A significant time in Frank Nickel's life came when he realized the family singing ministry was no longer going to be a sustainable venture. The last child was in university, they were empty nesters. A small church in Springfield was in need of a pastor. After much prayer and consultation, Frank made the decision to take on the pastoral role at Southern Heights Bible Church and he ministered there faithfully until his death in 2002.
This career transition meant they were no longer able to attend their home church where they had fellowshipped for many years. Frank had served on the board, their fifth son, John, had been employed as youth pastor a few years prior, all the children had grown up there, played in the band, sung in the choir, and attended youth group. Many deep friendships had been forged.
As part of the farewell to this church family, Frank wrote a poem, "An Ode to Friends." Pictured above is a copy of the "farewell" letter he sent to the church, dated February 25, 1977.
Here's an interesting tidbit of trivia: note the telephone number on the letterhead. In 1977, the telephone company still used alphabet letters in telephone number prefixes. The Nickel's number was UN2 4995. The "UN" stood for the "University" telephone exchange, and was eventually changed to 86 when technology transitioned to using only numerical digits.
In his farewell letter to the church, Frank included the poem and this short closing paragraph:
We are deeply grateful for the sweet fellowship and the many kindnesses which we have enjoyed in the Grace Bible Church over the past years. ~Frank and Eva NickelToday, please enjoy Frank's 40+ year old poem which is both a tribute and a "Thank you!" to the folks they had come to love in the Lord. The poem is readily applicable to many of our friendships and is an exhortation to serve the Lord faithfully with eternity's values in mind.
An Ode to Friends
(Whom we love in the Lord)
There come some times in life when we
are forced to make a choice;
And though it hurts and spells much loss
our feelings cannot voice.
It may well seem that we've betrayed
our friends and gone insane.
Yes, this is why it's doubly hard;
we hate to cause them pain.
But there is One who sanctifies
for us both gain and loss,
if we but follow where He leads
and gladly bear our cross.
Let's praise the Lord for what we've gained
through fellowship we've shared,
and plan ahead when we'll resume
in mansions now prepared.
God works in a mysterious way;
His benefits are sweet.
Let's do our best so we may place
some trophies at His feet!
This life is but a transient scene,
like vapor fades away.
Let's make investments we can claim
on that eternal day.
fpn 2/77
Originally published on this blog: January 25, 2014
Photo: personal collection
