Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, December 25, 1994 TAG: 9412270052
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE: THE REV. DR. RAY ALLEN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Ann Beth, now Ann Cranwell, was in high school. Ray Jr. was a fifth-grader at Gilbert Linkous Elementary School, and Katie, now Katie Forbish, was in second grade.
My hair was black, and people referred to me as the new young pastor. Now my hair is gray, and young pastors call me Dr. Allen out of respect for my age. Ann and I are the grandparents of Michael and Rebecca Cranwell and Katelyn Forbish.
This will be our last Christmas here, since we'll retire June9.
The season calls us all to rejoice and express our gratitude. Our Jewish friends are celebrating Hanukkah. We Christians rejoice in the birthday of Jesus of Nazareth. A line from a Newfoundland folk song comes to my mind, "The Things We Take for Granted Ought to Drive Us to Our Knees." On this Christmas the Allens express their deepest thanksgiving to our many friends in the New River Valley.
The majesty of the mountains of Montgomery County has renewed our spirits time and time again. No spot is any lovelier than our home on Brush Mountain. The New River has been a favorite family recreation spot.
We often forget there were those who were kind to the Christ child on that first Christmas - the shepherds, the innkeeper who provided a place for the birth. There have been far too many acts of kindness to us to mention them all, but there are some that must be remembered.
Thanks to the Montgomery County Schools, from which all of the children graduated and launched themselves into successful careers. Thanks for the fine teachers and staff and children at Belview Elementary School, where Ann has taught. Thanks for our law enforcement officers in Blacksburg and Montgomery County, who have checked our house when we were out of town.
Thanks for the doctors and hospital staff who have cared so professionally and lovingly for us through the years. Thanks for the personnel of our rescue service squad and funeral home who were so kind to us during Ann's father's illness and death. Thanks for those who have sold us our cars and kept them going through the years. Thanks for our neighbors in Laurel Ridge. It's with sadness that we will say goodbye to each of you.
Thanks to my fellow ministers who have served the other churches in Blacksburg. Thanks to the wonderful staff that has served with me at Blacksburg Baptist Church. Thanks to the membership that has supported and encouraged our ministry in the church and around the world.
For every act of kindness for 21 Christmases, we express our deepest gratitude. We shall miss you all, every one.
The Allens: Ray and Ann Allen; Ann, Dean, Michael and Rebecca Cranwell; Ray Jr. and Melinda Allen; Katie, Larry and Katelyn Forbish.|
The Rev. Dr. Ray Allen is retiring as pastor of Blacksburg Baptist Church.
by CNB