“To love someone more dearly every day
To help a wandering child to find his way,
To ponder o’er a noble tho’t and pray,
And smile when evening falls
This is my task.
To follow truth as blind men long for light,
To do my best from dawn of day till night,
To keep my heart fit for His holy sight,
And answer when He calls,
This is my task.”
These words from the hymn “My Task” describes the life and philosophy of Chapman John Harrison, better known to us as C. J., who was born on November 1, 1907 to James and Anna C. Harrison and quietly slept away on April 28, 1981 in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Statistics cannot tell of the life and influence of C. J., from the time he was admitted on trial and ordained a Deacon in 1943 to his Ordination as an Elder in full connection in 1945 and through his retirement in 1973. However, the records show that for 30 ½ years, many lives were touched as he walked among people bringing comfort to those who were in sorrow, encouragement to the discouraged and strength to the weak. Young people and couples saw reflected in his life the image of Christ and two young men were led into the Christian Ministry because of C. J.’s love for them and the church.
Some of his preaching appointments were on the Robeline, Thomas, Vanceville and Mansfield Circuits; St. James and Fairfield Churches in Shreveport, all with his wife of 41 years, Deva Thompson Harrison who preceded him in death.
A very quiet, honest, good natured, jovial, but yet stern figure, C. J., was complimentary of all work done in the name of the Master for the good of mankind; surely this attests to the fact that he believed firmly in the 13th Chapter of 1 Corinthians, especially these passages: “Love is patient and kind, Love is not ill-mannered, Love is happy with truth, Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail. Love is eternal.”
Funeral services were held at the Fairfield United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 2, 1981 with Dr. Harvey G. Williamson delivering the eulogy.
May God bless the memory of our brother, friend, and God sent preacher, Chapman John Harrison.
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