Watson continued teaching at Steelville until the family moved to Greenfield, Illinois in December of 1953.

In later years, Watson wrote the following to his daughter, Elsie: "You asked what major courses I took while in school. My major in college was in English and Literature. However, after I began to teach here in Greenfield, in order to qualify as a school counselor, I took several graduate courses in the field of guidance and psychology, from Southern Illinois University."

In the spring of 1970, he retired after twenty years involvement in public education. Whether teaching, driving school bus or counseling, Watson was well received and highly respected for his integrity and positive contribution to the schools in which he served.

CHAPTER 12

Lessons from Home (1)

"Train up a child…" (Pro. 22:6)

Home was a place of laughter. Often it was on the occasion of a surprise visit by Mary’s two brothers, Percy and Charles Gash that the dinner table rang with laughter as they regaled us with funny episodes or jokes. (It always seemed to this writer that his Uncles seemed to appear, without fail, on the very day my Mother completed the baking of homemade bread. But then, she baked bread at least once a week, usually on Friday, in preparation for the weekend.) If one of the children didn’t quite get the point, that child might become the object of laughter as well. All of this was done in the family spirit of love that made the laughter not aimed ‘at’ someone, as much as laughter ‘with’ someone. On one occasion we observed as Uncle "Perce" and Jess Kellerman (another close friend of the family) sang to each other across a shallow valley that ran between the "Big House" and "Grandpa’s House", about 1/3 mile away. The songs ran between operatic and folk, with a smattering of nonsense in between. What fun that was!

We learned that humor need not be vicious, or at the expense of others, especially those who are physically or mentally handicapped ("impaired" or "challenged" appear to be the current politically correct terms). Rather, it may be an expression of sheer joy at being alive with all the possibilities and vagaries of human nature.

Watson (who signed his name "S. Watson Thornton") was neither a jokester nor a humorist. Neither was he a proverbial "sourpuss". He displayed a spirit of joy in living that, while many people have it during the good times, remained constant even through the dark seasons of life. Perhaps the words of the Apostle John express the basis for such inner joy-filled life: "I (Jesus Christ) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10 – NASB).

My father could laugh at himself. On one occasion, at Tadmor, some visitors were talking after dinner in the back yard. The conversation drifted to the subject of birds and shooting. Watson brought out a shotgun and offered to shoot some sparrows that were in a tree a short distance away. He took aim, pulled the trigger, and lowered the gun. Imagine the surprise when not a bird fell, even though the sound of pellets could clearly be heard in the branches. Then, a shout of laughter arose! At Watson’s feet was pile of shot pellets. He had inadvertently loaded the gun with the wrong size shell. When he fired, the sound we heard was that of shot pellets running down the barrel to the ground. Dad laughed also.

Home was also a place of discipline. In our home, we learned the meaning the biblical phrase: "The hand of the LORD was heavy on me." For our father, rarely used, nor did he require the use of, anything other than his hand in disciplining us. As a result of discipline at home, we children early on learned what it would mean to be obedient to the will of God

On one occasion that discipline took a slightly different tack. We lived in the "Old Farmhouse" at the time. (During the time we lived at Tadmor, we lived in each of three houses – The Big House (14 rooms with two kitchens and a screened-in summer porch that served as dining room for 60 Campers plus total Camp Staff, or all the attendees at Labor Day Bible Conferences), Grandpa’s House and the Old Farm House.) At dinner, one evening, for some reason we children ‘got tickled’ at something or other. When we failed to obey our Mama’s instruction to be quiet and behave, Daddy told one of us to get down from the table with his plate and eat on the floor in the corner. Now THAT was funny! Immediately the laughter became even more infectious. Next, another child was sent to another corner. More laughter. And all despite the fact that our Father was seriously endeavoring to bring order into the home. To make a long story short, soon there was no one at the table but Daddy and Mama, while the children (with the exception of John, the baby – still in a high chair) were now spread around the Dining room, in the Kitchen, and even up stairs in one of the bedrooms. Need I add that the house was "shaking" with barely suppressed laughter? Even Mama had trouble keeping some degree of serious demeanor. (I suppose you might say that that was an occasion for "multi-tasking" - providing both discipline and humor at the same time.)

Watson believed firmly that he, as father, was given a mandate from God to train his children to obey their parents. It was not only right, but also it laid the foundation for their subsequent obedience to God, as He began to reveal Himself to them.

Snippets

Dad enjoyed fun songs.

Mom would play some of the old, turn-of-the-century songs, like "The Yorktown Strutters’ Ball", and Dad enjoyed the alternate words: "I’ll be down to get you in a wheelbarrow, honey; Taxis, they cost too much money…"

He would look on with obvious delight when Mom would play songs with her hands behind her back, or else piano-logues, such as "When the Apples Grow upon the Lilac Tree", or "In the Usual Way" - CGT

CHAPTER 13

Lessons from Home (2)

"By this shall all men know…that ye have love…" (John 13:35)

Home was a place of love – both received and given. Perhaps we children learned more about love by watching our parents practice it than by any overt teaching they may have done. Three specific examples come to mind regarding this:

The first involved their care for Mary’s mother. Grandma Gash came to live with us not long after we moved to Wesco, MO (1947). The fact that we moved into what had once been a hotel was fortuitous, in that we now had sufficient rooms for her to have one on the ground floor. From her arrival until her death (June 2, 1952), she was part of our household. I do not recall ever hearing either of my parents speak ill of Grandma, despite the fact that she could not (especially in the later years) be left alone. During the time I was away at college, Grandma entered the twilight land of dementia. On occasion she would be observed, lying on her back in bed, stitching away at invisible cloth with an invisible needle, making some article such as she had done in much earlier years. Love meant selflessly caring for her until God called her "home".

Dad and Mom, meanwhile, viewed this care for Grandma as simply fulfilling God’s biblical instruction: "If any provide not for his own, and especially they of his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Timothy 5:8 - NASB). They demonstrated their love by action – respecting, providing and caring for Grandma.

The second takes me back in memory to elementary school days, when our family went once each month to hold service at the County Farm. There we children observed a quality of love demonstrated that has ever since been a pattern for us to follow. Whether it was to "Fat" Ida (who laughed ‘all over’ when the Thornton children sang "It’s Bubbling", with the motions), or men and women who were simply old but without means of caring for themselves, or Sam (who, in his simple-mindedness, took an ax and tried to chop off his crippled right hand, after hearing another pastor speak on the text: "And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body be cast into hell" (Matthew 5:30 – KJV). The Director of the County Farm promptly called Watson Thornton to come and give solace to Sam, as well as to help other residents with their confusion. He discerned that my father made no distinction between any of the people at the County Farm – a trait, I have observed, he consistently demonstrated to others throughout his life.

(As an aside, our brother Sammy had already acquired a fixation for farm machinery…no matter what type, especially if an engine propelled it. Nine year-old boys sometimes become engrossed in things and, as a result, forget to be where they are supposed to be. Because of this, on one occasion, we left him behind when we left the County Farm to go home and we had to return to pick him up.)

Yet another instance that reminds me of my parents’ love for others was the occasion of the death of our baby sister, Susan. During the time immediately following the accident (Susan was hit by a car on the street directly in front of our home in Greenfield, Illinois), many of the neighbors and church people came to give support and encouragement to our parents. It seemed, however, as though both Dad and Mom were giving more than receiving. Love "seeketh not its own" (1 Corinthians 13:5) became incarnated for me at that time.

CHAPTER 14

Lessons from Home (3)

"…preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)

During the summer of 1945, Watson again revealed his passion to reach out to people with the Gospel. He traveled to Denver, Colorado to check on the possibility of ministering to Japanese people who had been interned as a result of WWII. Although God did not open that area of ministry for my father, he continued to be open to opportunities for preaching the Gospel.

