages:

 

1984 –Saturday – Woodrow was called to preach. None of the words were recorded in the minutes.

 

1985 –Saturday – Woodrow was called to preach. None of the words were recorded in the minutes.

 

1986 – Sunday – Woodrow preached from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 A threefold cord is not easily broken… He ended with “If you can’t preach Jesus, then get out of the brethren way.  There is only one remedy for sin, Jesus Christ.” 

 

1987 – Friday –  Woodrow came forth and welcomed everyone and said from the book of Psalms, “The fool hath said in his heart there is no God, ” and from the book of Job, “I know my Redeemer liveth,” and for about ten minutes told the brethren of God’s Love and his care for the Church purchased by His Son Jesus Christ.

 

Sunday – Brother Woodrow Nichols preached that if God would give him strength, he would preach Jesus Christ and Him Crucified for the sins of the entire world.  He would preach the Hope of the Resurrection from the dead. 

 

1988- Friday – Woodrow used the scripture II Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. He reminded the brethren about 10 minutes that we should let brotherly love continue, that our hope is in the Resurrection of Christ our Lord.  We should look forward to the future and put our hopes in Christ.

 

Sunday – Woodrow came forth reading from the book of ST. John 10: 27-30 “My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me, and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s Hand.  I and my Father are one.”  The Sheep of the Lord’s Pasture, know just who to follow.  He told the Brethren that perilous times was here, and how mane would be heady and high-minded, proud, blasphemers, truce breakers and that these look like dark times ahead.  But it didn’t matter how dark it got with sin, the

Lord’s Church would shine and the sheep would always hear the voice of Jesus.  If we would just live for Jesus, put your trust in him, there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.  He said, “Look forward and not back for Jesus would soon come.”

 

1989 – Friday – He preached from II Timothy 2:19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.  Brother Nichols proclaimed he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He said the Association had stood a lot of storms in the past because God had stood with her, and blessed her, the brother said he had a “B.A. Degree in Christ.”  He went on to explain it was a “Born Again” experience with Jesus Christ.  He continued telling about the Great Love of God. 

Sunday – Woodrow came quoting from the Bible, “Not by Might, Nor By Power, But By The Spirit of the Lord.  He followed King David thru the 23rd Psalm, saying it was not by the will of man, but by the will of God, that men honor the Lord Jesus Christ. He followed David down thru the war, with the Philistine Army.  He boldly preached how David defeated Goliath the giant and that by the Spirit of God. The Lord wonderfully blessed Brother Nichols to preach His Word.

1990 – Friday – Brother Nichols came forward proclaiming to all in attendance that Lord knowest all of those which are his.  Brother Nichols rejoiced in the Knowledge that if the Brothers and Sisters in Christ who had passed away over the years were present that they too would sing the praises of the Lord.  He instructed the crowd that they should enjoy the blessings of God, for we have been redeemed by the blood of our Lord.  The God of Moses and the prophets still sits on his throne and giving blessing to his people.  Brother Nichols assured the Christians gathered together that the Resurrection was going to be a real one, and to be ready in this world, because darkness can never put out light.  Brother Nichols explained that God looks down on the people he loves.  He loved us so much that he gave his only Son to die on Calvary and on the third day, rose from the grave so we could have everlasting life, if only we will accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. 

Sunday – Brother Nichols came forth and said that Jesus is not dead, but is alive and alive for evermore.  He has made a way for all of us if we would only realize that the troubles of this world are because sin abounds, trust in God and then you can be set free.  “Let a Man examine himself.”  Brother Nichols explained how this is needed for each person to do every day.   We need each other, if one fails; the other should pick him up.  He expressed joy that the same God that had blessed the little church on Wolf Creek had provided the same blessings in the Columbus Church.  Brother Nichols spoke of abiding in the ship when the storms of life are raging because the church was built of a solid rock.  Jesus was the light of the world, but now the church must be the light for this world.  He instructed the church to leave “I” out of things and tell the world what Jesus has done.

1991 – Sunday – Brother Nichols welcomed everyone to the services, he proclaimed that Jesus is the rock, and today is the day of Salvation.  He spoke of many dear departed loved ones, and how glad he was of the promise of a land of living, were no more departures of loved ones will take place.  The church then sang “Amazing Grace, “and the church members greeted each other with a handshake, a kiss and hug.  Brother Nichols then continued his discussion of the Salvation of man.  He made the comparison to a preserved jar of fruit, when it pops it is then sealed.  When a person believes in Jesus in his heart then he is sealed.    

