Ode to Our Elders
Ode to Our Elders
2025
I’ve got a word or two to say about our men.
They are good ones, every one, have you heard of them?
There’s David Cooper, a man not known for hooping
But he probably could since he’s good at whatever he’s doing.
From college student to elder young
Clerk assistant, and dance master don
Many roles at Providence, he’s played
Even Pastor’s Dad, he once was made.
But more like son he seems to me.
Such foster father I’m glad to be.
Friend, best of all, as time has told
As many sons come to be when dad’s grow old.
There’s Rick Davis, rhetoricRick, as some may call him.
Ready wit with ancient lore about him.
Theologian, classicist, pastor, teacher, preacher.
A happy go-lucky sort of creature.
A bit too hummy-cheery in the morning for me
But he’s my better in that way you see.
Not much gets him down, even when there’s much.
And there often is. But he soldiers on such
That you wouldn’t really know the cares he’s had
Because he’s that sort of godly faithful man, husband, dad.
A friend, too, of mine, he’s counted.
Among them all not at all discounted.
While we are speaking of friends there’s old Dan Tuckwiller.
He’s been old since he was kneehigh to a grasshopper.
Silver haired young and grey-bearded early.
The honor of age has accrued to him surely,
Not just in hoary headed pate.
But in wisdom, particularly of late.
Wife and children count him faithful father and husband.
Roles to which he is fittingly accustomed.
I’m sixty now and so can join ole’ Dan
In a rocking chair on the front porch land.
Kyle Harris, snake catcher man, great dad, husband, herper, friend.
I first met him on Liggates Road way back then.
I didn’t know if he would stay or go from us
But so thankful he did the latter and thus
History has been made here at Providence
With Kyle as deacon, elder, his eminence,
Providence royalty I deem this man.
Of this soft hearted, Jesus lover, I’m a fan.
Who else among those in the gate?
I’m looking high but cannot see a face.
But I look a little lower and there I see
A humble, godly face, looking up at me.
It’s Jody Simmons, not a man of imposing stature.
But is true goodness of this I’m most sure.
He came to us from Corpus Christi,
And added to Christ’s body forthwithly.
He’s grown bigger in the pulpit preaching James.
He’s a grandpa dad now, the best kind it seems.
Another new friend, that’s five friends I’ve counted.
I’m blessed with these men surrounded.
One name more is left to honor,
Jason Biette, the newest elder-scholar.
From climates cold, New York, Alaska.
To warmer climes he comes at last a
Wise choice I say to him and those whom he loves
Not only for the air, the spring, the glorious sun above
But also for their new life here and the friends they’ve gained.
For them and us the gains remain.
Preacher, teacher, hunter, farmer.
Made all the better now that it’s warmer.
That’s friend six the way I’m counting.
These men with honor I am crowning.
Who are to me a fountain of life
To share goodness, blessings, hard times, strife.
And Providence Church for you these men
Are a blessing from the Godhead sent.
Honor them with me and hoist a glass.
To these best of men who are men at best.