Dear family members,
I began reflecting on my early church days at Saint James United Methodist this summer. I was about five years old when I started sitting in the sanctuary and listening to Rev. Northrop thunder away during the sermons. I remember that he stood over 6 feet tall and was a rather large man. He always inspired me, even though I didn’t understand his preaching at that young age.
I remember that on Sunday mornings, he would show up in full leathers on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Over the years I attended Saint James United Methodist, I greatly admired how he conducted himself spiritually and professionally. Because of his ministry, I knew I wanted to be a pastor at some point in my life. I remember the grace he showed my family and me throughout the years and faithfully led the church.
This time in my Christian Walk was my first experience with a clergyperson who showed me Christ in everything.
I am proud that my family had decided to go to Saint James United Methodist Church. I also remember that no matter what he was dealing with, it never affected his ability to bring a powerful word from the Lord; it’s been a long time since I thought about Rev. Northrop. I remember mourning his passing and wishing that I could have been at his funeral service.
Sometimes, you don’t find people, but people see you. I remember when I sat in the Rev.‘s office with my many questions about God and the Bible; somehow, he always had an answer to my questions, no matter how ridiculous or silly they sounded. His compassion and generosity were contagious when he laughed. When he left Saint James United Methodist Church, I was heartbroken. I thought, who could replace him? Rev. David Kofal followed him, and we have become good friends throughout my ministry career.
Grace has many shapes and forms; sometimes, grace comes in those on the journey with us. There is just something about being human and having this spiritual experience of the tangible presence of God in this world. I cannot explain all the Rev. Northrop meant to me, but I know this as John Wesley wrote in his journal. “I offered Christ,” precisely what Rev. Northrup did. I remember when he
Served me: Holy Communion for the first time in my youth. I remember that that experience was so powerful that it has stood with me all the years of my life and career; I am forever grateful for that experience and no that God placed him in my family‘s life for such a time as it was in my prayers I will never forget Rev. Northrop and his family. I pray God‘s blessing over you as you rejoice in Rev. Northrop’s life and ministry, and now in this passing, as he has experienced Christ in the whole measure of salvation, grace, and peace to you,
Reverend Daniel Bradley.
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