Randle, Thomas Scott
1/23/1919
October 17, 1842 - January 23, 1919 |
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| Death has again invaded the ranks of our sacred brotherhood and smitten one of our honored veterans. A brother beloved has gone. Who hath not lost a friend? There is no union here of hearts, That finds hot here an end.” The following tribute by his twin, and only brother, Rev. Robert Randle, is a worthy testimonial to his Christian integrity, and steadfastness, as well as to his efficiency in the ministry. His brother says: “He was a Christian from childhood. He professed faith in Christ and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at the close of his thirteenth year, and through school, in the army, at home and in a ministry of 48 years, he continued a faithful, consistent Christian; among friends, strangers, or enemies, he remained steadfast. He was brave citizen, soldier and Christian. He was as pure a man as I have ever seen, at home, at school or in the army. I never heard or saw an unchaste, mean or low word or sot from him. He was a good and an efficient preacher, at times strong and eloquent.” Brother Randle wan admitted on trial In the Louisiana Conference In 1878 and served the following charges: 1874, Floyd; 1875-76, Lind Grove, now Bonita; was ordained Deacon and admitted into full connection, 1875; 1877, Rayville; ordained Elder, 1877; 1878-79, Winnsboro; 1880. Mooringsport; 1881, Oak Ridge; 1882, Plaquemine mid Gross Tote; 1883-84, Vermillionville, now Lafayette; 1886, Pleasant Hill; 1888, Lind Grove; 1887-88-89, Oak Ridge; 1890, Lake Providence; 1891-92-93, Opelousas; 1394-95, Lafayette and Rayne; 1896 to 1899, inclusive, superannuated; 1900-01, Wesley circuit; 1902, Zwolle; 1903. Fort Jessup and Many; 1904-05, Pleasant Hill; 1906-07, Eros; 1903, Lanesville, now Sibley; 1909-10-11, Gilbert; superannuated 1911 and retained that relation until his death. He was married to Miss Sallie Ross, daughter of Major E. W. K. Ross, Bastrop), La., August 6, 1867. They had born to them eight children. Three of the children and his faithful wife are left to mourn his loss; Brother Handle was a consecrated, sweet spirited man. His life In his own home, as well as everywhere else, was as nearly above reproach an any one 1 have ever known, Brother Handle was not only a good preacher, he wag also a good revivalist. Alter his father’s death it is said his mother prayed daily that God would lay his hand upon her two boys, call them into the ministry and endue them with the Holy Spirit take up the work of their father. They both believed teat in answer to their mother’s prayers they were divinely called. He preached the great truths of the Gospel with such fervor and such loud tone of voles that be might truly, as were the Sons of Zebedee, have been called a “son of thunder” His preaching was effectual and many were brought into the Kingdom through his ministry. It is said that the hardest duty we have, is not to do but to suffer. God’s will or to be patient in time of suffering. Brother Randle seemed to have this grace and self-control. He was a sufferer a long time before he went away, but he leaned upon the “Everlasting Arms” and was sustained unto the end. John Wesley said, “Methodist die well: and truly they do when they live well by faith. Rundle was no exception. He often said I have hope in “Jesus Christ my Savior.” Is it any wonder his death was triumphant? Sister Randle reports that two days before his death when they thought the end was at hand, she said: “Papa the old ship has come and Jesus is the captain and our departed children are on it to accompany you home.” you home.” He said: “Yes the ship has come with flags all unfurled.” His last words were words to his son, expressing the hope that be a blessing to the world. He gently “fell on sleep” In Yoakum, Texas, January 23, 1919, leaving this message: “God bless all the dear brethren and friends in Louisiana and Texas. Tell them I wanted to be with them once more; but I will be the roll call up yonder. Thank them for being so kind to us,” May his mantle fall on his sons and his memory be a benediction to all. Praise be thy new employ: And while eternal ages run, Rest in thy Savior’s joy.” |
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| Source: Journal Louisiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 1919, pages 59-60, by. A. S. J. Neill. | |