 

1992- Sunday – Brother Nichols came to the stand and was deeply moved as he spoke of the many faces and voices that he could still hear, but had laid down the walks of this life to a rest well earned.  He explained that the Lord knows those who are his, and all through the Bible the Lord has taken care of his people.  The Lord will fight our battles as long as we hold up the blood stained banner; it’s not everyone who says Lord! Lord! That shall enter into the gates of Heaven.  But the perfect love of the Lord cast out fears.  Preachers need to preach the word of god, and the Spirit will move in your life.

1993 – Friday – Elder Woodrow Nichols, spoke concerning feeling the peace of the Lord.  He told of being able to hear the voices of the men of God from the past echoing the words of God that we should look for the Lord. 

Saturday -Brother Nichols took the stand and rejoiced in the journey that the preachers had taken the church on because it was surely good news from a far country!

Sunday – Host Pastor Woodrow spoke of that beautiful city, a time of no crying, or good byes.  He instructed that we need to love and pray for the Brothers because surely God has been good to us. Brother Nichols said that surely those who upheld Jesus’ name are blessed. Brother Nichols came to the stand and thanked all the people for the hard work and love that had been showed during the association.  He specifically thanked the Pigeon Roost Fire Department for their help with the tent, the sheriff’s department for the deputies that helped with the cars and the parking.  He praised the women in the community for all the food that they had contributed for the Association.  He was truly thankful for all the blessings of God as demonstrated through his people.

1994 – Friday – Brother Woodrow assured the brethren that dark cannot put out light!

1995 – Friday – Brother Woodrow came forward and spoke of how the Lord had blessed this Association over the years.  We need to ‘stay the course’ because the plan is greater than any of us, because older people have placed their trust in Jesus and we should do no less in our lives.

1996 – Friday – Brother Woodrow Nichols, Jr., then came to the stand and asked everyone to just look around.  To all who have eyes and could see Zion Association is well and in the will of God. Jesus was and is the way to eternal life and if you believe you can have eternal life.  All things are of a season, a time to be born, and a time to die, the key is to listen for when the Lord calls you and be ready to answer.  Even the blind boy in the bible knew when Jesus was passing by and called out for mercy.  His eyes were opened and he was obedient to the words of God. There is a season to be saved, be ready and don’t turn him away. 

1997 – Friday – Brother Woodrow Nichols Jr., spoke of all the great men of God that had gone on before him and how grateful he was for the prayers of Gods people. Brother Nichols told of God still being God, and that he is the rock and his words will stand for eternity.  The faithful men of God have held on to the truth or Gods eternal promise.  He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  Each of us should have a prayer in which we are satisfying the Lord in all that we do.

Sunday -Elder Woodrow Nichols then took the stand and told each of a truth that would set them free. Call on the Lord Jesus and he will answer you.  He spoke of how blessed are they which die in the Lord, because their work will follow after them,  Each of us should strive to be like little children, because they have the qualities of love and forgiving that we need to possess to enter the gates of Heaven.  God knows each of our hearts and we surely need more Brothers to be a servant for the Lord.  Each of us can tell where we stand with the Lord each day, all we need to do is just ask.

1998 – Friday –  Elder Woodrow Nichols, Jr., Asked the church to observe a moment of silence in memory of our beloved Brothers and Sisters who have departed this life.  He read the scripture, “The foundation of God standeth sure”.  He stated God has not changed and will keep those who have trusted in him.  Then he wonderfully preached a message about a Loving god that had been tried in times past, but always delivered his children.

1999 – Friday – Host Pastor, Woodrow Nichols Jr., welcomed the Association to the Union Church fully acknowledging that this could be the last gathering before Jesus calls home his children.  He asked that all in attendance make themselves at home and feel free to worship the Lord.

