The Steps of a Good Man: A Biography of C. R. Meadows

By Mary Meadows Utt Bishop

Probably no other man in the last half century has been so constantly in the center of the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas, and all East Texas, as has the late Reverend C. R. Meadows. Probably no other man has so characterized the true ideals of the Christian ministry. Surely no other man has given more real Christian love and understanding and has been loved by as many people of all Faiths.

In this book, Mrs. Mary Utt Bishop, a loving daughter of this man, has written an intimate portrait, using many of the writings of Reverend Meadows. (From the Introduction by Curtis M. Carroll)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leopold Press
• Release date: Sep 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215606339

Mary Meadows Utt Bishop

Mary Meadows Utt Bishop was an accomplished poet, artist, historian and writer, Mary was born February 21, 1915 to Rev. and Mrs. Claude Meadows and passed away on February 22, 2011.

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The Steps of a Good Man

A Biography of C. R. Meadows

Mary Meadows Utt Bishop

LEOPOLD FAITH

Tyler, Texas

Originally published by the author in 1965. Republished with permission.

All rights reserved.

All scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Public Domain).

This edition copyright © 2023 by Leopold Faith, a division of Leopold Press.

Cover design by Patra Meadows Philips.

Edited with additional notes and annotations

by David Emprimo.

ISBN: 979-8-2156-0633-9

Contents

Introduction to the 2023 Edition

Introduction By Curtis M. Carroll

The Steps of a Good Man

Chapter I: Tribute Paid to a Good Man

Chapter II: Boyhood

Chapter III: 1910-1917 College Years

Chapter IV: Early Ministry—1917-1936

Chapter V: The Middle Years

Chapter VI: Ministry at Jacksonville

Chapter VII: The Road Back

Chapter VIII: Retirement

Chapter IX: Sunset

Chapter X: The Crown is Won

Notes

About the Author

Introduction to the 2023 Edition

I never had the honor of meeting the Reverend C. R. Meadows personally. By the time I came to Jacksonville, Texas, in August of 1992 to attend Jacksonville College, Bro. Meadows had been with our Lord for almost 28 years.

However, his influence has been all around me since that time, as I attended classes and passed by his portrait daily in the building that bore his name at JBC ¹. Following graduation, I would go on to work in the library of the BMA Theological Seminary, where I shelved books in the Meadows Room and would regularly pause by the Little Pulpit as I talked with the students there.

Bro. Meadows has been even more a part of my life since 2019, when I married his great-granddaughter and became part of the family. I had no way of knowing at that time that within a few years, my wife and I would be able to help bring both this book and a few of Bro. Meadows’ other works back into print for a new generation to discover.

To say that I am honored is an understatement.

Great care has been taken to retain the author’s original text. Only the occasional paragraph break has been added, or minor typographical errors have been corrected that managed to sneak their way into the original edition. I was also blessed to have access to another slim volume of correspondence and notes that Mary put together in the late 1990s that included an index to the book, which I am including here for the first time.

A good portion of the later chapters in this book consist of various excerpts from Bro. Meadows’ sermons, radio broadcasts, diary entries, and articles composed for

publications such as American Baptist and the Baptist Progress (for which he served as editor for many years). While these have been reformatted from the original printing to make them easier to follow, the text of the entries themselves remain unchanged. With the exception of correcting the spelling of some names, I decided to leave all other spelling and punctuation as they originally appeared in an attempt to accurately preserve Bro. Meadows’ voice.

In the original work, Mary also relates many anecdotes related to family and local history. This includes the occasional comment indicating where a particular place was located, or what a particular family member was doing at the time of publication. In preparing this new edition, I have retained these references as they originally appeared for the sake of history. I have felt it prudent, however, to add occasional notes to provide additional details, giving updates on these comments to identify some of the persons, items, or events mentioned herein. These are included in a new Notes section at the end of the book.

And so, it is my great privilege to humbly present to you this new edition of Mary Meadows Utt Bishop’s The Steps of a Good Man. I pray that this endeavor serves to both preserve Bro. Meadows’ legacy, and to extend it to a new generation who may have never been properly introduced to this great man.