This passion was also revealed by his willingness to work with men of other theological "stripes", provided they declared the way of salvation "by grace through faith." We often attended revival meetings at churches in our area of Missouri.

Watson shared in constructing a "Brush Arbor" at the Crossroads, near Wesco. This was a rustic place in the woods, covered with branches of trees, with sawdust floor and benches made of tree stumps with 2X12 planks laid across them for seats. Frequently a portable pump organ was used for musical accompaniment. At other times guitars, banjos and fiddles provided the music. All were welcome to attend. After spirited singing, the Evangelist would preach.

One such evangelist was Bill Wynn. He had a unique style of preaching… starting in a normal tone then building gradually to a large crescendo, dropping dramatically to a low pitch and starting all over again. This was repeated numerous times throughout his message. To one who was accustomed to hearing God’s Word communicated in a calm, thoughtful way, Rev. Winn’s manner of preaching was, to say the least, ‘different’. Dad might well have said something like this: "God has all sorts of tools in His box. Some are strong and blunt. Some are fine and sharp. He fits the tool to the job at hand, and, ultimately, the work of salvation is His alone."

We children remember the community Gospel Singing in which we took part. Church groups from all over met together for an afternoon of singing, each church singing something they had prepared. The St. Louis Globe Democrat, on one such occasion, sent out a photographer and ran a picture of our Wesco group singing "The Land of No Unsetting Sun" (note what they did with the title), and the group was comprised primarily of our family. During this time Warren Perkins said to Daddy: "This is one of those times when I wish Wesco had not changed its name from Boaz, which it was originally called." At any rate, the churches were all called up alphabetically, and being Wesco--we were always one of the last ones.

Dad firmly believed that there was to be a balance in every Christian’s life. That balance was between zeal and knowledge. It was during Dad’s absence at Denver that I placed my trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior. Upon his return, I happily told him of my decision, and expressed my desire to be baptized (zeal). He felt that I should wait a bit before such an action, in order to be assured that I understood (knowledge) what the act of being baptized implied. Two years later, at age fourteen, he baptized both my mother and me in the Meramec River, just above the bridge at Wesco. My sister, Elsie, was to have been baptized also, but she had become ill and, therefore, was ‘excused’. (I hasten to add, that Mom had been a believer and committed Christian since well before she married Dad. It was that she had never taken this public step of obedience to Christ until now.)

Snippets

"How everyone did love to hear Mama play--regardless of the condition of the piano. How often I have thanked the Lord for the blessing to be a part of her life and have the glory of hearing her play. " - Ruth

CHAPTER 15

Principles of Parenting

"My son, hear the instruction of thy father,

and forsake not the law of thy mother:

For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head,

and chains about thy neck." (Pro. 1:8-9)

Someone has well said: "Some things are better ‘caught’ than ‘taught’. Or (as a ‘back-country’ friend was prone to say: "Some things are better ‘felt’ than ‘telt’. Here are a few of the things Watson, and Mary, taught their children – both by word of mouth and example:

• "An ounce of example is worth a ton of words" (Uno Who)

"I remember seeing Dad, early in the morning, every day, on his knees in the Living Room at Tadmor in prayer. That is the lasting impression I have of His commitment to a personal relationship with God. The overflow of course was the ministry through preaching and sharing his life with others. He desired to know the Lord through an intimate knowledge of His Word. The importance he placed on reading and study of the Word…It is wonderful that He used our parents to begin this search." - Martha

• "The greatest thing you can do for your children is to love their mother" (Author unknown).

"My most vivid memories are of him with Mom.  Without a doubt I knew he loved her and thought she was pretty terrific.  He was gracious. He'd hold her hand as they walked.  Like Cathy, I remember being upstairs and hearing them talk and talk and talk.  Or else he'd read to her as she ironed…I always knew I wanted to marry someone who would love me like dad loved mom.  (By God's grace, I did!)" – Nancy

• "One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity…" (1 Timothy 3:4)

"I remember thinking that his expectations of me were different than his expectations of others because he expected us to live as Christians...that was hard to do, since I didn't have a strong faith at the time…it was the faith of my father, not my own faith…" – Cathy

• "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

"Prayers" (as our Family Altar time was called) was a daily event. Just after breakfast, we would all gather in the Living Room. We would frequently sing, with Mom playing the piano. Then we read Scripture (usually one chapter each day – straight through the Bible), even the parts with all the hard names. Each child began reading (2 verses each, in order) as soon as he or she could recognize the simple words – Dad would pronounce the rest, for them to repeat.

• "He that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not" (Pro. 15:4)

Watson regarded his word as an inviolable commitment. He learned that electrical work was done on a "per unit" cost (i.e.- $1.50 per outlet or switch for electrical work). After doing a couple of jobs at that rate, he discerned that it cost more for him to drive to the job than he made at the job (for example, to put in a switch and wall outlet for an elderly widow). Then, in order to break even, much less to make some profit, he had to include the cost of travel to his estimates. Nevertheless, he still would occasionally do a job, for someone who had little resources, for little or no profit. It was simply a means of doing good in the name of Jesus Christ. What an example that was for his children to see and follow!

• "…provide…for his own, and specially for those of his own house…" (1 Tim. 5:8)

"I remember going with him on some of his odd jobs and his teaching me the basics of carpentry, electrical, etc. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn't understand that what he did, he did for me personally...not just because it was something to keep him busy. I had no sense of how little money we had (lots more than when the older kids were growing up, but little by the standard of the day)." - Cathy

• "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children…" (Luke 11:13)

"Dad believed that God would provide what we needed, and he interpreted that often to be what we wanted as well. I remember one winter going to St. Louis with him and Mom, and probably Nancy, to look for a winter coat for me, and probably Nancy too! …I found an absolutely wonderful fake suede coat with a rabbit collar that I fell in love with. Dad wanted to check the bargains in the basement, so we went there next. I'm sure there were some very practical coats, for less money on the lower level, but Daddy led us back upstairs where he purchased the one with the rabbit collar for me…Dad's only comment was that he'd evidently trained me well in picking quality...never a word about what he wouldn't be able to buy for himself when I took the chunk of money for the coat." - Cathy

"When I returned from Colorado to attend Grandpa Thornton’s funeral, Dad noticed that I had very old dress shoes, and he gave me enough money to buy two pair (red and white heels). I was on an academic scholarship, but had to work as a nurse part time, so money was tight." - Alice

• Children do not need to know everything that concerns their parents.

When Dad and Mom wished to discuss things in private, it was not always feasible. Their, rather innovative, way to solve that dilemma was to speak Japanese. For instance, we lived at the end of a "14 party" telephone line. There were 14 customers on our line – who knew they were being called by the series of rings (1 long ring for Central, 2 short for someone else, while ours was 2 long rings, as I recall). It was common practice for several people to listen in on someone else’s call. When they spoke Japanese, the neighbors were politely ignored, while their inquisitiveness was unsatisfied. This system worked just as well at the dinner table (the only Japanese I remember is counting to 10 and asking my mother for pancakes).

