More reflections on ‘Reflections’
Rev. John Farmer, pastor of Irvington Baptist Church, provided his “Reflections” columns for 1,406 continuous weeks in the Rappahannock Record. His last regular submission appeared in the December 23, 2020, edition. Last week we featured numerous remembrances and notes of thanks from his readers. Here are two more that arrived too late for that edition:
Thanks to Pastor John for “Reflections”
Donald and I looked forward to mail from Reba Haynie with articles enclosed. Donald was blind and looked forward to having them read to him until he passed away in September 2020. He really liked to recall our friendship and travels with John and Hazel through the years. His articles were truly inspirational.
Sincerely,
Betty Anderson
Reflections on Pastor John
I read with great sadness that John Farmer’s weekly column was coming to an end. This gift of nearly 30 years’ duration has been my and my wife’s favorite readings each Thursday.
John’s recollections of his own lifetime experiences have been a window into a life well-lived and an inspiration to many of us.
John wore his deep scholarship lightly—richly mixed with humor, often at his own expense. A more approachable and accepting person could not be found.
Many of his articles attracted readers of all sorts. His mixture of erudition and comfortable spiritual guidance made one want to read his articles a second time.
There was often an element of surprise in his musings; he found delight and meaning in situations many of us had not noticed before, and always there was a sense of thankfulness and joy as he recounted something he had seen or experienced years ago.
A great observer and a craftsman of the English language, John’s weekly article will be deeply missed.
Ammon G. Dunton Jr.
A few copies of Reflections, the book, are still available at the Rappahannock Record. The paperback collection of 117 columns can be yours for $12.