Bro. Meadows once said that God called him to preach because he was too little to do anything else. Regardless of his physical stature, he proved to be a giant among his family, friends, and fellow Christians; and (to paraphrase Sir Isaac Newton) a new generation of Christians will see further than ever before perched upon his mighty shoulders.

—David Emprimo

Editor, Leopold Press

Introduction By Curtis M. Carroll

Probably no other man in the last half century has been so constantly in the center of the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas, and all East Texas, as has the late Reverend C. R. Meadows. Probably no other man has so characterized the true ideals of the Christian ministry. Surely no other man has given more real Christian love and understanding and has been loved by as many people of all Faiths. In this book, Mrs. Mary Utt, a loving daughter of this man, has written an intimate portrait, using many of the writings of Reverend Meadows.

The story begins with a tribute to this great man by the author and by Col. R. N. Davis, Jr., an attorney and son of a life-long friend, Reverend R. N. Davis, Sr. It swiftly moves into the boyhood and college years of Reverend Meadows with particular emphasis on his early ministry. In his climb, by the hand of God, from an unknown country boy of small stature, to eminence as a minister and denominational leader, the author through anecdote and character portrayal causes the reader to know and love him, though they may have never met.

All through the book runs the theme of love for God and man. One of the highest tributes that could be paid any

man and one that could be the greatest human reward is evidenced in this book: the tremendous love and respect this man’s family has for him. Also included in the portrayal of great love is the frequent mention by the author, and in Reverend Meadows’ diary, of hundreds of friends for whom he had a deep concern, especially the less fortunate.

As one reads this book, his eyes will be wet with tears, but the accounts of the magnificent and tasteful humor used by this man will leave a spark of cheer in the heart of the reader. From the boyhood experiences to the concluding chapter The Crown Is Won, one realizes, though the author has skillfully prepared the manuscript, that words are woefully inadequate to tell the story of such a great man as our beloved Brother C. R. Meadows.

—Curtis Meadows Carroll

President, Jacksonville Baptist College ¹

To Mother

We have lived and loved together

Through many changing years;

For we have shared each other’s gladness

And wiped each other’s tears;

I have known ne’er a sorrow

That was long unsoothed by thee

For thy smile can make a summer

Where darkness else would be.

—Charles Jefferys (1807-1865)

We Have Lived and Loved Together (excerpt)

The Steps of a Good Man

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord... and He delighteth in his way. Although he fall he will not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand... I have been young and now I am old. Depart from evil and do good and dwell forevermore. For the Lord loveth judgment and forsaketh not his saints. They are preserved forever." (Psalms 37:23-28)

The steps of a good man are prone to stop along the way to lend a helping hand. That was the way it was with Dad—Claude Riley Meadows, five foot two inches tall, small in stature, but a giant of heart and soul.

Claude Riley Meadows, who once aspired to become a doctor or lawyer but later said God called him to preach because he was too little to do anything else.

Claude Riley Meadows, who during his 54 years in the ministry, baptized 2,410 people, married 1,600 couples, held 2,400 funerals, helped ordain 46 ministers, was pastor, counsellor, President of a college, professor, writer, and great humanitarian.

Claude Riley Meadows, wise, compassionate, witty, humble, steadfast, spirit filled—these descriptive words uttered in tribute to him after his death by the multitude of people who knew and loved him.

And death came to our beloved Father on November 16, 1964, at Jacksonville, Texas, his home, at the age of 73 years. Not only did he leave us many beautiful memories, but also priceless possessions of sermons, radio messages, articles, letters, and a diary kept for many years. These things reveal his philosophy, his love of life, his humble, appealing, and endearing ways. His outstanding characteristic was his genuine love of people, and his most outstanding contribution was the many wonderful little things that he did for them.

The story related here is the story of a good life, told in narrative form and in Dad’s words through articles and sermons. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who spoke lovingly of his big family. He lived to do good. Portions of his personal diary are also being printed, taking one back in time and place to those events which he so methodically kept a record of.

The book could be entitled C. R. Meadows and the pages left blank, for the name alone is a revered story.

