Back To The Old Paths

On Thursday morning, August 17, 2023, “Preacher Bob” McCurry finally beheld what he had spent over fifty years preaching about. When I received the news that he had passed, my heart was broken, but I rejoiced for my friend as I began to realize that he had finally made it home.
I told someone that day that I felt sure Bob was finally at the intersection of Hallelujah Avenue and Glory Boulevard just as we’d heard him say so many times. Robert L. McCurry was born on January 3, 1943, in Erwin TN to Hanford and Bonnie McCurry. As a young man, he met the love of his life, Carolyn, through a relative and they were later married on July 8, 1967. After five or six years of marriage, Bob and Carolyn were attending Unicoi Baptist Church where Bob served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher and eventually announced his calling into the Gospel ministry. His son Bryan was five, and daughter Beth was two, when the Lord opened the door for Bob and Carolyn to be called to Spring Creek Baptist Church in Buladean where they would faithfully serve as Pastor and wife, for almost 50 years. Bob was working at Magnavox at the time, and he continued there until July of 1975 when they stepped out on faith and entered full-time ministry. Their younger son Israel came along later in 1983. Together they built a life and ministry, along with their three children Bryan, Beth, and Israel and later became “Pappy & Mimmie” to their six grandchildren: Peyton, Gabriel, Jackson, Deegan, Zoey, and Judson. Bob liked to say that your family was the only thing that you could take with you to Heaven, and he was able to lead all nine of his children and grandchildren to the Lord and baptize them.
Bob and his family faithfully made the commute across the mountain to Buladean until June of 1976, when they moved into their home just below the church which had been started earlier in the Spring of that year. Over the next several decades, Bro. Bob faithfully preached the Word of God as he continued to Pastor Spring Creek, and preach revivals that called him to Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, and all over both Carolinas. Bob also had a burden for the people of Jamacia and made at least twenty-six trips there over his ministry, faithfully preaching the Gospel.
Bob was a friend to everyone, and especially to other men of God and preachers that he encountered. Most preachers and members alike were amazed at Bob’s ability to memorize Scripture and quote several passages without opening his Bible. Bro Bob was able to “read it off the walls of his mind” and his sermon titles were always unique and memorable. One of his favorite phrases was “He owns the cattle on a thousand hills” and “Your problem is never too big for God.” Bro Bob had a gift for keeping the message simple and focused on Jesus. His wife, Carolyn, told me recently “We are just simple people, and I am amazed with all that the Lord could do with just simple people. I just want to brag on the Lord and how he used him.” 
When asked if Bob had a favorite Scripture, Carolyn said that it would be hard to choose because he had so many favorites, but she always remembered that Bob would use John 14:6 when he was talking to people about salvation and letting them know that “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” If that was Bob’s favorite Scripture would be hard to say, but “Lamb” was Bob’s favorite name for Jesus, and that certainly was his message… that Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the only way.
As we celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month, I am so thankful for the time that I knew Bob McCurry. My first memories of hearing him preach were on a borrowed cassette tape of the message “Eagle Christians” when I was a teenager. Later, he and I formed a friendship as he did with many other Pastors in this area, and that friendship was a great blessing in my life. Bro. Bob was a very special servant of God and will long be remembered in this area and Association as Pastor, Friend, Mentor, and Man of God.  It was always a blessing to hear him close a service by thanking God for what he was “doing for my friends around this altar.”
Preacher Bob made a big impact on this area, and on the many lives that he touched. May we follow his example in our ministry, and never lose sight of the simple truth of the Gospel that he preached for over fifty years. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life!
Toby Crowder
Pastor – Mt. Carmel Baptist Church
Mitchell County
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Toby Crowder serves as Pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Spruce Pine. He and his wife Leslie have been married for 28 years and have two daughters, Emilee, and Katy. He can be contacted via the church’s website MCfamilyforChrist.org or [email protected]
https://blueridgechristiannews.com/preacher-bob-mccurry-toby-crowder/
Brother McCurry preaches during a Revival Meeting at the Mount Zion Baptist Church, Henrietta, NC, several years ago.
Luke 19:28 KJB: 28   And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

