ALBERT L. BELL lived most of his working life in Alachua County, Florida, where he worked for 30 years with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at th University of Florida in Gainesville. He returned with Bessie to their home in Dixie County in 1979.
Albert was a Master Craftsman. His children and grandchildren tell of the many interesting things he would make. He made the guitar that his grandson Mike learned to play; and he taught him to play it. It was Albert who made the Pulpit in McCall's Chapel, as well as the Alter Rails that enclose the Chancel area. His skills he willfully employed in keeping the church buildings in good shape. He was there to help a friend when needed. His life exemplified that of a "good neighbor."
In 1945 he became a member of the Joppa Masonic Lodge number 4, located in Fletcher, Florida. He was also a member of the Eastern Star Chapter 112, Branford. He was past Master as well as having served all of the stations in his lodge. He was raised to Sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 4, 1947.
Albert used his crafting skills in many ways. Mike, his grandson, tells of the time when he made a silhouette of a deer from wood, using reflectors for the eyes, and placed it alongside the road some 500 yards from the deer camp. People approaching the camp would see the reflection of the eyes and stop their vehicle, get out and shoot at it; then proceed to see what they had killed. Albert took great delight in playing pranks like this on people, and his ability to come up with new ways to surprise people.
A man's character is revealed in many ways; but possibly the most valuable heritage a man could leave with anyone, is the one Albert left his children and grandchildren. One grandchild said "He was the most outstanding man I've ever known." He also said: "He cared," and "He gave." His daughter stated: "He loved the church, and he was faithful to the Lord and was always there along with Mom to advise, guide, and help me in any way possible. Thank you Daddy and Mama for your constant faith and abiding love, and for the Christian home you provided for me and my brother." That could be attested to by the many in the Church who knew him.
One of the fascinating stories he would tell would be about the many exploits he shared with his dog "Old Bea." He wrote a poem about Old Bea, and it is inserted here for your pleasure.
===================================
Written in 1992
ONE OF MAN'S BEST FRIENDS - OLD BEA AND ME
I have been thinking for quite some time
About writing something about this hound of mine.
I have had her since she was a pup,
And I have seen her as she grew up.
Her color is white, with lemon spots,
And she has earned the respect of the hunters a whole lot.
She will hunt from early morning to late night
And when the day is finished you know
She has done the job just right.
Now Bea has learned through all her babbling
That we don't hunt on the Holy Sabbath.
We're supposed to go to church
And try to live our very best,
For some day we will be put to the test.
The hair in Bea's face is all turning gray
And I could lose her most any day.
I hate to think about it
For it almost gives me the jitters,
Because she's the last of a ten pup litter.
I never had to punish her but a time or two
Because she seemed to do what I wanted her to do.
When she is gone she leaves me no regret
For she knows she has done her very best.
A.L. Bell
===================================
As Albert Bell's pastor, I believe I can share some things about him that some of you did not know. First of all, Albert was a man of great faith in God. Perhaps that is all that needs to be said about him. But, how do you measure the faith of a disciple of Jesus Christ? It seems to me that it is best measured by the disciple's faithfulness. If this is true, I can tell you that there is no man in McCall's Chapel, based on my observation, that has been more faithful than Albert Bell. There are countless times when he would be in Church for worship, Bible Study, Prayer, or wherever God's people gathered, when he really didn't feel physically able. He shared with me many times that though he did not feel like it, he always began to feel better when he would come. Not only that, but there were times when in the evening service there would be no one here but He, Bessie, and me. In fact, it was just two weeks ago that there were only four of us here.
Not only was he faithful in attendance in regular services, but he was consistently concerned about the maintenance of the church property. He was always doing something around the property to improve it, or maintain it. That kind of devotion comes only from those genuinely concerned. As Mike, his grandson said, "He cares!" That says it best.
Albert will be missed by his family. But he will be missed by McCall's Chapel far more than most of us expect. Perhaps a very fitting epitaph would be "He loved working in God's field."