Back in the days when times were hard and we had very little of the world’s material wealth he would tell us that a good name was better than riches, and that he could leave his children that, if nothing else.

To describe one who is uniquely different is, of course, an arduous task, and certainly the stamp of individuality was upon him. He was not stubborn, but persistent where right was concerned, quiet but never reticent in proclaiming his love of God and what He had done for him. He was helpless in menial tasks, but strong in moral fortitude and a spiritual problem was to him a real challenge. He was meek—not the Casper Milquetoast type, but the true definition of that word: gentle and of long-suffering disposition, humble, lowly, unassuming. He took upon himself the cares of so many that there was emptiness and a complete unfillable void when he was gone.

"I have been young—and now I am old." Poignant words. His latter years were full of pain and were lived under many handicaps which to all who witnessed his courage, only served to make his life more inspiring.

And so, written in tears, is the story of a simple man, the faith of my father as I saw it performed day after day and year after year.

Chapter I: Tribute Paid to a Good Man

About four months before his death while we were visiting him, my father showed us an article, proudly, which appeared in American Baptist in June of 1964. He could not understand, however, why someone would hold him in such high esteem, for he could see nothing in his life to merit this greatness which R. N. Davis, Jr. chose to write about him. Mr. Davis, an attorney in San Antonio, Texas, a close personal friend and son of R. N. Davis, Sr., Dad’s lifelong friend until his death, wrote as follows:

Several years ago at an Association meeting I met a young minister. I do not recall his name and I do not know whether he continued in the ministry. I remember that young man was extolling the virtues of a certain preacher. Oh, how he wanted to emulate that man, his mannerisms, his delivery, and his way of expressing himself.

I remarked, If you are interested in patterning your life after a man, let me point out one of the greatest men produced by Association Baptists. The young man expressed immediate curiosity. I directed his attention to the minister to whom I referred.

He replied, You mean the little man over there with the pleasant expression? He looks rather small and old. Who is he and what did he do?

I reminded him that this preacher had not always been old— at one time in life he had been exactly the same age as the young minister. I told him that man had devoted his life and energies to the cause of Christ through affiliation with a group commonly known as Association Baptists. He did not seek but was called upon to assume the burdens and responsibilities of leadership. After probably holding more different offices of leadership than any other man in our history, he returned to the pastorate where he continued to be a tremendous influence for good locally, statewide and on a national basis.

The young man was not too impressed and went on his way.

I really do not know what made this man great. He had few of the characteristics the world considers so important. It was not his imposing stature or super personality. He never attempted oratory, he was not a renowned evangelist, nor a deep doctrinal preacher, nor a great intellect.

Then what attributes of merit did he possess? He was always perfectly groomed and appropriately dressed for his great calling.

Not only was he clean in his personal habits, but clean in his speech and his opportunities for educational attainment were no doubt limited, but he had a good mind and made the most of what opportunities he did have. A kindly spirited person, pleasant in manner, cheerful, who was always seeking a peaceful settlement of differences in opinion. He was willing to compromise when no principle was at stake but unyielding when principle was involved. He never had as much to say on various issues as some but there was never any question where he stood on any matter. I admit I am prejudiced but I never knew of him taking an extreme attitude on any question. My father considered him consistent, dependable, reasonable, progressive and one of the greatest influences for good in the ranks of Association Baptists. Furthermore, I believe he is as loyal to our principles and as free of ministerial jealousy as it was humanly possible.

Yes, C. R. Meadows had very definite feelings about very definite things. I suppose he was made that way... the influence of his life will project into future generations.

As Mr. Davis said—he was not always old, always small, but only 19 when he preached his first sermon. But let us go back to the beginning—to the year 1601 in New York City when Miles Bottoms ¹ with his courageous young wife arrived from Scotland and settled on a farm in the heart of that city, New York, which was to become the great metropolis of the United States.

Martha Prudence Clark ², Dad’s maternal grandmother and descendent of Miles Bottoms, was born and grew up in Fayette County, Georgia. There she married Hiram Ballard Clark. They had ten children, one of whom was Dad’s mother, Mary V. Clark ³. A son, James Hiram Ballard Clark ³c was Uncle Bailie a beloved and respected citizen of Jacksonville, Texas, before his death at the age of 95 on June 13, 1961. A sister, Martha Ann Elizabeth (Aunt Mat) ³a married Jesse Richardson Stanley and they were the parents of Clarence B. Stanley.