2000 – Sunday – Elder Woodrow Nichols Jr., took the stand and spoke humbly of how he was glad to be saved.  God’s people are a happy people.  Satan works hard to do his job and he is surely not happy Zion is still singing and rejoicing.  He is proud to proclaim that Zion is still on its way to glory.  The bible is the light that takes us along the road. Jesus explained to John that he must fulfill all righteousness.  Jesus came to show us the road to Salvation; this is true in that the blood of Jesus will clean us of all sin.  We need to walk in the light of a saved soul.  We need not to love one another with words but with action.  Greater is he that lives in us than he that lives in the world. Jesus had the power to lay his life down and the power to pick it up again, We are sure glad that he didn’t come down off the cross because he stayed so we could have a clear path to Salvation. The key to Heaven and Hell was in Jesus hands.  Each Elder should show the young brothers how to hold up the ways of God.  We need to give proper counseling; pastors should keep young brother close and work to develop wisdom in handling the words of God and advising his people.

2001 –

 

2002 – Friday -Pastor and Elder Woodrow Nichols Jr., reflected on what happened 100 years ago this day at Union Church when the children of God came together to worship the same God that was blessing everyone this morning.  He stressed how welcome everyone was at Union Church and that the church and its members where there to help the Association in any way possible. 

Saturday – Then host Pastor and Assistant Moderator Woodrow Nichols Jr., took the stand and gave praises to Jesus.  Each of us should hold up the bloodstained banner and be aware of the good news from a far country….He is alive, dead but alive again and shall live forever more. We should strive to be part of the Kingdom by turning to Jesus for God will gather his children from all the corners of the world.  Place aside all the bad feelings you have and sit down and have a little talk with Jesus, he will listen and take the burden of sin from your shoulders.

Sunday – Pastor Woodrow Nichols asked that all should walk in the light… we all want our family’s saved.  This we can count on Jesus doing if we just hold on to the old ways and not look for anything new.  The Lord has blessed the Association for all these 154 years and we need to work to hold onto what we got.  John the Baptist knew who the son of man was before he was born and he knew him when he stepped into the water to be Baptized of John.  Jesus had come to bear witness to the ways that each of us should follow.  As Jesus came up out of the water the Lord was very much pleased in his Son.  Peter knew who Jesus was when he was asked by Jesus “whom do you say I am?”  Jesus told Peter that his father in Heaven had revealed this unto him.  ON this rock Jesus built his church and not even the gates of Hell could prevail against it.  Brother Woodrow told of how 52 years ago Rhode Southers preached the same message.  It was clear then as it is now, God has not changed anything.

Brother Woodrow Nichols asked for any member that had attended the Association for over 50 years to stand.  The church was blessed to have brothers Jodie Moore, Lummie Wilson, Prentice Meade, Trigg McCoy, and Walter Dehart to stand.  Such a wonderful dedication to the Lord over such a long period of time, surely the Lord is pleased with such commitment from his people.  

2003 – Sunday – Brother Woodrow Nichols, Pastor of Union United Baptist Church came to the stand using II Timothy 2:19 “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” Brother Woodrow spoke of the brothers and sisters whom have already gone on whom had stood and preached God’s word and sung the songs of Zion.  Brother Woodrow mentioned many names that he had gotten acquainted with down through the years and could remember the sounds of their voices.  Brother Woodrow told all in attendance to seek out the old path and walk therein.  He stated that he wanted to walk through Heaven with everyone regardless of Denomination.  Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world.

2004 – Friday – Brother Woodrow quoting, “Never the less the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his, and let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”   Brother Woodrow stated that he thought as he often does, “remembering the Elder Brothers, their lives, what they meant to us, the council and the guidance they gave to us,” Brother Woodrow stated that he did not have to tell us, and he hoped that we would be one of the mind that we don’t want to hear anything new. Brother Woodrow stated that in him (Jesus) and Brother John said, “That he is the same yesterday, today and forever and he changes not.  The bible says in him there is no variableness, neither a shadow of turning, and the foundation of God, surely is does stand sure today, having this seal that the Lord does know them that are his, and that every name that nameth the name of Christ let him depart from iniquity.

 Brother Woodrow asked for a moment of silence to remember those that have passed away during the year that would have been here this morning.  Brother Woodrow read from Matthew 6:13-19 (13) “When Jesus came into the coast of Caesarea Philipp, he asked his disciples, saying. “Whom do men say I the Son o man am?”  (14) “And they said, some say that thou are John the Baptist: some Elias; and other, Jeremias, or one of the prophets,” (15) “He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?”  (16) “And Simeon Peter answered and said, “Thou are the Christ, the son of the Living God.”  (17) “and Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee: but my Father which is in heaven.” (18) “And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (19) “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bounded in Heaven:”

This Christ the son of the living God, and he is still the savior of the world, he still has all power both in heaven and in earth, he still is able to heal the sick, and to lift men up out of the mirey clay, he’s still able to save men’s’ souls.  We’re living in a time today, and the most dangerous time that I have ever seen.