• "…well reported of by the brethren…" – Acts 16:2

"This is the most beautiful of any testimony to our parents that I have witnessed. At Dad's memorial I tried to suggest that Dad seemingly was not recognized for his faith as so many "evangelists", or "scholars", but his insight of the "TRUTH" and it's application was incomparable." - Sam

• "…a lover of hospitality…" (Titus 1:8)

An excerpt from Mary's journal follows: "DEC. 1944 (P.O. COOK STATION) Our hired man, Ralph, had a sore hand so couldn't milk, so we could not go St Louis. Folks & Earle & Nelle came for 6 P.M. dinner at farm. Prendergasts & Mary Jane Sanders, Rufus, Evelyn & Joel Beezeley were here too - 19 of us. I roasted 2 chickens 5 & 4 3/4 lb! We used Mama's red table in living room & our big one in dining room. New set of Kroger dishes my Christmas from Watson & kids. Used Aunt Nan's Eggshell China plates to make out the necessary number. (Dishes have always been one of my joys - I gave Okadasan a set of teacups for a wedding present. She told me she still has these when I saw her in 1970.)"

Without a husband’s agreement, such ministry would be well nigh impossible.

• "…able to teach others also." (2 Tim. 2:2)

"I recall that you (CGT) were strong enough to load the loose hay as it was dumped from the loader. Dad had instructed in the proper means of stacking: ‘If you place each fork of hay on the perimeter of the wagon frame and progress with each fork in a circular fashion, the hay will be tied together and you, being in the center will tend to tie the sides to each other, the result being that it will ride to the barn or stack.’ He was a show and tell instructor with the patience then to permit mistakes that were bound to happen. I think that you built a haystack in the south field next to the creek. If hay was placed in the loft, the wagon was pulled along the east end of the barn; Bess was unhitched (unless neighbors were helping), led to the west end and hitched to the derrick rope. A grapple was used to lift the hay to the track as she pulled. ‘No, Sammy, you cannot ride while she is working and you best not dilly-dally around getting back to the barn, we don't want to damage her legs if the single-tree hits her.’" - Sam

Whether it was teaching God’s truth, driving a car, or other ‘mundane’ matters, Watson excelled at teaching. His greatest "failure" was (perhaps) that of teaching Mary to drive a car. This woman, who could play an organ with foot-peddles, was unable to make sense of accelerator, brake and clutch peddles…but Watson happily served as her chauffeur all her life.

• "…but prayer…was being made fervently..." (Acts 12:5)

A ‘non-family’ illustration will suffice here, since the ministry of pastoring parallels that of parenting in many ways: Rebul Collier was one of the women in the group that met for worship in the Asher Hollow School House. Prior to her conversion, she had led a seriously worldly life. When faced with major surgery, during which she would be "put under" by anesthetic, she asked for fervent prayer by Watson and the others who met for prayer each Wednesday. Her reason: she understood that frequently (when people came out from under anesthetic), they would unwittingly use language from an earlier part of their life. Her ‘before salvation’ language had been very coarse and God dishonoring, and she wanted the Spirit of God to control her tongue, so that, even unwittingly, she would not bring dishonor to her Lord. Watson’s teaching of God’s Word, coupled with the testimony of his life, had convinced her that God could (and would) do as she requested.

• Living by faith

"Elsie and I left home in the fall of '52. We were 3 years behind the twins and Charlie. Yes, I had 2 years at Bryan. The return the second year was a bit iffy. We didn't have the money for the bus ride to St. Louis, then on the Dayton. The day I was to leave, as I recall, I was all packed and we waited for the mail to come. With the mail came some form of money, so Dad and Mama drove me to Steelville to catch the bus. The Lord provides for His own." - Martha

• Some Pain in Discipline

No, this is not just the pain given by discipline. It refers to the pain felt by parents as they discipline their offspring. I never learned the "why", but my youngest brother, John, drove down to Belle Glade, Florida in an old jalopy in the summer of 1959 following his sophomore year in Greenfield. While there he lived with Elsie (his sister) and Vince Marquess until he graduated from high school in Belle Glade, FL in 1961.

• Tough Choices of Discipline

While desiring to recognize the positive traits of my parents, I am not endeavoring to portray them as faultless people. Some of what my siblings and I saw, heard, and experienced while under their tutelage may well be attributed to the same thing our children experienced under ours: as-yet-unperfected people endeavoring to honestly, lovingly, and with integrity before God and man, apply our understanding of biblical standards in light of our personal backgrounds and experiences. The spiritual culture in which our parents grew was different from that in which we grew. Our children, and now their children face different issues than we did. Our father's primary objective in parenting was to bring us up as Christian children. Without a doubt, Watson’s understanding of Scripture was somewhat different than that of many who read these words. His temperament, family up bringing, and community standards were elements that conditioned how that understanding was applied in parenting.

We grew up under rigid rules regarding Sunday observance. Those were the days of Sunday "Blue Laws". We did not swim or play ball on Sunday. Naps, walks, or reading were the order of the day. Watson endeavored to apply the Scripture: "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy", to our day and time.

Watson and Mary addressed the questions of attending movies, wearing makeup (for the girls), clothing styles, and other such matters, in a manner consistent with their biblical and cultural background. While we children may not have whole-heartedly accepted every aspect of their discipline, we were taught to obey, and, in later years began to appreciate the spirit in which they disciplined us. Watson knew that each child would need to answer the questions of practice just as he and Mary had.

Snippets

We were living at Grandpa’s Green house on the hill next to the cemetery. It was a hot, Sunday afternoon. We begged and pleaded with Daddy to let us fill up a big washtub with water so we could play in it. Remember, we were to never go swimming on the Sabbath. Daddy finally conceded to the request, we put on our swimming suits, filled the tub, splashed and threw water at each other. Someone was dipping water with a can, and as they threw the water, they sent the can as well. The can hit me over my right eye, there was lot of bleeding, and Daddy had to take me into St. James to the doctor to sew it up. - Alice

Yes, Watson and Mary taught ("telt") us well. There was much that we "caught" from watching them live daily. Then there were the times that, to use the words of my country friend, we "felt" their instruction.

CHAPTER 16

The Fledglings Fly

"Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth…And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Josh. 24:14-15)

Watson was like Joshua in that he constantly called upon people to follow Jesus Christ. His fervent longing was that his children follow his steps in following hard after God. While they may have taken some side roads along the way, some by-paths to temporary dead-ends, God graciously lit a flame in each child’s heart that eventually burned brightly for Him. And while each one may have taken a somewhat circuitous path, this author believes that Watson’s heart longing for each has been granted.

Ruth and her husband, Paul Caldwell, helped start two churches in America. She has led a fulfilling life in the nursing profession. Her career did not exclude having a family. It also included a stint in Nepal where, along with Paul, they ministered spiritually while supporting themselves financially.

Alice has had an extensive career in nursing, having an earned Doctorate with teaching as an objective. She and her husband, Kenneth Hees, have three sons. Her passion has been to honorably represent Jesus Christ in both public and private life.

Charles has followed Watson (by God’s gracious design) in serving as a pastor (some 46 years, at the time of this writing). He and his wife, Janice, have six children.

Elsie (who stepped out of college to assist her mother when Baby Susan was born) married Vincent Marquess, and endeavored to "fill the earth" single-handedly, with eight children. She operated a restaurant for a time, and then assisted Vince in his work in Nursing Home administration. All along the way she has ministered in music in various churches.

Martha married Don Miller. They devoted a number of years to working with the Navigators, both in the United States and Germany. They still serve Jesus Christ in Southern California. Their progeny number four, plus grandchildren.

Sam, Jr. fulfilled the "farmer" portion of Watson’s heart passion. Having retired, he now does "windshield farming" in the Greenfield, Illinois area. Two sons (including Samuel Watson, III) and a daughter comprise his ‘heritage’ (Psalm 127:3). His insights into the Word of God have been an inspiration to me (his older brother) as well as to others.

