|
Dr. Fred Grogan: Standing Near the Door
Carl Schultz
On a quiet, sunny morning I sat down to talk with one of the most humble men I know, Dr. Fred Grogan. My acquaintance with 'Doc' as most people call him, began in January of 2000 when I was fortunate to attend the Homeheader's Sunday School class. My first impression of him was that he was a gentle, caring and compassionate man who welcomes strangers into his class with a timeless grace. That impression has never changed.
The day of our talk was no different. Doc graciously welcomed me into his home in east Memphis and for the next hour, he shared his experiences with me. At 75 years of age, he has a wealth of experience to share and a full portion of wisdom to impart.
Born in 1930 to Christian parents, Doc has attended Central Church since he was 18 months old. While in the nursery he shared toys and time with his future wife Nancy. Though he claims they never met, the two were married in 1953 and raised a family of three wonderful daughters; Janet, Ellen and Alise.
Since the 1950's they have led Sunday School together and individually, for singles, couples, new members, college age and men. While Nancy was a teacher by trade, Doc was a healer. Not to be outdone, after receiving degrees from UT Knoxville and UT Memphis, 'Captain' Grogan taught a Bible class while stationed at the 3rd Army Headquarters, Fort McPherson, in Georgia.
After proudly and voluntarily serving his country during the Korean War, Doc returned to Memphis to begin his public practice in 1960. It was then that he returned to Central where in 1969 he became an elder, a role which he performs to this day.
Having attended Central in at least five locations and having seen five different pastors come and go, Fred is a man after God's heart. He and his wife were the first to take a youth group to Florida, a tradition that persists.
Motivated by a desire to provide biblical knowledge for those who thirst, he is at once both knowledgeable and approachable. And while I would hold him up as an example of a godly man, he is meek and humble, accepting no credit of his own, rather giving all credit to God and all glory to Jesus Christ. Though an accomplished teacher and a long-term elder, I picture him as standing near the door to salvation where he can put the hands of the seeker upon the latch, as he did for me.
[Dr. Grogan's Homeheaders class meets every Sunday at 11:00 in room 215 and is open to men of all ages.]
|
|
