The Bridge Builder An old man, going a lone highway, Came at the evening, cold and gray, To a chasm, vast and deep and wide, Through which was flowing a sullen tide. The old man crossed in the twilight dim; The sullen stream had no fears for him; But he turned when safe on the other side And built a bridge to span the tide. "Old man, " said a fellow pilgrim near, "You are wasting strength with building here; Your journey will end with the ending day; You never again must pass this way; You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide -- Why build you the bridge at the eventide?" The builder lifted his old gray head: "Goodfriend, in the path I have come, " he said "There followeth after me today A youth whose feet must pass this way, This chasm that has been naught to me To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be, He, too, must cross in the twilight dim: Goodfriend, I am building the bridge for him. " -- Will Allen Dromgoole ACKNOWLEDGMENT The family wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the many friends for calls, cards, telegrams, flowers and all acts of kindness shown during this hour of bereavement. -- The Family HOLLEY F--U N E R A L HOME John P. Holley, Jr. President & Director 2469 Senate Street Columbia, SC 29205 256-8088 8132 Garners Ferry Rd. P. O. Box 90403 Columbia, SC 29209 695-1666 102 Church Street St. Matthews, SC 29135 874-3317 Prompt & Courteous Service - Since 1917 In Loving Memory Of Deacon Frank Adams, Sr. Sunday, February 11,1996 2:00 P. M. St. Mark Baptist Church St. Mark Road Gadsden, South Carolina Reverend Secadia D. Howell - Pastor - OBITUARY In the morning light of February 7,1996, surrounded by his loving family, Deacon Frank Adams, Sr., stepped out of time into eternity, entering into heavenly bliss. Bom in Richland County, South Carolina, Deacon Adams was the son of the late John and Millie Brown Adams and the devoted husband of the late Dorcas Sims Adams. He lived all of his life, 104 years, in the Gadsden community, doing what he loved best, farming. He had a remarkable life, both in terms of longevity and in terms of the impact that he had on his family, church and community. A man of high principles, Deacon Adams can best be described as a patriarch, a founding father, and a giant among men. A source of quiet, unwavering strength, he was a role model for many. The symbol of the Bridgebuilder was used to describe his life -- over and over again. In his own way, he was an instructor who taught by the example of his life and the experiences he shared. Compassionate, kind, unassuming and generous, Deacon Frank Adams radiated love to his family, church and community, and above all, he practiced what he preached. He loved to clear the land, till the soil, watch the plants grow, and gather the harvest. He was an expert weatherman. Along with his dedication to family and friends, Deacon Adams loved his church and tried never to miss a Sunday service as long as he was able to attend. He served on the Board of Deacons for more than fifty years and as church treasurer for more than forty years. Also, he was a member of Missionary Society #1 and served as its treasurer for about twenty years. He leaves to build upon his legacy three daughters, Mrs. Millie A. Brown and a Mrs. Mary J. Woods of Gadsden, South Carolina, and Mrs. Annie A. Jamison of Orangeburg, South Carolina; three sons, Frank Adams, Jr., of Saluda, South Carolina, and Doctor Adams, Sr., and John Adams, Sr., of Gadsden; a cherished daughter-in-law, Mrs. Carrie B. Adams of Gadsden, and a devoted son-in-law, Marion W. Jamison, Jr., ofOrangeburg; one sister, Mrs. Rosa B. Carter of Hopkins, and one brother, John Sumter of Hopkins; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Amy S. Adams of Gadsden and Mrs. Amy W. Adams of Hopkins; twenty-five grandchildren; fifteen greatgrandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends. ORDER OF SERVICE Reverend Secadia Howell, Officiating PRELUDE Organist PROCESSIONAL HYMN "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" SCRIPTURES Old Testament New Testament Reverend Dr. W. H. Neal Reverend Columbus President PRAYER Reverend Dr. Osby Roddey SOLO ... Lamar Wilson REMARKS Church -- Deacon Ben Jones His Medical Doctor -- Dr. Spencer C. Disher, Jr. SOLO Mrs. Thomasena Adams Myers TRIBUTE FROM THE FAMILY Reverend Frank Woods, Jr. EULOGY Reverend Secadia Howell VIEWING OF REMAINS BENEDICTION RECESSIONAL & POSTLUDE COMMITTAL, INTERMENT & BENEDICTION St. Martin Baptist Church Cemetery Gadsden, South Carolina ACTIVE PALLBEARERS Frank Brown Grandsons of the Deceased John Adams, Jr. Frank Woods, Jr. Frank Adams, III Marvin Woods Melvin Adams Doctor Adams, Jr. Johnny L. Catoe Anthony T. Adams Ronald Adams Gregory D. Adams Marion W. Jamison, III Frank Adams Mark A. Jamison HONORARY PALLBEARERS St. Mark Board of Deacons FLORAL BEARERS Missionary Society #1 Psalms 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the council of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way ofsinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.