Of Grandad’s father ⁴a and mother ⁴b, we know little. She was a Barron and both grandparents are buried near Troy, Alabama.

Great Grandfather was a soldier in the Civil war and of Scotch-Irish descent. Tradition has it that there were four brothers by the name of McMahon who settled in the valleys of Virginia, known as the men of the meadows, gradually assuming the Meadows name. The war scattered them all over the nation.

Mary V. Clark and Marshall F. Meadows were married in Alabama on December 18, 1881. Dad was the first child born after they moved to Texas. My grandfather was a great admirer of James Whitcomb Riley, so he named his little son after this great personality. There were eleven children, however four of them died in infancy. Dad’s youngest and oldest brothers, Alpheus Joseph and Cleveland both died in 1960. He has two surviving brothers, John of Italy and James Wallace of Longleaf, Louisiana, and two sisters, Lee Anna (Mrs. Bruce Barron) of New Harmony and Myrtle (Mrs. Lawrence Smith) of Tyler, Texas. ⁵

Dad had a normal boyhood on a farm near Tyler, in New Harmony, where the family had moved a few months before his birth. He had said many times you can’t say I grew up at New Harmony, for I never grew up. Although he made jokes about his five-foot two stature, and accepted it, we feel sure he would have preferred to be tall like his four brothers who were all over six feet. At one time when he was pondering the fact that he was so much smaller than the others, Grandad in his great wisdom told him that he might not be his biggest boy, but he could surely be his best boy. Although Grandad was a kindly man, he could be firm with his children, as he was one Sunday when Dad went fishing. This was forbidden on the Sabbath, so Grandad on that same Sunday made him take the small fish he had caught and throw them back into the creek.

Chapter II: Boyhood

Among Dad’s articles are many from Thoughts Along the Way, a column which he wrote for the Baptist Progress, the weekly publication of the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas, of which he was editor from about 1926 to 1934 and on the Board of Trustees at the time of his death.

The following relates an Experience from Boyhood as he entitled it. This was one time when his well-known sense of humor got him into difficulty.

When I was a boy I had an experience that often comes to mind till this day. We could not get far from home for there was no way to travel but by buggy, horseback, or foot.

I had a very close friend who was blessed with a horse and buggy. One Sunday we went to Soldier Springs to an all-day singing and dinner on the ground. I think I am truthful when I say that we usually behaved ourselves for we had surely been taught to do so or risk the consequences. However, while an elderly brother was praying, my friend and I got tickled and I laughed out loud. Privately this good man, Joe Weatherly, spoke to me about it and said he hoped I was not making light of God. I assured him I would never make light of God or the worship of God. Then he said, I pray that you have to preach some day and I will get to listen to you. Well, he lived to see that day... and I never had a more prayerful listener than Uncle Joe. Surely the Lord works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform.

The family attended the Baptist Church in New Harmony and in an article Encouragement for Pastors Daddy wrote the following:

My father was a faithful deacon and his home was the preachers’ home. Just to recall the days when the good men of God would come and spend time with us talking and answering our questions, and then at night reading the Bible and praying for us, brings sacred memories.

Dad, I think, was born with the urge to preach—a desire which was nurtured by a Christian atmosphere, and the intellectual acuteness of it overpowering any other ambitions he might have had. He relates his call to preach in a sermon entitled On Surrendering to the Ministry:

It has been many years since I first felt in my heart that I must preach the gospel. I knew then and I know now it was real. There was no loud voice, no thunder and lightening, no special signs in the heavens; I was not stricken blind, nor did any one urge me to take up the work. There was just that burden—that feeling within my heart, a burning desire and a longing to tell the gospel story to a lost world, and although I had not mentioned it to any one—not even to my family, the church seemed to have the feeling that God was calling me. They even discussed it and had arranged to license me to preach before I had told it to a living soul. I could not hide it. My