John completed the number of Watson’s sons. He and his wife, Marcia, contributed four sons to the Thornton clan. These included twins. At the time of his untimely death, at age 37, John was endeavoring to serve God both as a seed salesman and churchman.

Mary Catherine and Daniel Beebe had twin sons. Cathy (or Kate, as her work associates know her) is currently retired after working as an air traffic controller, and then moving up into mid-management responsibilities. She has also discovered the joy of seeking to be a faithful servant of God as she grows in her knowledge of God through His Word.

Nancy Agnes found her life-mate a bit later in life than any of her siblings. She and her husband, David, have adopted a beautiful African-American baby, who brings great joy to them both, as well as to others. Nancy, along with others of her siblings, has sought to discover and follow the path of discipleship that her father spoke and preached about. That path, which some seem to find so easily, has not always been so for her. But the biblical promise: "Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you." (Matt. 7:7) is becoming a rejoiced-in truth to her.

The story of Susan Wesley, who died at age 5 (1958), has been related elsewhere. She, along with the earlier Susan (1949) and John, remind us all that we have a home in heaven…far better and more enduring than the one down here.

ACT V

"And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part."

* * * * *

"I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in. Now then, give me this mountain…" (Joshua 14:12)

Chapter 17

And the Next Generation…

"(Joseph) took his two sons…with him". (Genesis 48:2)

- - -

- Craig (Kathy’s son)

As for grandpa, I remember visits to the lake house, and fishing on the dock, but the only real memory of grandpa was one time, I must have been less than 10 years old. I was sitting straight across the table from grandpa at dinner. On the menu that particular evening were mashed potatoes with gravy and peas. I was preoccupied with the fact that my peas were mixing with the gravy and potatoes and I was dutifully doing my best to separate the two on my plate while everyone else started eating. I remember looking up briefly to see grandpa staring imposingly at me, and frankly it scared me half to death. Then, he subtly said, "It's all going to same place anyway, you know..." I don't recall worrying about my food mixing since. Thanks!

Snippets

The year was 1958. The season was Christmas. I was a student in Seminary. Janice, sons David and Daniel, and I drove to Illinois to visit my family. We were going ‘home for the holidays’. When we arrived, others of the family had already come and family activities were in full swing. I was amused to see several of my young nephews watching as their Grandpa showed them how to drive the electric train he had set up on the living room floor. Their eagerness to play with the train was temporarily suspended by Grandpa, who had seemingly forgotten them in his own pleasure at being a "rail road engineer". They did get their turn, eventually. But that’s what home and family is all about. - Charles

- - -

- Deborah (Charles’ daughter) Two memories of Grandpa come to mind.  The first is a clear picture of him in my head, sitting in the living room with you (Charles), discussing, and debating, Biblical truths.  His gray white hair, his smile, and his enthusiasm for discussing the Word with you are what I always remember.  I don't recall him being anywhere else in the house, and the picture is always the same, so it must have occurred every time they came to visit. 

He also wrote me a card when I was graduating from high school.  I was so surprised to receive it, because I really didn't think of him as being close to me at all, yet he wrote and told me he was proud of my accomplishment, and that he prayed for me.  I kept that card for years and years.  It was special to learn that I was important to him. 

- - -

- Susan (Sam’s daughter) I remember when Doug and I had a car ride with Grandpa going south "somewhere". It was in the late 60's and we were small. I think we were going to Carterville or Carbondale. It was just the three of us and Doug and I sat in the back seat. I recall we were on a 4 lane Interstate road that sometimes divided the 2 roads with trees. As the road would curve, Grandpa would swerve to the inside lane. He explained to us that by doing that, he was taking the shortest distance to "wherever our destination was", allowing us to arrive sooner and therefore, saving gas too. I just remember giggling in the back seat when he would swerve into the other lane but then he said he needed to stop for fear another driver might think he was under the influence - which made us giggle even more.

Another memory I have was at a family get-together at Aunt Elsie's restaurant in Nokomis (IL). Grandma played her Children's story monologue on the piano in the back room. Later, sitting with the grandchildren, Grandpa asked if we had any questions of him about his life. I was a teenager and wasn't interested in knowing about his life so I didn't ask anything, and I don't recall many other questions being asked either. I have never forgotten that moment and the feelings he might have had when we didn't inquire of his life. An opportunity lost on my part.

"Retirement"

Aah! Retirement! That looked-forward-to period of life when one may sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of his life of labor.

Snippets

It has been well stated that very few Christians maintain a vital spiritual life and ministry in their retirement years. While Daniel and Caleb are biblical examples of men who ‘kept at it’ at an age when many settle in to relaxation, they prove to be the exception, rather than the rule.

During Watson’s 20^th year of teaching (1969-70), he was invited to go to Japan and participate in the Golden Anniversary of the Kobe Union Church. His passion to reach Japanese people with Christ’s Gospel burned as hotly in his soul as ever, so he pursued the possibility. Especially after learning of an opportunity to teach – in Japan.

Let my sister, Martha, tell this in her own words:

Now, few people simply "go" to Japan without first considering the matter of living costs. Dad was completing 20 years of teaching with the completion of the 1969-70 school year. Upon checking this out, he discovered (to his chagrin) that there were four (4) missing days to complete 20 years of teaching. After very careful checking, however, they discovered that Dad had 4 days of substitute teaching not yet included in the total. The result – Dad received full pension for his teaching, which, plus Social Security for both Dad and Mom, provided the financial resources for the rest of their lives.

So, in the summer of 1970, Watson and Mary returned to Japan, to begin the next five-year adventure of a life given to obeying God. Mary was able to go with him, since Nancy (the youngest of my living siblings) was a student at John Brown University. My brother, Sam, lived in the community and therefore, was in a position to give assistance, should need arise.

Dad spoke at the Kobe Union Church Anniversary. Afterward he had opportunity to speak in various Japanese churches. His interpreter was also his ‘chauffeur’ to take him to speaking engagements. Upon arriving at the location of the second appointment, Dad got out of the car…only to have his interpreter drive off. He then had to speak in Japanese. I’m not certain what Dad prayed on that occasion. It may have been something like: "Well, it’s You and me, Lord. You be the ventriloquist…I’ll be the dummy." (It’s clear that my father and I have a different sense of humor…these are my words) But, "God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will, with the temptation, also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Cor. 10:13)

Anyway, God enabled Dad to speak both clearly and simply. His use of the language spoken (during their youth) by the grandparents, who were in the audience, was readily understandable by the younger hearers.

Watson was involved in teaching the next two years (1970-72) in Fukushima. Japanese businessmen supported the school. His primary task was to teach English. He used The Living Bible as a text to accomplish two things: 1) to enable the students to grasp the idiom of the American English language, and 2) to open doors for presenting the Gospel to students. (During this time both he and Mary taught English as a Second Language to adults, as well.)

Snippets

The school was a technical institution; Dad had an English class of 30 boys who did not want to be instructed by an old man. Dad took the approach of sharing parts of his life with them, his travels, and his involvement in sports. When they found that he had played tennis their attitude changed for the better. The administration stated the previous (Christian) instructor had proselytized and they stated this could not be done. He asked if he could be permitted to place a Proverb on the board at intervals, explaining their likeness to some of the Japanese instructional material. This request was granted. - Elsie

Watson was asked to pastor a Japanese church in Fukushima Ken. This is especially significant, in that he was the first non-Japanese to be asked to minister in what was actually an indigenous Japanese Church Fellowship. He accepted on one primary condition – that the people of the church would assume responsibility for sharing in the work of the church. If they wanted a Sunday Bulletin, they would need to compile, produce and distribute it. The believers could do visitation for evangelism and outreach; Dad was willing to train them, but they must do it. His primary task was to be "prayer and the ministry of the Word". (Acts 6:4)

CHAPTER 19

Japanese Poetry

"They read in the book in the law of God distinctly,

and gave the sense,

and caused them to understand the reading."