2005 –Friday – Brother Woodrow came to the stand to preach the alternate introductory sermon: Brother Woodrow began by quoting II Timothy 2:19 Never the less the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his, and let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Brother Woodrow reflected on the brothers and sisters whom have passed on should be remembered, and gave some history on the preaching that was done by brothers 150 years ago and that all the brethren preached peace and love.  Brother read from the book of Hebrews 2:1 (1) Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that we have heard, lest at anytime we let them slip.  (2) For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward: (3)How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation; Which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord; and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; Brother Woodrow stated that we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that we have heard, the plan of God has not changed, We have something today that is more powerful than any weapon that could be devised. The word of God is still quick and sharper that any two edged sword, the word of God will make a change in our people lives.  The word of God is a light unto our path, we don’t have to stumble through this live, and the word of God will never fail even when this world is on Fire.  The word of God still has the power to save and to deliver you.  The Death, Burial and Resurrection will set men and women free, Jesus is the son of God and he sent his best into this world and allowed them to pluck the beard from his face, they spat upon him and he bowed his head and gave up the Ghost.  The Grave did not hold him as he came out of the grave victorious and is alive today.

2006 –Friday – Brother Woodrow rose from his seat and respectfully requested without offense to the Delegation to allow another brother to take his place.  Brother stated it was an honor to stand before the Brethren and preach, but he felt the need of the other Brethren who have not had a chance to preach in the Association be allowed to take his place.

2007 –Sunday – Brother Woodrow came, quoted “Never the less the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his, and let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”  Brother Nichols read from John 10:1-7  (1)Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. (2)But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (3) To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (4) And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (5)  And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. (6) This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. (7) Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.  Brother began to preach about a man that was born blind all the days of his life, even from his mother’s womb, According to the scripture that when he heard that Jesus was passing by his way he cried with a loud voice, Son of David have mercy on me.  And there were people who tried to get him to hold his peace, but he cried the louder thou Son of David have mercy on me, and the good news was, when Jesus passed by his way he could feel something going on, and he heard somebody say be of good cheer the master is calling you.  The Jesus asked him a question and said what would you that I the Son of man may do, and the boy said that I may receive my sight and Jesus spat on the ground and made a spittle and anointed his eyes and told him to go down to the pool of Salome and wash.  The scriptures does not say how he got to the pool but it does say this boy obeyed the voice of the Son of God, went, and washed in that pool and immediately he was out of darkness and into the light.

When you come on the terms of the Gospel, and repent, come ye out from among the world and be ye separated saith the Lord and I will receive you.  The boy obeyed the son of God by washing in the pool and immediately he received his sight and came out of the darkness and into the light.  When leaping and praising God and rejoicing, must have been a happy man, had never seen the light of day, he had heard the birds as they would sing and chirp, but he never looked upon them until he obeyed the voice of the Lord. That day he was running a praising God, somebody said who is that fellow, and some said I do not know, and some said he looks like the blind man, and no doubt, they looked at him and run after him and he said I am he, I was blind but now I see.  And how did you receive your sight, he said  unto them a man called Jesus came my way anointed my eyes and told me to go wash and I did what he said and I received my sight.  They went to check this thing out, went to ask his mom and dad.  Ask them a question, was your boy really born blind?  Yes he was.  How long had he been that way?  From birth, how did he receive his sight?  You will have to ask someone else, it has already been said confesseth Jesus to be the Son of God.

They ran the boy down a second time, and ask him were you really blind?  I have told you once; if I tell you again will ye believe?  He told that it was Jesus Christ and they put him out of the synagogue because he confessed Jesus Christ. 