Albert, we are going to miss you brother, but we take comfort in the fact that you are with Jesus, even now.
Albert was a Master Craftsman. His children and grandchildren tell of the many interesting things he would make. He made the guitar that his grandson Mike learned to play; and he taught him to play it. It was Albert who made the Pulpit in McCall's Chapel, as well as the Alter Rails that enclose the Chancel area. His skills he willfully employed in keeping the church buildings in good shape. He was there to help a friend when needed. His life exemplified that of a "good neighbor."
In 1945 he became a member of the Joppa Masonic Lodge number 4, located in Fletcher, Florida. He was also a member of the Eastern Star Chapter 112, Branford. He was past Master as well as having served all of the stations in his lodge. He was raised to Sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 4, 1947.
Albert used his crafting skills in many ways. Mike, his grandson, tells of the time when he made a silhouette of a deer from wood, using reflectors for the eyes, and placed it alongside the road some 500 yards from the deer camp. People approaching the camp would see the reflection of the eyes and stop their vehicle, get out and shoot at it; then proceed to see what they had killed. Albert took great delight in playing pranks like this on people, and his ability to come up with new ways to surprise people.
A man's character is revealed in many ways; but possibly the most valuable heritage a man could leave with anyone, is the one Albert left his children and grandchildren. One grandchild said "He was the most outstanding man I've ever known." He also said: "He cared," and "He gave." His daughter stated: "He loved the church, and he was faithful to the Lord and was always there along with Mom to advise, guide, and help me in any way possible. Thank you Daddy and Mama for your constant faith and abiding love, and for the Christian home you provided for me and my brother." That could be attested to by the many in the Church who knew him.
One of the fascinating stories he would tell would be about the many exploits he shared with his dog "Old Bea." He wrote a poem about Old Bea, and it is inserted here for your pleasure.
===================================
Written in 1992
ONE OF MAN'S BEST FRIENDS - OLD BEA AND ME
I have been thinking for quite some time
About writing something about this hound of mine.
I have had her since she was a pup,
And I have seen her as she grew up.
Her color is white, with lemon spots,
And she has earned the respect of the hunters a whole lot.
She will hunt from early morning to late night
And when the day is finished you know
She has done the job just right.
Now Bea has learned through all her babbling
That we don't hunt on the Holy Sabbath.
We're supposed to go to church
And try to live our very best,
For some day we will be put to the test.
The hair in Bea's face is all turning gray
And I could lose her most any day.
I hate to think about it
For it almost gives me the jitters,
Because she's the last of a ten pup litter.
I never had to punish her but a time or two
Because she seemed to do what I wanted her to do.
When she is gone she leaves me no regret
For she knows she has done her very best.
A.L. Bell
===================================
As Albert Bell's pastor, I believe I can share some things about him that some of you did not know. First of all, Albert was a man of great faith in God. Perhaps that is all that needs to be said about him. But, how do you measure the faith of a disciple of Jesus Christ? It seems to me that it is best measured by the disciple's faithfulness. If this is true, I can tell you that there is no man in McCall's Chapel, based on my observation, that has been more faithful than Albert Bell. There are countless times when he would be in Church for worship, Bible Study, Prayer, or wherever God's people gathered, when he really didn't feel physically able. He shared with me many times that though he did not feel like it, he always began to feel better when he would come. Not only that, but there were times when in the evening service there would be no one here but He, Bessie, and me. In fact, it was just two weeks ago that there were only four of us here.
Not only was he faithful in attendance in regular services, but he was consistently concerned about the maintenance of the church property. He was always doing something around the property to improve it, or maintain it. That kind of devotion comes only from those genuinely concerned. As Mike, his grandson said, "He cares!" That says it best.
Albert will be missed by his family. But he will be missed by McCall's Chapel far more than most of us expect. Perhaps a very fitting epitaph would be "He loved working in God's field."
Albert, we are going to miss you brother, but we take comfort in the fact that you are with Jesus, even now.
