Berry, Edward Lee
6/14/1999
| Give me a clean heart so I may serve Thee. Lord, fix my heart so that I may be used by Thee. For I’m not worthy of all these blessings. Give me a clean heart and I’ll follow Thee. The above words were E.L.’s prayer when he started his work in the Church. E.L. accepted Christ as his Savior and committed his life to preaching the gospel and making disciples for Christ at the age of 15. Upon finishing his educational training he embarked upon his life’s work, preaching the gospel, teaching, baptizing, marrying, counseling, and burying the dead at churches such as Hughes United Methodist Church, St. Peter United Methodist Church, St James United Methodist Church, Beech Grove United Methodist Church, etc… In addition to being a minister E.L. was also a Master Carpenter by trade. If we could list his extensive record, it would show the numerous churches that were built, restored and remodeled during his ministry. He was instrumental in building many residential homes and businesses as well. He also served on numerous Methodist boards and committees such as…Methodist Children’s Home Board, Board of Church Extension, District Board of Ordained Ministry and others. After 40 years of ministerial service E.L. retired. But even in retirement he continued to work in the church. He faithfully served as an Associate Minister in retirement at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. E.L. was the eldest of four children born in Baywood, Louisiana. His sister, Zerlec, two brothers Albert and Will and parents, Margie and Henry, preceded him in death. His wife, A.O. Berry, a daughter, Y.B. Nobles, a grandson, Charles Nobles, III, a son-in-law, Charles Nobles, Jr. and a host of relatives and friends, survive him. E.L. was a husband, father and friend. But first he was a child of God. God has called him home but we who are left here to toil in the vineyard will always love him and we will live our lives as he did, doing the Master’s work, so that one day we will all be together in heaven. God Bless you Reverend. |
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| Source: Journal Louisiana Conference 2000, p. 247 | |
