TheHomegoing Celebration for
Rev. Alvin W. Gilchrist
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Saturday, 21 October, 2006 3:00 P.M.
First Metropolitan Baptist Church 3719 Belair Road
Augusta, Georgia 30909
Reverend Dr. Albert James, Presiding Reverend Enoch Ward, Jr., Pastor
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OBITUARY
On Sunday morning October 15, 2006, a guardian angel was dispatched to guide Rev. Alvin W Gilchrist, a servant o f God, on his journey to be with his heavenlyfather.
Rev. Alvin W. Gilchrist was bom in Burke County, Georgia, August 13, 1932 to the late Jordan and Pearl C. Gilchrist o f Waynesboro', GA. Alvin received his education in the Burke County school system. As a young man, he moved his mother and siblings to Augusta, GA.. Alvin was employed as an instructor at the T. W. Josey High School's Auto Mechanic Vocational program and was one o f thefirstfour African American deputy sheriffs in Richmond County during the 1960's - 1970's. Because o f his lovefo r cars, he eventually opened his own auto mechanic business where he worked until retirement..
At an early age, he confessed a beliefin Christ and united with McElmurray Spring Branch Baptist Church where he served in the choir and later as the chairman o f the board o f deacons.
In 1983, God gave him a charge and he entered into the ministry: He was ordained and served as the son o f the house at McElmurray Tabernacle Baptist Church. Rev. Gilchrist has spread the gospel throughout Georgia and South Carolina. In 1993, he united with * First Metropolitan Baptist Church and served as the Associate pastor until his untimely death.
OBITUARY
Fond memories are cherished by his loving and devoted wife o f 31 years, Mrs. OlaM. Gilchrist, three daughters, Gail G. (William) Coleman o f F&irburn, GA.., Niranda T. Gilchrist and Alvitene Gilchrist both o f Augusta, GA., One Son, James L. (Chandra) Gilchrist o f Fairburn, GA.; Grandson Jordan A. Lamar, Fairburn, GA. One stepdaughter, Ernestine (Allen) Butler, Miramae, FI, two stepsons, Kenneth (Deborah) Turk and Steven (Anita) Herrington all O fAugusta, GA. Fifteen stepgrandchildren and seven step-great-Grandchildren. One sister, Elease Brinson o fAugusta, GA., brothers John E. (Joanne) Gilchrist, Augusta, GA.,andFrank (Lillian) Eunice, St. Louis, MO. Sister-in-laws, Juanita (Solomon) Adebayo and Janie (Willie) McLeod, both O fHollywood, FL., Bertha (Charlie) Brown, and Mary (James) Brown all o fJamaica, NY. Thelma Gilchrist o fAugusta, GA.; brother-in-laws, Richard (Thelma) Kelly, Jr., Augusta, GA., Etory (Geraldine) Kelly, Jamaica, NY., Jimmie Kelly, Savannah, GA., and Lewis Kelly o fHollywood, FL.; a special nephew, Matthew Kelly, a devotedfriend, James Britt and a host o f nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives andfriends.
To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me
"When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do.
You must not tie yourself to me with tears, Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love -y o u can only guess How much you gave me in happiness.
1 thank you fo r the love you each have shown But now it is time I traveled on alone.
So grieve awhile for me, i f grieve you must, Then let your g riefbe comforted by trust. I t 's onlyfo r a while that we must part. So bless the memories within your heart. I won 'i be fa r away for life goes on. So ifyou need me, call and I will come,
Though you can 't see me or touch me, I 'll be near And ifyou listen with your heart, you will hear,
All o f my love aroundyou, soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I 'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home. '
Order o f Service
Rev. Dr. Albert James, Presiding Rev. Enoch Ward, Jr., Officiating
PROCESSIONAL
SELECTION SCRIPTURES
The O ld Testament
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The New Testament k
IN V O C A T IO N
M s Jacqueline K yler/ Dr. D avid Yates
Choir, F irst M etropolitan B aptist Church
Dr. E. T. M artin, Pastor, Springfield B aptist Church
Rev. J.L Stokes, Pastor, Second Shiloh B aptist Church
Rev. Edward Blueford, Pastor M cElmurray Tabernacle B aptist Church
TRIBUTES Church M ember M inister Fam ilyfrien d S iste r-in -la w As a Son
SOLO
OBITUARY
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
S E L E C T IO N
WORDS OF COMFORT
RECESSIONAL
(LIM IT 2 MINUTES PLEASE) D ea Joseph Canada Rev. Jackson Parks Mr. Dwayane H ull M rs Gearldine Kelly Mr. James L. Gilchrist
Mr. Richmond Davis
(READ SILENTLY WITH SOFT MUSIC)
M s Irene Canada
Choir, F irst M etropolitan B aptist Church
Rev. Enoch Ward, Jr., Pastor F irst M etropolitan B aptist Church
M s Jacqueline Kyler / Dr. D avid Yates
INTERM ENT REPAST
Walker M em orial Gardens F irst M etropolitan B aptist Church
My Last Request
Please don't say I gave up, just say that I gave in. D on't say 1 lost the battle, for it was God's war to lose or win.
Please don't say how good I was, but that I did my best. Just say I tried to do what's right, To give the most I could, not do less.
Please don't give me wings or halos, that's for God to do. I want no more than 1 deserve, no extras, just my due. Please don't give flowers, or talk in harsh tones. D on't be concerned about me now, I'm well with God, 1've made it home.
Don't talk about what could have been, i t 's over and i t 's done. Just see to all myfam ily's needs, the battle has been won. When you draw a picture o f me, don't draw me as a saint,
I've done some good, I've done some wrong, so use all your paint. Notjust the bright and light ones, use some gray and dark In fact, don 't put me down on canvas paint me in your heart. Don'tjust remember all the good times, but remember all the bad. For life isfull o f many things, some happy and some sad. But ifyou must do something, then I have one last request
Forgive mefor the wrongs 1've done and with the love that's left Thank Godfor my soul's resting. Thank Godfor all who loved me. Praise God who loved me best.
PALLBEARERS
Active
Michael Kelly Richard K ellylll Bernard Kelly
Michael Gilchrist David Drayton James Britt
Honorary
M inisters
Deacons, First Metropolitan Baptist Church
Deaconess, First Metropolitan Baptist Church
Flower Bearers
Ushers
Friends
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thefam ily o fReverend Alvin W. Gilchrist wishes to extend heartfelt thanksfo r the cards, calls, food, visits, prayers and all other acts o f kindness that have been shown towards ourfam ily during this time o f bereavement. Thankyoufo r surrounding us, supporting us and lifting us during this transitionalperiod in our lives. May God bless each o fyou and heaven shine upon you.
Services Entrusted to: CA. Reid, Sr. Memorial Funeral Home
Augusta, Georgia