ALBERT L. BELL lived most of his working life in Alachua County, Florida, where he worked for 30 years with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at th University of Florida in Gainesville. He returned with Bessie to their home in Dixie County in 1979.
Albert was a Master Craftsman. His children and grandchildren tell of the many interesting things he would make. He made the guitar that his grandson Mike learned to play; and he taught him to play it. It was Albert who made the Pulpit in McCall's Chapel, as well as the Alter Rails that enclose the Chancel area. His skills he willfully employed in keeping the church buildings in good shape. He was there to help a friend when needed. His life exemplified that of a "good neighbor."
In 1945 he became a member of the Joppa Masonic Lodge number 4, located in Fletcher, Florida. He was also a member of the Eastern Star Chapter 112, Branford. He was past Master as well as having served all of the stations in his lodge. He was raised to Sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 4, 1947.
Albert used his crafting skills in many ways. Mike, his grandson, tells of the time when he made a silhouette of a deer from wood, using reflectors for the eyes, and placed it alongside the road some 500 yards from the deer camp. People approaching the camp would see the reflection of the eyes and stop their vehicle, get out and shoot at it; then proceed to see what they had killed. Albert took great delight in playing pranks like this on people, and his ability to come up with new ways to surprise people.
A man's character is revealed in many ways; but possibly the most valuable heritage a man could leave with anyone, is the one Albert left his children and grandchildren. One grandchild said "He was the most outstanding man I've ever known." He also said: "He cared," and "He gave." His daughter stated: "He loved the church, and he was faithful to the Lord and was always there along with Mom to advise, guide, and help me in any way possible. Thank you Daddy and Mama for your constant faith and abiding love, and for the Christian home you provided for me and my brother." That could be attested to by the many in the Church who knew him.
One of the fascinating stories he would tell would be about the many exploits he shared with his dog "Old Bea." He wrote a poem about Old Bea, and it is inserted here for your pleasure.
===================================
Written in 1992
ONE OF MAN'S BEST FRIENDS - OLD BEA AND ME
I have been thinking for quite some time
About writing something about this hound of mine.
I have had her since she was a pup,
And I have seen her as she grew up.
Her color is white, with lemon spots,
And she has earned the respect of the hunters a whole lot.
She will hunt from early morning to late night
And when the day is finished you know
She has done the job just right.
Now Bea has learned through all her babbling
That we don't hunt on the Holy Sabbath.
We're supposed to go to church
And try to live our very best,
For some day we will be put to the test.
The hair in Bea's face is all turning gray
And I could lose her most any day.
I hate to think about it
For it almost gives me the jitters,
Because she's the last of a ten pup litter.
I never had to punish her but a time or two
Because she seemed to do what I wanted her to do.
When she is gone she leaves me no regret
For she knows she has done her very best.
A.L. Bell
===================================
As Albert Bell's pastor, I believe I can share some things about him that some of you did not know. First of all, Albert was a man of great faith in God. Perhaps that is all that needs to be said about him. But, how do you measure the faith of a disciple of Jesus Christ? It seems to me that it is best measured by the disciple's faithfulness. If this is true, I can tell you that there is no man in McCall's Chapel, based on my observation, that has been more faithful than Albert Bell. There are countless times when he would be in Church for worship, Bible Study, Prayer, or wherever God's people gathered, when he really didn't feel physically able. He shared with me many times that though he did not feel like it, he always began to feel better when he would come. Not only that, but there were times when in the evening service there would be no one here but He, Bessie, and me. In fact, it was just two weeks ago that there were only four of us here.
Not only was he faithful in attendance in regular services, but he was consistently concerned about the maintenance of the church property. He was always doing something around the property to improve it, or maintain it. That kind of devotion comes only from those genuinely concerned. As Mike, his grandson said, "He cares!" That says it best.
Albert will be missed by his family. But he will be missed by McCall's Chapel far more than most of us expect. Perhaps a very fitting epitaph would be "He loved working in God's field."
