Lipscomb, Thomas Duncan
12/25/1969
Jan. 23, 1881 - Dec. 25, 1969 |
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| In the opening of the One Hundred and Twenty-Fifth session of the Louisiana Annual Conference a familiar face will be missed, that of Thomas Duncan Lipscomb who has been called home to his Heavenly reward. He had not missed a roll call in 65 years including special sessions. Thomas Duncan Lipscomb was born January 23, 1881, at Clinton, Louisiana. He attended the public schools of East Felicinana Parish, studied two years at Greensburg Fitting School, four years at Centenary College and four years at Vanderbilt University Correspondence School where he received his theology training. He was married on May 18, 1910, to Minnie Geneva Martin of Dalton, Georgia. Of this marriage were born one son, William Martin of Pineville and one daughter, Mrs. Mary Jane Lipscomb Smith of Baton Rouge. Those who knew this dedicated couple were able to see a true example of love and companionship. Always at is side was his devoted wife, who being a Deaconess shared many of his responsibilities. The Reverend Mr. Lipscomb received the call to preach early as a youth and was recommended for license to p reach by the Oak Grove Church near Clinton, Louisiana, in 1903. He was admitted on trial into the Louisiana Annual Conference in 1906, and was ordained deacon in 1907 and Elder in 1913. Brother Lipscomb, as he was affectionally known, was truly a minister of the gospel and a pastor. He served over fifty years in churches of the Louisiana Annual Conference. His first appointment was the Ethel Circuit with four churches. At one time while, serving the Donaldsonville Circuit, there were ten preaching places assigned to him. Before his retirement in 1951, he had served 26 appointments with a total of 96 churches. After his compulsory retirement in 1951, he was again called to serve as associate pastor of First Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana for four years, New Roads for four years and Carpenter’s Chapel for one-half year. Brother Lipscomb was a faithful visitor in the homes of his parishioners and the memory of his visits and the depth of his concern will always be felt by those he claimed as his own. He did not claim to be a great scholar, but believed in the Word as his guide. Often he quoted his scripture from memory before he preached. Especially I Corinthians 13, which was his favorite. His sincerity always gave his listeners a feeling that they had received a direct message from God. Brother Lipscomb found a deep joy in his family. He was proud of his children, and especially proud of his four grandchildren; Thomas, Susan and Patricia Lipscomb and Genellen Smith Rueck. For a number of years, his grandson was his constant and patient helper at Annual Conference. Death came to this beloved servant at 3:15 a.m. on Christmas Day 1969 His tired and worn body gave way to death after 88 years, 10 months and 28 days, but his life will always be remembered by those he served. Funeral services were held in the First Methodist Church in Baton Rouge on December 26, 1969, with Dr. Luman Douglas presiding. Bishop Aubrey Walton delivered an eloquent and consoling message, assisted by Dr. Dana Dawson and Rev. Robert Carter. We shall long remember Duncan Lipscomb for his faith in God, his. excellency of character, and his devotion to His Christ and church. |
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| Source: Journal of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, Conference A, 1970, Page 144, by Carey A. Martin. | |
