This past Sunday morning as I was looking out into the congregation at Hartselle First United Methodist Church, there was an empty spot that would no longer be filled by someone.

The person that filled that spot had been promoted. He was now worshipping around the throne of grace. He joined the great cloud of witnesses that are waiting for the rest of us to join him and others that have gone on before.

There are very few Sunday mornings as I sit in the chancel area that I do not look out and remember those who have also received their eternal promotions. I remember the pews where Lynn’s grandmother and her friends used to fill each Sunday. They sat on the right section of the sanctuary a few rows from the front of the church.

I remember others who filled the pews in other areas of the sanctuary with fond memories as well.

I remember the gentlemen who greeted everyone with a smile as they came in each Sunday. He was AS welcoming as the welcome center, which now bears his name.

But this past Sunday, I remembered a man who I had the pleasure of knowing for the years I have been a member of FUMC.

When I looked back to the spot where he and Mary Nell sat each week I had fond memories and felt blessed that I had been given the opportunity to not only know Charles, but also to work with him in different areas and projects at First Methodist over the years.

Charles was a pillar of the church. There was never a doubt in my mind how much he loved the church and the members who made up this part of the body of Christ.

The book of James talks about your works and how they are an example of your faith: “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead James 2:17 (NIV)

Charles Smith’s faith was very much alive and increasing, so evident by his actions in the time he gave and the works he performed.

However, he was serving or giving of his time, from leading a committee, delivering apple pies to visitors, working on a Habitat House or welcoming folks on Sunday morning or any other of the many other tasks he carried out over the years, his faith and love for God and his neighbors was always easy to recognize.

We will miss you my friend, you were a blessing to so many. Thank you for showing us how to put our faith into action.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.