Jim was assigned to our church as an assistant pastor after graduation from Asbury Seminary. He was relatively young, relatively quite or soft-spoken, but revealed a deep love and winsome thirst for the Word, spiritual truth, and Christian growth and maturity. This became the foundation and common denominator of our personal relationship. My wife, Mary Charlotte, and I had recently experienced a Lay Witness Weekend at Manhattan UMC and both had responded to the invitation to receive Jesus as Savor and Lord. So, we were young believers trying to find our way spiritually and had lots to learn. The Counter’s and Hall’s were destined to walk these early days as believers together. Of course, overtime, we have learned this quest is never ending. in this life.
The Hall’s lived in the church parsonage and our two growing families shared many hours and precious times together in home bible studies and watching Elizabeth and David grow and mature (later Stephen) along with our three children, Melinda, Keith and Kelly. We often marveled at David’s creative interest in developing and distributing a neighborhood newsletter and Elizabeth’s focused interest on becoming a mother. Both childhood expressions produced amazing results and success in adult life. Jim and Cora were always remarkable and unique parents. The focus was constantly on the family.
Jim was reassigned by the Florida Conference to Lawtey United Methodist Church as Senior Pastor. I recall visiting with Jim and Cora at Lawtey shortly after they moved there. Lawtey was a small town and the church was steeped with members basking in the “traditions of man”. This assignment underscored Jim’s concern with church politics and demonstrated how the family traditions make the Word of no avail. As I recall, this experience quailed Jim’s interest and tenure in the traditional-denominational church ministry. Jim returned to a secular job and found spiritual fulfillment in alternative ways.
Our two families stayed in touch and usually visited once a year when the Hall family visited with Cora’s family in Florida. A highlight of our friendship was attending the wedding of Elizabeth and Dennis and then staying in-touch via their family Christmas newsletter. I must say that Jim and Cora both were excellent with their own Holiday letters. This correspondence kept our family appraised of the growth and development of the extended family of Jim and Cora Hall.
My heart was heavy in recent years to know of Jim’s declining physical health. I also praise Cora for the heroic and loving support she offered Jim. I know it was a heavy, difficult, and trying assignment, but one she faced with grace, faith, and courage!
Stephen, thanks for your phone call last evening to let me know of your dad’s passing. He is now home, completely healed and praising the Lord. Cora, be well, be at peace.
Love and Blessings,
John Counter