Jesus heard that they had cast him out, Jesus the Son of God went after him, and when he found him, doest thou believe on the Son of God, and he answered and said who is the

Lord that I may believe on him.  And Jesus said unto him, thou has both seen him and it is he that talketh with thee.  And he said Lord that I may believe on him.  And Jesus said unto him, thou has both seen him and it is he that talketh with the.  And he said Lord I believe and he worshiped him, then Jesus said for judgment I am come into this world, we shall all stand and we shall all give an account for the deeds that we have done in this body whether it be good unto resurrection of damnation.  We will give an account, every idle word, when we stand at the judgment seat of God and the books are opened.  For judgement, I am come into the world that they which see not might see, and they that see might be made blind.  Some of the Pharisees that were with him heard these words and said unto him, are we blind also?  Jesus said if ye were blind ye would have no sin, but now ye say, we see, therefore because you see and you are doing this with your eyes opened, and you know what you are doing your sins remain.  Then Jesus said, verily, verily I say unto you he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.  To him the porter openeth and the sheep hear his voice and he calleth his own sheep by name and leadeth them out.  The sheep do not know the voice of the porter but the Good Shepherd, they know his voice and they follow him, and they know not the voice of a stranger.  But Jesus said unto him I am the door into the sheepfold. 

Ye must be born again, repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.  There is no other way, except ye repent, ye will die in your sins and where I am, ye cannot come.

2008 – Friday – Brother Woodrow Nichols took the stand as selected, and began to preach the introductory sermon, quoted “Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth assured, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his, let every name that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity.”   Brother stated he loved that passage of scripture, and then begin to give some history of Old Zion, and what the Elder Brothers preached on certain years.

 

One hundred and fifty years ago (1858) at Breeding Creek Church in Logan, County Virginia, Elder E. Napier preached from Saint John 15:5  ” I am the vine an yea are the branches, he that abideth in me and I in him the same bring forth much fruit, for without me ye can do nothing.”   This is all about Jesus. 

 

One hundred (100) years ago today (1908) at the Sulphur Springs Church, Elder Ally Ward preached from Saint Mark 1:1  “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God,” again it is all about Jesus. 

 

Seventy-five years ago (1933), in Lawrence Co, at the Ethel Church, Elder JR Fairchild preached the introductory sermon from the gospel of Saint Luke 6:47-48 “Whosoever cometh to me and heareth my sayings and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like; he is like a man which built a house and digged deep and laid the foundation on a roc.”  .  During this same meeting, the host pastor that welcomed us this morning (Elder Hubert Presley Jr.,) his Grandfather, William Presley led the prayer in the opening of the Association.

 

Fifty years ago (1958) at the Rockcastle Church, Elder Aubrey Stepp was the introductory speaker, speaking from Ephesians 2:19-22 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers, and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together growth unto a holy temple in the Lord.  In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.”

 

Twenty-five years ago, (1988) at the America Church, Elder Woodrow Sexton preached, “He that adideth in the doctrine hath Christ, and he that abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God. 

 

Ten years ago, (1998) Brother Woodrow Nichols preached at the Vineyard Church quoting the same scripture he quoted this morning, II Timothy 2:19  Brother Woodrow read today from Galatians 6:12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.” There was a man sent from God whose name was John, some was sent and some went, we need more men that are called of God, and we need more Pastors to recognize when they are not called of God.

 

For yea have heard of my conversation in past in the Jews religion, Paul were telling where he was at before, how he persecuted the church of God. The Jew was on his way to Damascus one day, a light shined down from Heaven.  Paul stood there in astonishment scared to death, and he heard  a voice saying Saul, Saul why persecute thou me, Paul begin to say who art thou Lord and he said I am Jesus of Nazareth whom, thou persecutes.

 

The Foundation is none other than Jesus, the foundation of the Gospel, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, no sin or guile found in his mouth.  Jesus that opened the eyes of the blind, made the lame to walk, and raised the dead.  Jesus went before Pilate, thoroughly examined, 3a beaten, spit upon and crucified.  The foundation of the gospel is the death of the Son of God.  But on that third day, death and all the powers of hell could not keep him in that new tomb, God sent an angel, the stone was rolled away, and he walked out of that place and said, I am he that was dead and behold I am alive, and I am alive for evermore.  The foundation of God stands assured…………

 

2009 – Friday –  Brother Woodrow came to the stand “Never the less the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his, and let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”  Once a man takes hold of  the plow and looked back, he is not fit for the Kingdom of Heaven.  If you have ever stood behind