(Nehemiah 8:8)

The following poem was written by a Japanese man both in Japanese and English. The date (based on the text itself) appears to be in the early 1970s (when Watson and Mary went back to Japan to minister after a 33 year absence).

To Mary and Watson Thornton

Japan

ACT VI

"The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side,
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound."

* * * * *

"That the aged men be sober,

grave, temperate, sound in faith,

in charity, in patience." (Titus 2:2)

CHAPTER 20

The Wanderer Returns

* * * * *

Thomas Gray expressed it this way:

"The curfew tolls the knell of parting day,

The lowing herd winds slowly o’er the lea,

The farmer homeward plods his weary way,

And leaves the world to darkness and to me."

* * * * *

In 1975, at ages 71 and 66 respectively, Watson and Mary came home from Japan. Their first residence was connected to the local Funeral Home in Carterville, IL. Kenneth Hees (Alice’s husband, and an accomplished craftsman in wood) quite ably contributed to some most appreciated improvements for their comfort.

An opening came for Watson to preach in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Vienna, IL. For 1½ years they lived in Vienna, then they returned to Carterville, where they lived in a small cottage for the remainder of their stay in Carterville.

Watson continued to provide pulpit supply on occasion. He also had opportunity to meet with various pastors to provide encouragement and challenge. On one occasion, he led a group of them in a study of the Holy Spirit throughout the Scriptures. He compiled a list of all the references to the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible. The men then proceeded to take them each in turn, with the goal of seeing what each taught on this subject. All went well…until they arrived at Acts chapter two. Then, as different pastors began defending his ‘position’ on the work of the Holy Spirit, the unity of fellowship in searching the Scriptures together, was lost. After a couple weeks spent endeavoring to "keep the unity of the Spirit", Dad finally stopped going to the study. His purpose was to see what the Scriptures said, not to debate personal viewpoints.

During this time Watson and Mary agreed to attend different churches. Mary’s love for music led her to become accompanist for the Presbyterian Church in Carterville, while Dad’s love for expository preaching led him to attend another area church.

During this time, they started a Bible study for Japanese War Brides. A number of WW II brides lived in Carbondale, IL (just a few miles distant), and they ‘jumped’ at the chance to have a Bible study with someone who knew their mother tongue and could help them understand the nuances of the language difference. Whether it was for the purpose of learning English better, or to learn about the God of the Bible, my father wasn’t too concerned. He sought to buy up every opportunity to get people thinking about God and the Scriptures.

It was at the conclusion of one of the Monday night studies, that Mary was quietly released from this life to go home to glory. As she and Watson were beginning to prepare for bed, she lay back (seemingly to simply relax for a couple minutes). My father continued his preparation, turned to Mom and discovered that she had quietly slipped away from this life to a far better one.

Following Mary’s death, the Bible study continued…with one change. Whereas the Japanese ladies had been bringing dessert to be eaten after the studies, they now brought dinner, which was eaten prior to the study. They brought enough for Dad to save for several meals later in the week. This provided a unique opportunity for them to enjoy some of the Japanese cooking their American husbands may not have especially cared for.

Chapter 21

Personal Memories and Observations - #1

(The following notes were written from Watson’s residence at:

1008 James St.

Carterville, Illinois 62918

2/4/1983 – Lately I have been visiting a very interesting "Southern Baptist" Church. In just 3 years it has grown from a handful to almost 200 in attendance. They are so Bible oriented that people are coming from all denominations, Pentecostal to Catholic. In fact, they have even asked me to lead a study of " The Person & Work of the Holy Spirit in the Old & New Testaments". We usually spend about 3 hours each Thursday in Study and Prayer, with ministers (6 – 12) from several churches within a radius of 20 miles.

The church services are rather unstructured and informal – at times even loud – but the spirit is delightfully Christ centered.

The thing that intrigued me the first time I went there was to hear the minister say that they needed some church officers, and as he was searching the scriptures he had noticed that " the officers of churches of Christ after Pentecost were called "elders" and not "deacons" as in the Baptist churches". Therefore they have appointed some "elders" who will be recognized publicly this coming Sunday.

3/3/1984 – I do believe we are living in very significant times. We hear of great emotional movements in churches all over the world and it troubles me, because we can go into spiritual ecstasies in church gatherings but most churches do not even have prayer meetings any more.

Someone once said; a) The Sunday morning attendance is a measure of the popularity of the minister; b) The evening service measures the popularity of the church; c) The mid-week prayer hour measures the popularity of Jesus Christ.

Lately, Mary and I are more and more impressed by the fact that there are churches in practically every part of the earth.

Two years ago one of our grandsons with his family were in Indonesia. Right now Ruth and Paul are in Nepal, and two of Charles’ children are in Alaska with their families. They are active in their churches – one of which has just recently been established.

Actually we are all living in a "foreign" land, because our eternal citizenship is in heaven. We are here on earth as Christ’s ambassadors to show others what it is like over there. We have to eat and work and live like other humans, but God wants us to be changed into the image of His Son, so that they want to become Christians, too.

7/8/1985 – There is a great deal of discussion among "Christians" on the pros and cons of tything. To me there is no problem about "tything". If we do not give God 1/10 of our income we are stealing from God – that is, we are really not giving anything to God in the tythe. If we give anything above the tenth, that becomes our free-will offering to God from our hearts.

Of course this is Old Testament doctrine! So, I like to look at the New Testament teaching on giving to bring me up to date – look at 1 Cor. 16: 1 – 4. From verse 2, my father often spoke of "God’s Storehouse" in the homes of the saints.

In 1974 in Japan I had spoken at a Conference along these lines, and at the close a Japanese Christian came to me and said," I know just what you have been talking about. In my business my wife and I decided to give God his tenth of our profits, and He has blessed us so much we do not know what to do. Do you have any suggestion for us."

And I had one from my Greenfield days – I suggested they go into partnership with God, giving themselves an adequate salary, and all other profits go into a fund to be used as God directed. I believe that the founder of Caterpillar Co. of Peoria did something like this and the head of the Mentholatum Co gave all of his profits to the Lord’s work and missions.

8/3/1985 – I have felt led to discontinue ministering to the country church near Vienna, Illinois.

It has been a great joy to see their growth in Grace and in the knowledge of the Word over the past 6 years or so.

However I sensed on the part of many of them a desire for more emphasis on "speaking in tongues", and this I do not feel free to do. So, rather than to cause discord, I felt it better to step aside and trust the Holy Spirit to lead them in his infinite love, patience, and wisdom.

Isn’t it wonderful to believe that the Lord Jesus is in control "of building His Church", (Mat. 16: 18) He is the builder, we are His helpers, by His grace.

11/10/1986 – The Lord continues to let me study the Bible with several groups: -

Monday – 4 PM – Asiatic’s - Japan, China, Malasia – Woman + College students (Genesis)

Wed. – 10 AM – Senior Citizens (the Psalms)

Thur. – 10 AM – Intensive Old Testament Bible Study Group (3 hours)

Fri. – 7 PM – I attend a Bible Study with Chinese in Carbondale

Sunday – 7 PM – Study in Revelation at Methodist Church (small group)

This schedule gives me something to do, and the preparation is giving me new understanding of the Bible. What a Book ! - 1,300 (plus or minus) pages, starting – "In the beginning God", in the ages past – through all the vistas of time – then taking us into the eternity of the future – with God!