Albert, we are going to miss you brother, but we take comfort in the fact that you are with Jesus, even now.
Albert was a Master Craftsman. His children and grandchildren tell of the many interesting things he would make. He made the guitar that his grandson Mike learned to play; and he taught him to play it. It was Albert who made the Pulpit in McCall's Chapel, as well as the Alter Rails that enclose the Chancel area. His skills he willfully employed in keeping the church buildings in good shape. He was there to help a friend when needed. His life exemplified that of a "good neighbor."
In 1945 he became a member of the Joppa Masonic Lodge number 4, located in Fletcher, Florida. He was also a member of the Eastern Star Chapter 112, Branford. He was past Master as well as having served all of the stations in his lodge. He was raised to Sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 4, 1947.
Albert used his crafting skills in many ways. Mike, his grandson, tells of the time when he made a silhouette of a deer from wood, using reflectors for the eyes, and placed it alongside the road some 500 yards from the deer camp. People approaching the camp would see the reflection of the eyes and stop their vehicle, get out and shoot at it; then proceed to see what they had killed. Albert took great delight in playing pranks like this on people, and his ability to come up with new ways to surprise people.
A man's character is revealed in many ways; but possibly the most valuable heritage a man could leave with anyone, is the one Albert left his children and grandchildren. One grandchild said "He was the most outstanding man I've ever known." He also said: "He cared," and "He gave." His daughter stated: "He loved the church, and he was faithful to the Lord and was always there along with Mom to advise, guide, and help me in any way possible. Thank you Daddy and Mama for your constant faith and abiding love, and for the Christian home you provided for me and my brother." That could be attested to by the many in the Church who knew him.
One of the fascinating stories he would tell would be about the many exploits he shared with his dog "Old Bea." He wrote a poem about Old Bea, and it is inserted here for your pleasure.
===================================
Written in 1992
ONE OF MAN'S BEST FRIENDS - OLD BEA AND ME
I have been thinking for quite some time
About writing something about this hound of mine.
I have had her since she was a pup,
And I have seen her as she grew up.
Her color is white, with lemon spots,
And she has earned the respect of the hunters a whole lot.
She will hunt from early morning to late night
And when the day is finished you know
She has done the job just right.
Now Bea has learned through all her babbling
That we don't hunt on the Holy Sabbath.
We're supposed to go to church
And try to live our very best,
For some day we will be put to the test.
The hair in Bea's face is all turning gray
And I could lose her most any day.
I hate to think about it
For it almost gives me the jitters,
Because she's the last of a ten pup litter.
I never had to punish her but a time or two
Because she seemed to do what I wanted her to do.
When she is gone she leaves me no regret
For she knows she has done her very best.
A.L. Bell
===================================
As Albert Bell's pastor, I believe I can share some things about him that some of you did not know. First of all, Albert was a man of great faith in God. Perhaps that is all that needs to be said about him. But, how do you measure the faith of a disciple of Jesus Christ? It seems to me that it is best measured by the disciple's faithfulness. If this is true, I can tell you that there is no man in McCall's Chapel, based on my observation, that has been more faithful than Albert Bell. There are countless times when he would be in Church for worship, Bible Study, Prayer, or wherever God's people gathered, when he really didn't feel physically able. He shared with me many times that though he did not feel like it, he always began to feel better when he would come. Not only that, but there were times when in the evening service there would be no one here but He, Bessie, and me. In fact, it was just two weeks ago that there were only four of us here.
Not only was he faithful in attendance in regular services, but he was consistently concerned about the maintenance of the church property. He was always doing something around the property to improve it, or maintain it. That kind of devotion comes only from those genuinely concerned. As Mike, his grandson said, "He cares!" That says it best.
Albert will be missed by his family. But he will be missed by McCall's Chapel far more than most of us expect. Perhaps a very fitting epitaph would be "He loved working in God's field."
Albert, we are going to miss you brother, but we take comfort in the fact that you are with Jesus, even now.
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