Rev. John Howard Farmer’s “Reflections” column, which has appeared on the Rappahannock Record church pages since June of 1993, is ending this week.
We calculated that Rev. Farmer, pastor of Irvington Baptist Church, has provided columns for 1,406 continuous weeks.
Always with a message of faith, his columns have most often had a local theme, taught a bit of local history, and introduced local personalities. He has shared his love for local waters, and boats, and landmarks he has known since childhood, and, as a music lover, he has dissected many familiar hymns to explain why they were written and by whom.
In short, “Reflections” has been an unusual church page column because of its local voice, and we will miss it.
Normally, we would celebrate such a milestone with an Open House, so readers and friends could honor Rev. Farmer and celebrate his long service. Since that is impossible now, we are hosting an Open Page in the Record’s next issue for everyone to express those sentiments.
Send your comments and well-wishes to editor@rapprecord.com or drop them in the mail slot on the front door of the Record at 27 Main Street in Kilmarnock. The mailing address is P.O. Box 400, Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
The deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, January 4, 2021, and your notes of appreciation will appear in the January 7 issue of the Record.