3/5/1987 – Something very wonderful has happened here. A 65-year-old Japanese lady, wife of an ex – US Army officer, was very lonesome. One of my Monday evening Bible class Japanese ladies, called on her and brought her to the study.

She happened to be a member of a very strong, militant branch of Buddhism called "Soka Gakkai". However she seemed to be intrigued by my Japanese, which I use once in a while, and came regularly and enjoyed the Bible study, meals together, and companionship.

About the 3rd time she came she asked if it wasn’t about the same to pray to Jesus as to pray to Buddha, but none of us felt led to say anything about it.

4 days later she called up the lady who first called on her and told her – "I have decided that I cannot be a "2-god person!" I must worship either Jesus or Buddha, and I have decided to worship Jesus. So – I have taken my idols (2) of Buddha and have burned them, and now worship Jesus."

Can you imagine the thrill that came over us?

For me, it has been especially nice, because God has said: "even unto old age we will bear fruit"!

2/2/1988 – Yesterday I had a very interesting time. I was wondering where to go to worship when the phone rang and a young man who is a Catholic asked if he could come and visit with me. I said "yes."

He and his wife (4 children) are having serious marital problems, so, we talked at some length.

Then, he asked me to visit his wife and children who had left him that morning.

She was willing for me to come, so I went to call on her. She was much disturbed at first, but as she opened up her heart, I was enabled to point her to the Lord Jesus and the Bible and encouraged her to read some of the Psalms and the Gospel of John.

She said something to me that I have never heard before – "I love him deeply but I don’t like him." - An interesting statement.

To think that the Lord brought these two Catholics to me for help is wonderful. Please pray for me that the Holy Spirit will use me to help them to see the Lord Jesus in all His wonderful salvation for them.

Chapter 22

Personal Memories and Observations

(The following notes were written while Watson resided with his daughter and son-in-law, Elsie and Vince Marquess.)

7/6/1988 – I am gradually getting adjusted to "family living" again. But the Lord renews His blessings from day to day.

For the past couple of weeks I have been fellowshipping with the Lord’s people at the Pekin Bible Church, and it has been refreshing to my soul.

I was wondering why the preacher’s messages have been so satisfying and even challenging, and it came to me that he is not trying to argue nor prove, nor convince or convict anyone. He simply expounds and explains the scriptures, suggests ways of applying God’s truths to our everyday walk with the Lord.

Maybe, I like it because it seems to be a perfect illustration of what took place in Nehemiah 8: 7-8: "(The Levites) ---- read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read."

9/2/1988 – During June and July I visited two rather large churches in Pekin, 8 miles north of us, but just did not feel at home -– "kinda lost in the shuffle". Without Mary, I find it hard to get acquainted. I am coming to realize how much of our ministry can be traced to the gifts that God gave me in Mary.

Well, on the 3^rd of August at 9:00 AM I prayed asking God if there might be a small country church near us, where I might feel more free.

At 11:30 I went to Green Valley Post Office to mail a package. The town does not even have a filling station for gasoline – but I parked across the road from an old dingy store-front, with the title "Valley Chapel" on it, and some children running out from their DV Bible School.

After mailing my package, I stopped in and introduced myself to the young pastor, his wife, and some of the teachers.

They took me right in and I have felt very much at home – almost like Greenfield Bible Church.

(This prayer was answered in 2 ½ hours.)

8/5/1989 – I have just received a letter from a young Japanese attending seminary at Asbury Seminary at Wilmore, Kentucky, who is the grandson of a minister with whom we worked in central Japan in 1932, and again in 1972.

And today I am enjoying fellowship with my son Charles, a minister in Ohio, and his son, a minister in Alaska.

Truly "My cup runneth over". And you dear ones are helping to keep the cup full.

9/5/1989 – …The young pastor (of the Valley Chapel calls on me for fellowship. Recently, they have begun to build a chapel to meet their needs of S S classrooms, etc.

The Lord’s portion of my income is quite taken up each month as I have tried to keep up some of the interests Mary had before the Lord called her "Home" – such as the Christian orphanage at Dohnavur, India.

So – I prayed that the Lord would enable me to share with the Church building fund. Within a week, I received a check for $300.00 from a Christian Japanese living in Kobe, Japan.

I immediately "thought" of giving 1/3 to the church, and that "still, small voice" seemed to answer saying, "Didn’t you pray for something to give? And I have given you $300 in answer to your prayer."

So, I gave it all. No! I passed it along.

Then the wonder of it all hit me!

In 1930 some American Christians sent Mary and me to Japan to give God’s message of Salvation and rebirth.

The seed was sown, and now, after almost 60 years, the Lord has reversed the situation and a Japanese Christian has sent $300 to help a body of American Christians build a building to meet their needs.

And to think that God would let an 86 yr. old preacher share in the miracle.

3/5/1990 - --- In 1919 I came home from Japan to attend Blackburn College – but Greenfield was home to me – including the Presbyterian Church. No matter where I have gone, I have always felt that my roots were in Greenfield. And, even now, my name has already been inscribed on the gravestone in the cemetery north of town.

10/2/1990 – I have a lot of time to spend in reading the Bible, and I am realizing more and more that the Bible means just what it says.

The least we can do is to walk in the light as it is revealed to us individually by the Holy Spirit through the Word. And I have come to believe that He does not always lead all of us by the same WAY, because of the differences of our background and training.

But the goal is the same –"To be like Jesus".

And the guidebook is the same – "The Bible".

7/1/1991 – One time a gentleman who had supported Mary and me in our first ministry in Japan, after about 10 years, asked me how many people we had led to the Lord in our 7 years in Japan and then 6 or 7 in the Missouri Ozark Hills.

I had to answer him that I did not know that I could claim even one. I found that those who responded to my ministry had almost without exception been exposed to the Gospel as presented by someone else, and I was just reaping the result of another person’s effort.

2/5/1985 – Let me tell you of my recent "dreams". They have taken me back to about 1919. I dreamed of the tent my father used to pitch in different cities around Kobe, Japan – north and south – till a typhoon came and tore it up and blew it away.

But he was not yet old, and God gave him a "vision" of all the small towns and villages back in the mountains of Japan near Kobe without any life-giving witness to the Gospel.

So, Dad bought a Japanese two-wheeled cart and with 3 - 4 Japanese helpers, they started walking over the mountains and through the valleys, preaching on the roadsides in the towns and villages.

Then they settled in a city halfway across the main island, and had a Bible School at a city of 5000 people, Kaibara. – So the "vision grew".

Later on, 1933-35, Mary and I were led of the Lord to go to Kaibara and help a little in carrying out the "vision" in the nearby towns and cities of Saji, Nishiwaki, Narimatsu, and Kuroi, - the main church being in Kaibara, all through the years. So the years went by.

Then (after my 16 years in Greenfield, Ill.) We went to Japan in 1970 - 1975 – in "a DREAM". Now there were 4 strong churches with yearly conferences + Bible camps. From the Bible School God had raised up more than 10 or 12 outstanding Bible Teachers and Church leaders all over Japan, and some have gone to other parts of the World with God’s wonderful message.

Snippets

10/24/1994 –Since Dad’s home-going the house seems strangely quiet. I still have the sense when I’m out that I need to hurry home to see about him. But how his longing heart has been satisfied now that he is in the presence of the Lord he loved and served.

The years he spent with us were learning and growing years. I was always amazed at his continual studying and rethinking the scripture and single mindedness in following the Saviour.

He truly was a faithful servant. - Elsie

CHAPTER 23

"As a man thinketh…"

Throughout his life my father maintained an inquisitive mind – always wanting to learn, ever wanting to improve, willing to do something a different (if it were a better) way.

