Lord, Let Me Die on the Battlefield

Capital of the U.S.A

            Taylorsville is a small little town that is nestled in the edge of the brushy mountains. There is nothing unusual about the town of Taylorsville. Just a few department stores, a couple of florists, grocery stores fast foods, and a funeral home.            Henkel told everyone, (with a serious twinkle in his eye), "Taylorsville is the capital of the United States! Everyone knows that." On March 6, 1988, this little town filled with visitors from all walks of life, and from many states from all across the country.      

To a visitor passing by, it would seem that some great government leader had passed on. But this was not the case, for the brothers were gathering in respect for the man who had encouraged them in life''s way to do their best in the service of God and their fellowman. The funeral home, being the only one in town, could not accomodate the throngs of people who had come to show their respect for this man of God. His body was taken to Calvary Baptist Church, where he had pastored for the past 35 years. The church was open at 2 pm on Saturday afternoon, and the entire church was lined, wall to wall, with flowers.

            Across and around the altar at the front of the church, were beautiful arrangments of love expressions. The church sanctuary is large, and will seat approximately one thousand people. The church was overflowing with people, and a steady steam moved by the coffin to speak to his wife and the rest of the family. The number of people was estimated at five thousand or more who filed by his coffin between two and ten pm that Saturday night in early March. As I sat in my usual seat in the church, for about six hours, I observed the different people as a continuous line passed by.

            Preacher Henkle was a man with great compassion and a personal interest in people. He had a way about him that was uplifting, and encouaraging to others. It would take a volume of books to tell the presonal memories between an individual and this man. He had a special sensitivity to the sprit of God. In a vast crowd, he just seemed to know which one of Gods'' children needed that extra word of encouragement, hug or a handshake.