On the afternoon of Monday, September 3, 2018, Dr. Gregory Jack Grant, age 63, of Marion, North Carolina went home to be with the Lord with his loving family by his side. A native of Catawba County, Gregg was born on October 5, 1954 to Jack Grant and the late Ima Jean Reid Grant.
Gregg was a member of West Court Baptist Church for forty-four years. He was in the ministry for over fifty years mostly pastoring and evangelistic work throughout the United States and to four foreign countries. Gregg was an avid sports fan who enjoyed pulling for the Atlanta Braves, University of North Carolina and the Dallas Cowboys.
In addition to his father, he is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Gail Parker Grant; two children, Donna M. Grant and Michael Grant and wife Regenia; one brother, Bryan Grant and wife Debbie. Also surviving Gregg are his first grandchild to be born in March; three nephews, one niece and two great-nephews.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 6, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at West Court Baptist Church. A homegoing service to celebrate Gregg’s life will be held on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at West Court Baptist Church with Reverends Kevin Hager, Tim Huffman, Rick Shoemaker and Dr. Michael Grant officiating. Interment will take place following the service at West Court Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Jeff Harmon and Mr. Bryan Grant officiating.
https://www.beamfuneralservice.com/obituaries/dr-gregory-grant
Dr. Grant preaches on Sunday evening, October 5, 1997, during the closing service of a Revival Meeting, at the Bethany Baptist Church of Greensboro, NC.  I was in attendance that night, provided some of the special singing and was (otherwise apparently) in close proximity to whoever operated the tape recorder.
Hebrews 10:38-11:6 KJB: 38   Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39   But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
1   Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2   For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3   Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4   By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5   By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
6   But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

The late Pastor Danny Jarrell, formerly of Asheboro, NC, teaches/preaches on Wednesday evening, March 17, 2004.  There seems to be some confusion concerning the name of his church.  When I first heard a portion of this message over the air and requested the tape, the name on the broadcast was, To God Be The Glory Independent Baptist Church.  The tape label says, To God Be The Glory Ministries.  Searching online reveals a later name as, To God Be The Glory Bible Fellowship.
1 Peter 5:1-8 KJB: 1   The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2   Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3   Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4   And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
5   Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6   Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7   Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8   Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Pastor Rawley Dink Haynes, of the True Vine Baptist Church, Mount Airy, NC, preaches during a Friday Afternoon Preachers Fellowship, at the West Side Baptist Church, Mayodan, NC, several years ago.  Upon further investigation, I believe this is from 1993.  Opening and closing comments, are made by Dr. Paul Sisk, former long-time Pastor.
Matthew 13:18-23 KJB: 18   Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
19   When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
20   But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21   Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22   He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23   But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

It's a Saturday in March (by the wording of the announcements, I'd say it's March 20), 1971, at 3:00 and we're once again, tuned in to AM 1220, WREV, Reidsville, NC.  The Lawsonville Road Baptist Church Radio Broadcast is on the air, with Brother Gattis Brown moderating and preaching.  I know the songs, prayer time, announcements, message and just the look back in time, will be a blessing.
Ephesians 2:1-10 KJB: 1   And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2   Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3   Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4   But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5   Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6   And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7   That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8   For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9   Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10   For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

It's 3:00, on a Saturday afternoon in the Fall of 1964 and our AM radio dial is tuned to 1220, WREV, Reidsville, NC.  The Lawsonville Road Baptist Church Radio Broadcast, with their recently-elected pastor (he had just assumed the pastorate some five weeks prior), Brother Gattis Brown, is forthcoming, with Brother Brown as moderator and preacher.  I know the songs, prayer time, announcements, message and just the look back in time, will be a blessing.
Matthew 16:13-16 KJB: 13   When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14   And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15   He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16   And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

The late Evangelist Maze Jackson, formerly of Atlanta, GA, preaches (very possibly) during a Revival Meeting or Camp Meeting, back in the early '60s, at the former Brightwood Baptist Church, which, at that time, was on the outskirts of Greensboro, NC.
Psalm 100 KJB: 1   Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2   Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3   Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4   Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5   For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

The late Dr. Noah Frye, formerly of Lexington, NC, preaches during a Revival Meeting several years ago, at the True Light Baptist Church of Alton, VA.
Genesis 22:1-14 KJB: 1   And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
2   And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
3   And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.
4   Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
5   And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.
6   And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
7   And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
8   And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
9   And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
10   And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
11   And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
12   And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
13   And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
14   And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

The late Dr. Noah Frye, formerly of Lexington, NC, preaches several years ago, during a Revival Meeting at the True Light Baptist Church of Alton, VA.
Isaiah 40:3-5 KJB: 3   The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4   Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
5   And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

The late Dr. Noah Frye, formerly of Lexington, NC, preaches during a Revival Meeting several years ago, at the True Light Baptist Church of Alton, VA.
Psalm 146 KJB: 1   Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
2   While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
3   Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
4   His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.
5   Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
6   Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:
7   Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:
8   The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:
9   The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
10   The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.