Before the REA (Rural Electric Association) introduced electricity to the rural areas of Crawford County, Missouri, we had a Delco electric generator at Tadmor.

Snippets

This generator was housed in a small building (approximately 4’ X 6’ in size) to protect it from the elements. That building served many purposes, during its life:

1^st – to house the Delco

2^nd – as a playhouse for my sisters

3^rd – as a bedroom for cousin Ralph Page Klages, during his summer stay with us (he could close the windows while still lying in his bed which consumed the majority of the floor space)

4^th – We hauled it to Roach, MO when we moved to Faith Bible Academy. There it remained when we left.

Dad brought the first rubber-tired tractor (made by Case Company), despite the laughter of farmers around who declared that only tractors with steel lugs on steel wheels could get adequate traction to pull heavy loads. (They were proven wrong.)

I recall when he brought a Hay Loader to the farm. Previous to this time, hay was loaded by hand – pitching it up onto the wagon with pitchforks. When he cautioned the farm hands that they should be alert to the new method of loading, they laughed. From their previous experience, they were always able to keep up with the amount of hay coming onto the wagon. As I watched them work, I laughed (even though it is extremely impolite for 9 year-old boys to laugh at their elders), because the hay loader kept piling hay up to them, and they were unable to spread it around the wagon bed fast enough. Dad then showed them how to work ‘with’ the loader rather than try to ‘fight’ it. Sometimes I was allowed to drive the team as we loaded the hay.

During the Wesco years, he experimented with putting sawdust around tomato plants to conserve moisture and hold down the growth of weeds. He learned that the acid in fresh sawdust worked against the health of the plants. He next tried another experiment. Sam, my brother, reminded me of the times he and John (our youngest brother), with me driving the old Nash car, would go out along the roads, fill gunny sacks with old dead leaves from the ditches along the County roads for the same purpose. Back home we went to spread leaves among and between the rows of tomatoes, potatoes, corn, beans, and a few other things planted there. It worked!

Later, when He and Mom visited Janice (Friend Wife) and me during Seminary days, he made "inside storm windows" for our apartment, using plastic sheeting because it was inexpensive. These were designed to fit inside the window openings to prevent frost from forming on the inside, melting and running down our walls.

Even after becoming very restricted in his ability to get out, due to deteriorating health, his mind was active. On one occasion of visiting him at the home of my sister Elsie and her husband Vince, he was excited to show me what he had done. On a map of the United States, he had superimposed an outline of the size of the Holy City that the Apostle John described in the Book of the Revelation. He then proceeded to describe how far into the Mediterranean Sea that same sized (1500 miles square) city would extend.

Again, he traced on a map of Japan the four missionary travels his father (J.B.Thornton) had made with his students at the Japan Self-Help Bible School. These journeys were made with two objectives in mind: 1) to take the blessed message of salvation in to the interior of Japan, and 2) to give his students actual "hands-on" (or On Job Training) experience in reaching out with the Gospel. When Dad showed me the map, he referred to the fact that my Grandfather had done somewhat as the Apostle Paul had done on his missionary journeys – preached the Gospel, while training workers for Christ.

Snippets

"One of Dad's signatures in life was his ability to solve problems with a creative and practical approach. In planning the move to Japan he was faced with the need for shipping crate(s). Using quality plywood and proper framing he designed a crate that he could reassemble, upon arriving, in the shape of a desk, storage cabinet, or some such useable item. Of course, when the time came to return to America, it could then be used again as a crate. When the crates were properly packed we loaded them onto a pickup and trucked them off to the Great Lakes shipping dock in Chicago. This was done in adequate time to arrive at the destination prior to their arrival." - Sam

ACT VII

"Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans every thing."

* * * * *

"The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree,

He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Planted in the house of the LORD,

they will flourish in the courts of our God.

They will still yield fruit in old age…"

(Psalm 92:12-14)

CHAPTER 24

When Evening Stars Appear

"I am now ready to be offered,

Following the death of Mary in June of 1986, Watson continued to live in Carterville for about 2½ years. He then accepted the long-standing invitation of Vince Marquess (Elsie’s husband) to join them in their home, which now (late 1988) was a rural home that overlooked the Mackinaw River at Green Valley, IL, near Peoria. After settling in Dad made the comment that now he had come full circle – having been born in Havana, just 25 miles distant.

It was while living there that Watson met Pastor John Keossler and began yet another meaningful acquaintance. This was to help make the latter days of my father’s life more meaningful. In the next chapter, we will allow Pastor Koessler to speak.

I penned the following words on the occasion of my father’s 85^th birthday. It seemed an altogether appropriate thought, since my own faith has been so greatly influenced by observing his faith in every-day action:

• Charles Thornton (10-6-88)

At a later time Vince, Elsie and Watson moved to Raymond, Illinois. It was from that home that Samuel Watson Thornton was finally released from "this mortal coil" to his heavenly home.

Snippets

An apt picture of this time in Watson’s life comes to us from nature. When two trees grow together for years, they become so entwined that they literally become one. If one should die, the result will often be seen in that, while the other tree remains, there will be seen huge gaps in its bark and trunk, where its partner for many years had been conjoined. Even so, to those who were close to my father, there was now a huge empty place in his life, left by the loss of my mother from his side.

CHAPTER 25

Let Others Speak Well of Thee

Yielding fruit in old age…"(Psalm 92:12-15)

John Koessler, who was Dad’s pastor during the final days of his earthly sojourn, wrote the following about him:

CHAPTER 26

Awaiting the Call

"Man goeth to his long home" – (Eccles 12:5)

(Eccles. 12:3-5 – NASB)

Of all the seven stages of life envisioned by Friend Jacques, this last one might appear the least applicable to Watson. Still, the Preacher, speaking of the days of old age (Eccles. 12:10 – above), described some of the ravages of time and age.

One visual reminder of that truth is a picture we, Janice and I, have of Dad, our son, Daniel, and me. In it the man who once stood, not "head and shoulders above", but 6’ 3" tall, was now shorter than both Daniel (6’ 1") and myself (6’ 2"). (Now why should that surprise me, who has already ‘shrunk’ to just over 6’ at this time of writing?)

"If any would not work, neither should he eat" (2 Thess. 3:10). Watson took this verse at its face value…even in the ‘waning’ days of his life. Although he was limited in his ability to get around, due the onset of time, he still felt that unless he was doing something he shouldn’t eat.

Someone has well said that there is ‘no discharge’ in spiritual war. He not only had a deep prayer concern for missionaries and mission work around the world. His commitment to support missionaries was highlighted even more, when he made a choice that some would have found quite difficult.

Watson’s knees had bothered him for a number of years. Some time after returning from Japan in 1975, he was invited to go back again. His ministry of encouragement meant a great deal to the Japanese brethren, and they desired for more teaching from him. My father was keenly aware of the implications of returning. One point of concern was the fact that, in most of the Japanese homes that he would visit, chairs were not common, so the people sat on the floor. Dad’s knee condition made it very difficult for him to get down on the floor as well as to arise again. The burden of their providing a chair for him (or his taking one with him wherever he went) was more than he wished to place on his Japanese friends. He desired no special treatment.

Someone suggested that he have knee replacement surgery. To that he replied that he would be getting "not only new knees, soon, but an entirely new body (when Christ called him home). And besides, just think how the money spent for surgery could be used to further the cause of the Gospel." No surgery. No return to Japan.

All too often we look at the actions of one another and make judgments about them. And, all too often, we make poor evaluations, due to our inability or unwillingness to understand their motives. Watson (in the mind of this author) had such a deep passion to glorify God by preaching the gospel that he considered no sacrifice too great to see that accomplished.

