Obit-REV. FREDERICK BLACK LANGFORD, 1927 p56

Rev. Frederick Black Langford was born in Ft. Meade, Florida, February 14th, 1881 and died in Jacksonville, Florida, June 22nd, 1926, making him 45 years of age at his death. His parents were Capt. G. R. Langford, and Anna Langford. They belonged to one of Florida's leading families, living in the southern end of the state. Fred had several brothers and sisters, some of whom survive him, and are in leading positions in both church and state.

Fred was the youngest boy of the family.

At the age of 21 he was converted in a revival meeting held by Rev. J. W. Austin, pastor of the charge where Fred lived. In the same meeting Rev. Kinner Hollister, and Rev. \Vright Carlton were converted. From that day Fred walked in a straight line. No one ever doubted his religion. His face was fixed upward, and he walked that way to the end. He did not hide his candle under a bushel, but it was allowed to shine-and shine it did-how brightly his brethren, all of them, are witnesses.

He realized his call to the minist'ry. and began to get himself ready for it just as soon as he could do it. Getting himself ready was a great struggle for him. He had to go at it single handed. Little or no help came to him, and he was a poor boy. Only those who have traveled this way can appreciate the force of what he overcame. He went to Southern College when Dr. J. P. Hilburn was president. In him he found a friend. Here he stayed for three or four years working his way to pay expenses, while he studied in books shaping himself for the pulpit.

In 1907 he was married to Miss Laurie Lewis of Ft. Meade, Fla. To this union was born one child-now a noble young woman, Miss Reba Gwendolyn. In 1910 his young wife died while he was serving Parrish Charge. In I 912 he was married the second time. Miss Floy Cecil, daughter of the lamented Rev. C. C. Cecil of this conference, who survives him. living with the four children in Tampa. Fla .. is the bereaved wife by the second marriage.

Viewed from any standpoint. Brother Langford was a worthy member of our conference. He loved the brethren. He loved his calling. He loved his church. He loved his God. He never tired doing the work of the ministry. He lived as a saint ought to live. His was a triumphant faith and life. He never murmured nor complained. mattered not what his work was. He could always see the bright side of life. He was companionable. He was friendly. He was faithful.

He was tender in his ministries to those needing tenderness and kindness. He was firm and forceful to those needing firm dealings. and decisive handling.

He led many to know God in their souls.

His calling was the decisive fact in his life. He ordaed his life according thereto.

In his family he was no less model in his public life. It was beautiful to see and know him and his family in their associations. To him. to be husband and father was to be companion, advisor. chum. lover. helper. That was Fred's way with his family.

I think he must have known that he was nearing the eternal shores, before the summons came to him. He had not been very well for about a year. The doctors had advised him to rest from his ministry, but he would not stop preaching even for health's sake. He went to the Annual Gathering in St. Petersburg last June. He was delighted with the appointment he was given by the bishop. He stopped over and spent the first day of the new conference year in his newly assigned charge-Coleman. In the afternoon as he and his family journeyed homeward to Jacksonville where they would make arrangements to get to the new charge. as quickly as possible-he seemed to be brooded over by the gracious Spirit who ever ministers to his own.

The little company seemed to be in a worshipful mood all along the way. They would sing religious songs.· But two outstanding songs with Fred were these two that seemed prophetic. Swing Low Sweet Chariot---and When They Ring Those Golden Bells for You and for Me. He would constantly request these songs. I think .he heard the voice of God that day all along the wav for how could it be otherwise. What explanation can we make of thr connected facts concerning his end. He had scarcely gotten inside the parsonage before the summons came, and before the family knew it. he was in thr Sweet Chariot sweeping homeward, while they were ringing those Golden Bells for him, as the chariot drew near the Eternal Gates.

Submitted by: G. S. ROBERTS