At this time Watson asked Elsie, with whom he was living, to assist him in making certain his missions support commitments were faithfully met each month. This he did, in light of increasing difficulty in writing.

Chapter 27

Lessons from Dad

"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. (Proverbs 1:8-9)

Ruth:

Dad taught us the wonders of God’s creation. Once, at the Big House, I remember that it was hailing profusely. He took us to the front porch and he explained the scientific phenomenon, then watched as we ran outside in it. Fun!

Another occasion of remembrance was at the farmhouse: He brought us girls together at our upstairs (girls’ room) window. We watched howling tornadic winds bending trees and throwing trash around. We showed no fear, and to this day I love being in a healthy, rainy, wind experience. "Fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy winds fulfilling His word." (Ps 148:8), and this: "The God of glory thundereth" (Psalm 29:3), reflects God’s greatness.

- - - - -

Alice:

- - - - -

Charles:

How has my father influenced me? "Let me count the ways" (my apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning). But I have been asked for the Reader’s Digest version, so…here goes:

My father influenced me greatly by his attitude toward the place, people and means of ministry that God assigned to him.

"Where" was irrelevant. Why would a man choose the Missouri Ozarks (a "no-place", in some peoples’ opinion) as the place to serve God? Why would a preacher be content to serve a small-town church (Greenfield, IL) for 16+ years, when he would never be recognized as more than a ‘supply pastor’, due to the denominational guidelines? The Scripture: "At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar" (1 Chron. 26:18) seems, at first sight, to be irrelevant. However, on closer examination (verse 12), one discovers that this merely identifies the location of service, not the significance of that service. Dad viewed the place of God’s appointment as the opportunity for service – service that had as its only objective – to please the Master.

"To whom" was not the issue. Since Jesus’ objective in life was to "…preach the gospel to the poor; …to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19), Dad saw that as his commission also. Whether in Japan, the Ozarks or Illinois, the brokenhearted, captives, blind and bruised were there to be told of God’s love and grace.

"How? It was to be determined by the need God placed before him and by the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

I came to desire to follow and serve God with the passion and devotion I saw in my father. "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1).

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Elsie:

When I think of Dad’s legacy, I can’t help but think of the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes (from the Amplified Version). Dad did remember His creator in his youth and now that the:

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Martha:

"I remember, early every morning, seeing Dad on his knees in the living room at Tadmor in prayer. That is the lasting impression I have of His commitment to a personal relationship with God. The overflow of course was the ministry through preaching and sharing his life with others. His desire was to know the Lord through the knowledge of His Word. He placed a great importance on reading and study of the Word. I am afraid that I often did some measure of Bible reading as a perfunctory obligation. It should be done, it was required, and one wasn't really a very committed Christian if he didn't read at least a chapter a day, even if it was Psalm 117. Just how LEGAL can one get in his thinking? Thankfully it is the Lord Himself Who puts the desire in the heart to really know Him and to discover that knowledge through the reading and study of His word. It is wonderful that He used our parents to begin this search."

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Sam:

"I cannot do justice in honoring this man, my father! He had such a broad understanding of God's purpose for our lives. His thought and action were the result of this knowledge. The Third chapter of Proverbs may well reflect the guidance of his life. Verse six seems to define his life.  

Some thoughts about…

CHORES- I might be 5 or 6 years of age. Dad sends us to the truck garden to pick green beans. (The truck garden was a piece north of the road to Benton creek crossing) We were armed with pails and a washtub. That tub was mighty big and would require an awful lot of green beans to fill. So someone came up with the idea that a couple small melons would fill the cavern more quickly. By and by the task was terminated and the tub had to be carried back home. Whether we were disciplined individually is not in my recollection, but I am certain that carrying the added weight and the fact that eventually all the beans would be picked were lessons well learned. Some years later I came to appreciate how much effort was required on Dad's part to maintain such a garden. (The bottom was cursed with "Johnson grass" which spread by tubular root extensions and choked all other vegetation.)       

Lesson: At this age doing this chore is a matter of obedience, not an issue of (child) labor, but the value and purpose of working began in my life at this level. It seemed at the time that I (we) should be "thanked" for providing this dish of beans, flavored with pork and onion, but Dad acknowledged (1) God as the sole provider, pointing out (2) that our obedience to parents was pleasing to God - Col. 3: 20, (3) the fruits of our effort (labor) is actually God's gift to us! Eccl. 2:24-26a. (4) Eccl. 5: 20 gives perhaps the greatest personal blessing for those who labor in the manner prescribed by God. ("He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart." - NIV). (5) Dad also knew God's promise of "sweet sleep" to the laborer as shown in Pro. 3: 24 & Eccl. 5: 12.

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Marcia (John’s widow):

"Yes it's true. Samuel Watson Thornton was my father-in-law. I guess my early memories of time in Mary and Watson's home were centered on Dad Thornton's gracious testimony of the living Jesus Christ in his life. I remember one evening, a man and woman stopped by the house with three young children. They were hungry and not very clean. We sat at the dining room table and, along with Mary's wonderful ability to extend a chicken to feed a multitude, we shared a meal with that family. They didn't know much about table manners, but they did know they were accepted JUST AS they were, and given what they needed--a warm meal for their tummies. Later. Dad went uptown with the man and filled his car with gas. You know, all the rest of you saw your father as a leader, a teacher, a task master if you will --when it came to duties and responsibilities in the home, and in the community. You had the history of growing up in his home. I didn't have that. But what I did feel from your Dad was 'acceptance' and love. He accepted me right where I was –as John's wife, his daughter-in-law and the mother of his grandsons. He was always an encourager of my faith, and I have been blessed a thousand times over for having him in my life."

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Cathy:

"He demonstrated a calm faith that God would take care of everything while also demonstrating that he needed to work hard to hold up his end of the deal. Though God doesn't make deals, I believe that each of us has a responsibility in the life he has to offer - we don't "earn" what we get, but we can and should reflect God's goodness in our work habits and ethic. While prayer for things and events was a routine in our home, Dad also worked hard as part of his ministry here on earth. Dad was involved in many activities, more than most husbands/fathers of that day. I'm sure that my confidence that God will provide (and provide more than sufficiently!) comes from Dad (and Mom) and that my desire to do the best job I can also comes from their example."

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Nancy:

"Throughout the years, whether living at home or visiting. I was impressed with the love Dad had for his children and his wife.

Although he was severe at times in his punishment and held high expectations for his offspring, I saw and experienced deep love for us all— especially in the later years.

My experience was that no matter how much I challenged him (and I did), he loved. He was forgiving. Kind. Once I revealed to him a secret of mine, one I knew he would totally disagree with. Rather than harsh reprimands or condemnation, he wept and encouraged me. He revealed a very personal thing about himself. He accepted me and showed great love…great concern that I would be hurt. I think at this moment I realized how much Dad did love me.

In this instance, as in many others having to do with the lives of my siblings, I observed and experienced a deep, deep love for his children. One that went beyond words he preached.

He talked to me (at least on one or two occasions) about the importance of family in Eastern traditions. He respected that loyalty to family and priority on each member. (I am a bit vague on the specifics, but I think he was just trying to tell me that he wouldn’t disown me, even at my worst!)

When push came to shove, Watson Thornton was on the side of his children. Never would he forsake his beliefs or his principles, but he demonstrated grace in situations that I never expected.

In my personal experience, he spoke law but lived grace with his children in times of crisis. His actions revealed more about his love than his words could.

Dad contributed a tremendous amount of positive things to my life…but I believe his example of love, support, encouragement and standing by his children has personally meant the most to me."

Endnotes